Environmental assessment processes are being improved in Uzbekistan

Uzbekistan participated in the 13th meeting of the Working Group on Environmental Impact Assessment and Strategic Environmental Assessment within the framework of the Convention on Environmental Impact Assessment in a Transboundary Context and the Protocol on Environmental Impact Assessment, the press service of the State Environmental Expertise Center reports.

According to the information, the event took place in Geneva. At the meeting, the Uzbek side presented information on the ongoing environmental reforms in the country, the introduction of new mechanisms for environmental protection and environmental impact assessment, the digitalization of environmental processes, and the expansion of public participation. It was also emphasized that Uzbekistan is actively developing international cooperation.

During the event, the parties discussed issues of exchanging experience between countries, increasing the effectiveness of environmental assessment in such areas as regional entrepreneurship, energy, climate, and biodiversity, improving monitoring mechanisms for compliance with the requirements of the Convention and Protocol, strengthening subregional cooperation with the participation of Central Asian states, and using digital solutions and artificial intelligence technologies in environmental processes.

At the same time, the meeting participants paid special attention to the formation of work plans for the upcoming period, the development of new methodological manuals and training programs. It is noted that Uzbekistan’s participation in such an important event is a significant opportunity to develop international cooperation, present national reforms, and exchange experience in the field of environmental protection.

Earlier, it was reported that the Ministry of Ecology would be dissolved in Uzbekistan. Two new committees will operate in place of the current body.