One of the key issues discussed was the implementation of the nationwide “Clean Air” project. Participants were briefed on measures aimed at reducing emissions from industrial enterprises and motor vehicles, modernizing equipment, and lowering dust levels. In particular, equipment at 126 enterprises across the country has been fully modernized, and 5,500 bag filters have been replaced. In Tashkent, 1,159 dust and gas purification units have been installed at 554 enterprises. Environmental stickers have been issued to more than 2.2 million motor vehicles. In addition, efforts to expand green spaces, restore irrigation networks, and regularly water roads are ongoing.
Special attention was also given to biodiversity conservation and the development of protected natural areas. According to the presented data, protected natural areas accounted for 4.64% of Uzbekistan’s territory in 2017, while by 2026 this figure had increased to 15.7%. Their total area currently exceeds 7 million hectares. The meeting also addressed progress in environmental monitoring and enforcement, international cooperation, and the development of ecotourism.
According to the report on the development of hunting farms and eco-territories, the relevant department oversees 10 state forest and hunting farms with a combined area of approximately 3.9 million hectares. During the reporting period, 283 operational enforcement raids were conducted. Furthermore, 5,943 Macqueen’s bustards, a species listed in Uzbekistan’s Red Book, were released into their natural habitats. Efforts to digitalize the sector through the “Hunteruzb” platform are also continuing.
The results of efforts to expand forest areas and green spaces and combat desertification were also presented. During the first nine months of 2026, new forests were established and existing ones restored across 199,000 hectares. Under the nationwide “Yashil Makon” (Green Space) project, 81.4 million tree and shrub seedlings were planted, reaching 108% of the established target.
Particular attention was also paid to attracting international investment and implementing joint projects. In particular, pistachio plantations covering 3,500 hectares have been established in Surkhandarya Region. It was also reported that a memorandum had been signed on the establishment of forest plantations across 50,000 hectares.
In the final part of the meeting, members of the Public Council discussed the reports, raised questions, and shared their proposals. Recommendations aimed at further improving activities in the designated areas were also considered.
The work of the Public Council is aimed at strengthening cooperation between government bodies, the expert community, and the public, as well as enhancing public participation in the implementation of the country’s environmental policy.