The Global Environment Facility (GEF) has allocated 6.1 million US dollars to implement ecological projects in Uzbekistan. This was reported by Zamin.uz.
This was reported by the Kursiv Uzbekistan publication. These funds are directed to finance the "Integrated Management and Restoration of Valuable Landscapes in Uzbekistan" (EcoLand) project established under the GEF-8 program.
This project was officially launched during the CITES conference. The main goal of the project is to expand integrated approaches aimed at restoring and protecting ecosystems in three major landscape regions of Uzbekistan.
Within this process, issues of sustainable land resource management, conservation of natural wealth, mitigation of the negative effects of climate change, and ensuring local community participation are combined. According to Jusipbek Kazbekov, Deputy Chairman of the National Ecology Committee, this project is an important step in Uzbekistan's ecological reforms.
The project covers six regions and ten pilot areas. In total, the efficiency of natural zone management will be improved over an area of 1.3 million hectares, and mechanisms will be created to ensure equal access of local communities to ecological benefits.
The EcoLand project works with three types of ecosystems and aims to introduce modern management mechanisms. Additionally, financing mechanisms for biodiversity will be tested.
Within the project, "green" investment products and biodiversity credits will also be implemented. Special attention will be paid to involving women, youth, and vulnerable social groups in decision-making processes.
During the event, an agreement was signed between the National Ecology Committee and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) on the joint implementation of the EcoLand project. Within this project, special focus will be placed on restoring degraded areas, protecting biodiversity, and developing sustainable management of water and land resources.
The UNDP presented a number of mechanisms aimed at developing nature-oriented tourism and supporting local communities.
