Forest ecosystems that have developed over time line the major rivers of Central Asia. The peoples of the region call this distinctive natural heritage tugai. In Uzbekistan’s dry, hot climate, tugai provides a unique natural habitat that sustains a vital ecological balance. Tree roots stabilise riverbanks, trees and shrubs protect the soil, and their shade moderates the summer heat. Birds nest here, and many animals find food and shelter. Dozens of rare animal species, including the Bukhara deer, depend on these habitats. Desert poplars, willows, oleasters and tamarisk scrub maintain a distinctive natural balance between river and desert. In recent decades, however, climate change and extensive human activity have placed these riverside forests among the world’s most threatened ecosystems.

The value of tugai becomes more apparent as its extent shrinks. Historically, along some of Central Asia’s rivers, tugai forests extended two to three kilometres inland from the banks. Today, in many places, they survive only as narrow, disconnected green strips. Areas where trees, shrubs, reedbeds and wet meadows once joined together have broken into small, separate fragments. For every plant and animal, this means less living space, food and shelter.

Scientists at the Academy of Sciences of the Republic of Uzbekistan have completed a long-term programme of comprehensive research into tugai along the Amu Darya, Syr Darya and Zarafshan rivers and the shores of the Aydar–Arnasay lake system. Field observations were combined with analysis of historical records, satellite imagery and tree rings. The research revealed the richness of these riverside ecosystems, which support 632 plant species.

The research showed that the pressures threatening this diversity are closely interconnected. Warming is increasing evaporation, drought is depleting soil moisture, and earlier snowmelt and shrinking mountain glaciers are affecting the water feeding rivers. Where seasonal inundation becomes less frequent, natural regeneration of tugai becomes more difficult. Land conversion, excessive grazing and the regulation of river flows add to these pressures. Climate change compounds existing stresses and narrows the opportunities for recovery.

The life of a riverside tree often begins hundreds of kilometres away, high in the mountains. Snow accumulated during winter and glacier ice supply rivers with water in the warmer months. Warming is reducing winter snow accumulation and bringing earlier snowmelt, changing the distribution of water throughout the year. Shrinking glaciers weaken the supply of water in summer over the longer term. Faster melting may initially increase runoff, but this temporary rise does not mean that mountain ice reserves are recovering. As those reserves decline, the risk of water shortages during the hottest months grows.

Changes in the mountains thus reach tugai far downstream. When trees need more water, the supply from the river and soil falls short. The condition of tugai depends not only on the total volume flowing down the river each year, but also on whether that water reaches riverside habitats during the growing season.

Under natural conditions, the seasonal rise of a river sustains tugai. Water spreads across the low-lying land beside the river — its floodplain — moistening the soil, replenishing groundwater and creating wet sandy and silty surfaces where seeds can germinate. After the water recedes, moisture retained in the soil helps young plants grow. The next generation of tugai trees depends on this natural cycle.

When inundation becomes shorter, shifts in timing or no longer reaches particular sites, that connection is disrupted. Mature trees may still carry green canopies, but fewer young plants are available to replace them. A seedling whose roots have not yet reached deeper soil dies during its first dry, hot summer. Water flowing in the channel therefore does not mean that all neighbouring tugai receives enough moisture.

Rising temperatures intensify the problem. Long-term analysis for the Zarafshan valley shows warming and declining summer relative humidity. Rainfall in winter or spring does not always compensate for summer water shortages. In hot weather, soils dry faster and plants must replace lost moisture through their roots. When water is scarce, growth slows, trees weaken and surviving dry years becomes more difficult.

Sensitivity to climate was also evident along the Aydar–Arnasay shores. At the study sites, increases in spring rainfall relative to the previous year were associated with a tendency towards greener vegetation in summer; hotter summers showed the opposite relationship. The conclusion drawn from the research is that proximity to a large lake alone does not protect vegetation from heat and inadequate soil moisture.

Salinity compounds moisture shortages, placing tugai under even greater stress. Where water is not sufficiently renewed and salts are not flushed out, strong evaporation increases salt accumulation in the soil. Plants then find it harder to take up water even when some moisture remains. Trees experience water shortage and the effects of salinity at the same time.

Research in the lower Amu Darya and its delta revealed what this transformation looks like. In some areas, desert poplar stands are thinning and moisture-demanding plants are declining, while shrubs and herbs tolerant of drought and salinity are becoming more prominent. As woodland gives way to areas dominated by shrubs and salt-tolerant herbs, the shade, conditions for moisture retention and wildlife habitats also change. Unfortunately, the presence of vegetation where a forest once stood does not mean that the forest itself has survived.

This distinction also matters in Zarafshan tugai. Grasses and other herbs may spread, making a site look green even while its trees are weakened or dying. Greenness alone is therefore insufficient to assess the condition of tugai. The key criterion is whether healthy trees, natural regeneration and species characteristic of the habitat are being maintained.

The findings from three tugai stands along the Syr Darya in the Fergana Valley illustrate the scale of loss. Their combined area fell from approximately 754 hectares in 1975 to 377 hectares in 2025. Over half a century, these Syr Darya tugai stands lost almost half their area. Warming and drought are making the survival and recovery of the remaining fragments even more difficult.

In their research on tugai along the Amu Darya, Syr Darya and Zarafshan, Academy of Sciences scientists found that tree-ring width in the Amu Darya basin declined from 6.96 millimetres in 1949 to 2.46 millimetres in 2022. In the Syr Darya basin, it fell from 11.26 to 1.95 millimetres between 1965 and 2022. Radial growth declined by 65% relative to its historical maximum in the Amu Darya basin, by 83% in the Syr Darya basin, and by nearly 49% during the recent phase in the Zarafshan basin. The sharp decline in radial growth observed in tugai is not an ordinary climatic fluctuation, but a biological signal that ecosystem stability is being disrupted.

