Synopsis: Uzbekistan and Japan’s OISCA sign a forestry cooperation agreement to support reforestation, combat desertification, develop green belts, and strengthen environmental sustainability through joint projects and knowledge exchange.
Uzbekistan and Japan’s Organization for Industrial, Spiritual and Cultural Advancement (OISCA) have strengthened environmental cooperation by signing a memorandum of understanding focused on forestry development, reforestation, and combating desertification. The agreement reflects both sides’ commitment to promoting sustainable land management and addressing the growing challenges posed by climate change.
The memorandum was signed during the Eighth Assembly of the Global Environment Facility (GEF) held in Samarkand. The agreement follows discussions between Erkin Mukhitdinov, Director of the Agency for the Expansion of Forests and Green Areas and Combating Desertification under Uzbekistan’s National Committee on Ecology and Climate Change, and Yasuaki Nagaishi, Executive Vice President of OISCA.
During the meeting, Mukhitdinov highlighted Uzbekistan’s ongoing efforts to expand green spaces, establish new forest areas, and implement large-scale environmental initiatives aimed at mitigating the effects of climate change. The country has been actively pursuing afforestation programs and ecological restoration projects to improve environmental sustainability and strengthen resilience against land degradation.
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Under the newly signed agreement, Uzbekistan and OISCA will collaborate on a range of initiatives designed to create and protect forested areas while promoting sustainable forestry practices. The partnership seeks to enhance environmental conservation efforts and contribute to long-term ecological stability across the country.
A key aspect of the cooperation involves the development of green belts in arid and degraded regions of Uzbekistan. Japanese experts are expected to support these efforts by sharing technical knowledge and best practices in forestry management. The initiative aims to combat desertification, improve air quality, and restore ecosystems in vulnerable areas.
The agreement also includes plans for cooperation in nursery development, cultivation techniques, and the adaptation of rare tree species to Uzbekistan’s climatic conditions. Both sides intend to exchange scientific expertise and research findings to improve the effectiveness of forestry and environmental protection programs.
In addition, the partnership provides for the joint organization of seminars, training programmes, educational courses, and environmental forums. These activities are expected to facilitate knowledge sharing, build local capacity, and strengthen professional expertise in sustainable forestry and ecological management.
Experts view the agreement as an important step toward advancing Uzbekistan’s environmental goals while fostering international cooperation in addressing climate-related challenges and promoting sustainable development.