The President of the Republic of Uzbekistan has signed a decree “On measures for the consistent continuation of reforms within the nationwide project “Yashil Makon”, forest management system development and the expansion of green areas.”
According to the decree, starting from January 1, 2026, the following measures will be implemented to improve the survival rate and resistance to diseases and pests of trees and shrubs planted under the “Yashil Makon” project:
–The production of high-quality, climate-adapted, and certified seeds using modern selection methods in state forestry enterprises will be increased by 1.5 times;
–Seed laboratories will establish mother plantations of plants adapted to regional climates;
–The supply of seedlings grown by state forestry enterprises will be increased by 2 times.
Additionally, starting from October 1, 2025, in order to enhance transparency and public engagement in the “Yashil Makon” project through its eponymous electronic platform, the following mechanisms will be introduced:
–Specific plots available for tree planting by the public will be indicated, along with details on water access, maintenance possibilities, and recommended tree species;
–All publicly funded activities will be transparently tracked online under the principle “monitoring every unit of spending”;
–Open access will be provided to information on individuals who have submitted requests to cut down trees and shrubs — including reasons, justifications, locations, photos, and videos;
–The number of seedlings planted by violators as compensation for illegal cutting or destruction of valuable non-forest trees and shrubs will be accounted for;
–Information on individuals and legal entities involved in illegal logging, details of violations, and enforcement actions taken will be regularly published on the “Yashil Makon” platform.
Under the “My Garden” initiative, a minimum of one hectare will be allocated for green orchards and at least half a hectare for public green parks.
As per the decree, a new Agency for afforestation, expansion of green areas and combating desertification (Forestry Agency) will be established based on the existing Agency of Forestry. This new agency will serve as a republican executive authority responsible for implementing the “Yashil Makon” project, developing nursery farming, and expanding tree and shrub nurseries.
According to the new regulation, from November 1, 2025, forest fund lands will be placed under special protection, and any changes to their category will be made only by a resolution of the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan.
Starting from the 2025/2026 academic year, the following measures will be introduced at the Central Asian University of Environmental and Climate Change Studies (Green University) and its affiliated “green technical colleges”:
– A dual education system will be introduced;
– Botanical and dendrological gardens will be established in Karakalpakstan and other regions for scientific and practical training;
– Short-term training courses will be regularly organized in seed production, nursery management, and climate change.
This decree aims to improve the effectiveness of the “Yashil Makon” project, expand forested and green areas, ensure their sustainable use, and strengthen the systemic fight against desertification.
A Presidential Resolution in Uzbekistan titled “On Measures to Organize the Activities of the Agency for Afforestation and Expansion of Green Areas and Combat Desertification” has been adopted.
According to the document, the following measures will be implemented to ensure the effective use of forest fund resources:
– By 2030, 1.5 million hectares of forests will be created and restored, and plantations of medicinal, edible and aromatic plants will be established on 3,800 hectares of forest fund land;
– By 2030, 9,200 tonnes of tree and shrub seeds will be harvested, and 919 million seedlings and saplings will be grown;
– By 2030, 47,700 hectares of forest fund land will be developed, protective forests will be created on 18,700 hectares and 31,000 tonnes of agricultural products will be produced annually;
– In 2025–2026, trees and shrubs will be planted on 500 hectares of mountainous and foothill areas using the terracing method.
In addition, a state institution — the Center for Forestry Digitalization — will be established based on the state-owned enterprise “Ormontexnoservice” under the Forestry Agency. This center will serve as the unified operator of the “Smart Forestry” information platform, which will provide:
– Digital management of forest resources and real-time monitoring of their condition;
– Efficient forest management using modern technologies, artificial intelligence, and integrated information systems.
Using modern technologies, the Mirzachul Forestry Enterprise of the Jizzakh State Forestry will specialize in combating desertification and creating protective forest plantations, while the Saksonota Forestry Enterprise will focus on cultivating medicinal, aromatic, and berry plants and shrubs. A “science–project–practice” model will be implemented in these specialized forestries to ensure close integration between scientific research, project development and practical application.
Based on the proposal of the Forestry Agency, and to increase the production of eco-friendly goods and expand the range of services provided by state forestry enterprises, the following initiatives will be undertaken:
– Production of wood pellet biofuel from wood waste in the Andijan, Namangan and Samarkand forestry enterprises;
– Production of souvenirs from wood waste in the Kokand and Andijan forestry enterprises;
– Honey production and packaging in the Bostanlyk, Kasansay and Kitab forestry enterprises;
– Cultivation of medicinal and berry plants in the forestry enterprises of Pap, Yakkabag, Bakhmal, Hisor, Shahrisabz, Urgut, Gallaorol, Karakul and Kuyichirchik;
– Cultivation of pistachios and almonds in the Babatag, Gallaorol, Saraykurgan, Kattakurgan, Kamashi, and Bakhmal forestry enterprises;
– Establishment of nurseries for rare animal species (e.g., pheasants, bustards) to develop hunting and ecotourism in the forestry enterprises of Karakalpakstan, Navoi and Bukhara regions;
– Development of ecotourism services in the forestry enterprises of Akhangaran, Saksanatin, Urgut, Burchmulla, Kitab, Shahrisabz, Baysun, Uzun and Andijan.
To provide raw materials for wood processing, plantations of the following tree species will be established:
– Poplar, Paulownia and Ash in the Andijan, Jambay, Namangan, and Kamash forestry enterprises;
– Elm, Mulberry, Oleaster and Ailanthus in the Uzun and Tashkent forestry enterprises;
– Industrial and furniture-grade tree species in the Kitab, Bakhmal and Baysun forestry enterprises.
This resolution is aimed at the effective utilization of forest resources, expansion of forest lands, creation of forest plantations, and the enhancement of desertification control measures. It also serves to implement the Presidential Decree dated May 30, 2025, “On Measures for the Consistent Advancement of Reforms within the Framework of the National Project “Yashil Makon” and in the Forestry Management System, and on the Expansion of Green Areas.”
https://gov.uz/en/eco/news/view/58789
https://gov.uz/en/eco/news/view/58792