Uzbekistan plans to restore forests across 1.27 million hectares by 2030

According to the presidential press service, nearly 80% of Uzbekistan's territory consists of desert and semi-desert landscapes. Soil salinization, shifting sands, dust storms, and hot dry winds continue to pose serious environmental risks in several parts of the country.

Officials highlighted the progress made in recent years, including the creation of more than 2 million hectares of new forests on the dried bed of the Aral Sea. Under the nationwide Yashil Makon initiative, more than one billion tree and shrub seedlings have also been planted across Uzbekistan.

The presentation focused on a new package of measures for 2026–2030 to further address desertification. The plan envisages the creation and restoration of forests on 1.27 million hectares of land, as well as the establishment of 16,000 hectares of protective forest belts in desert, mountainous, and foothill areas.

Additional proposals include creating 10,000 hectares of green cover in Surkhandarya region and building an 84-kilometer "green wall" along border areas of Syrdarya region.

Mirziyoyev stressed that desert areas should be viewed not only as an environmental challenge but also as a source of new economic opportunities. He instructed officials to promote desert plant seed production, livestock farming, eco-tourism, and scientific research as part of efforts to unlock the economic potential of these territories.

The presentation also outlined initiatives to expand cooperation with other Central Asian countries in combating desertification, increase the number of projects implemented under the Green Shield program, and develop a long-term strategy extending through 2040.