Minister of Ecology, Environmental Protection and Climate Change Aziz Abduhakimov held a meeting with the World Bank’s Global Director of Urban, Disaster Risk Management, Resilience and Land Global Practice, Sameh Wahba.

The discussion focused on enhancing bilateral cooperation in investments related to irrigation, landscape restoration, and air pollution control. Special attention was given to the RESILAND project, which aims to combat land degradation, desertification and climate change in Central Asia. This initiative is part of the World Bank’s strategy for sustainable development and the protection of regional ecosystems.

During the meeting, the Uzbek side also presented the President’s initiative to declare 2025 as the “Year of Environmental Protection and “Green” Economy”. As part of this program, several major events are planned for this year, including:  Samarkand Climate Forum (April 4–5), International Exhibition of Environmental Technologies “Eco Expo” (June 3–5),  20th Conference of the Parties to (CITES COP20, November 24 – December 5).

Sameh Wahba also presented two World Bank reports—”Air Quality Assessment in Tashkent” and “Roadmap for Air Quality Management Improvement in Uzbekistan”, both developed in collaboration with Ministry specialists. The World Bank proposed further cooperation in air quality monitoring and improvement efforts.

At the end of the meeting, both parties expressed confidence in the successful execution of joint initiatives focused on landscape restoration, ecotourism development, and community support. They also committed to expanding cooperation in air quality monitoring and environmental conservation.

https://gov.uz/en/eco/news/view/38771