The research showed that fragmentation makes tugai increasingly vulnerable. Animals find it harder to move between isolated patches of woodland, while plants have fewer opportunities to spread. Nearby healthy tugai and seed sources are important when a damaged patch needs to recover after fire or prolonged drought. Where trees disappear and the soil becomes exposed, sunlight and wind have a greater effect, encouraging further moisture loss.

Accumulated dry grasses, reeds and branches also increase fire danger. Hot, dry weather creates favourable conditions for fires to start and spread, while dryness and heat can contribute to ignition. Recovery after a fire requires water too. Where moisture is scarce, damaged woodland takes longer to recover or is replaced by another type of vegetation. Warming, water shortage and fire danger are therefore becoming mutually reinforcing pressures.

Research by Academy of Sciences scientists helps identify where action is needed and which measures are appropriate for conserving tugai. Studying plant communities and tree condition, monitoring soil moisture and salinity, and mapping sites with high fire danger make it possible to identify the most vulnerable areas. This evidence is intended to match protection and restoration to the actual needs of each place.

The first priority is to protect the natural integrity of surviving tugai and prevent further loss through land conversion. Restoration should use native species suited to local soils and moisture conditions, while natural regeneration needs protection from excessive grazing. Where feasible, the floodplain’s connection with the river and scientifically informed seasonal wetting should be restored. Whether planted trees survive subsequent hot summers must be one of the main measures of success.

These tasks are inseparable from the responsible use of the region’s water resources. Water must be conserved, losses reduced and available supplies measured more accurately, with the needs of natural ecosystems considered in water allocation. Alongside water for households, agriculture and industry, provision must be made for the flows that sustain life in river floodplains. Planting trees alone cannot save a tugai deprived of water.

For the countries of Central Asia, conserving tugai is a shared responsibility. Mountain snow and ice reserves, rivers, valleys and their wildlife are interconnected. Stronger cooperation is therefore needed in sharing scientific data, monitoring water and ecosystems, protecting habitats of rare species and restoring tugai. Each country’s practical contribution helps sustain the region’s environment.

Global climate change also requires greater solidarity from the international community. Limiting warming, expanding the use of water-saving technologies and supporting research and ecological restoration are ways for countries worldwide to help protect these unique ecosystems. Joint action for biodiversity must produce tangible results: water reaching riverside habitats, young trees growing to maturity and wildlife retaining the places it needs to survive.

The future of tugai, now reduced in many places to narrow green strips, depends on how we treat water, land and nature. Protecting it requires us to put solutions informed by science into practice together. With that commitment, life along our rivers can continue for the generations to come.

1. Sh. Khabibullaev

Head of Laboratory, Institute of Botany,

Academy of Sciences of the Republic of Uzbekistan, PhD, Senior Researcher.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Uzbekistan has launched the “Consular Services” mobile application.

PROCEDURE FOR RECEIVING APPLICATIONS

Consular District:

The consular district of the Embassy of the Republic of Uzbekistan in Latvia covers the following countries: Latvia, Lithuania, Estonia, and Finland.

Accordingly, persons residing in these countries must contact the Consular Section of the Embassy of the Republic of Uzbekistan in Latvia for all consular matters.

Reception Hours:

Consular reception is held on: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday — 09:00 to 18:00 Wednesday — no reception Weekends and public holidays — closed.

Appointment Booking:

Before visiting the Embassy, you must register for an appointment in advance by selecting a convenient date and time at: https://e-navbat.mfa.uz/texnolog/usluga?id=27 

A confirmation will be sent to your email address after booking. You may only visit the Embassy after receiving this confirmation. Visits without confirmation are not valid.

Contact Information:

Phone: +371 67 322306 / +371 67 322304

Email: consulate@uzbekistan.lv 

Telegram: @uzembassylv

Appointment booking: https://e-navbat.mfa.uz/texnolog/usluga?id=27 

IMPORTANT!

If a consular officer is busy with a reception or phone call, the system does not produce a "busy" signal — a normal ringing tone continues while the incoming call is displayed on their monitor. If your call goes unanswered, this does not mean staff are absent; they are simply attending to another applicant. Please call again after a short while. Calls are only accepted from identifiable numbers — calls from withheld numbers are not processed by the system.

When contacting by email or Telegram, please provide your full details: full name (surname, first name, patronymic); passport details; residential address in Uzbekistan and in your country of residence; contact phone number.

Without this information, the application is considered anonymous and, pursuant to Article 29 of the Law of the Republic of Uzbekistan "On the Procedure for Reviewing Applications from Individuals and Legal Entities," will not be processed.

Public Holidays of the Republic of Uzbekistan January 1 — New Year's Day March 8 — International Women's Day March 21 — Navruz May 9 — Day of Memory and Honor September 1 — Independence Day of the Republic of Uzbekistan October 1 — Teachers' and Mentors' Day December 8 — Constitution Day of the Republic of Uzbekistan Ramazan Hayit (lunar calendar) Kurban Hayit (lunar calendar)

Note: In accordance with Uzbekistan legislation, additional days off may be declared on the eve of public holidays.

РИГА, 15 июля. /ИА «Дунё»/. Делегация Узбекистана во главе с директором Агентства по противодействию коррупции Акмалом Бурхановым посетила Латвию и Литву с целью укрепления двусторонних связей и определения новых перспективных направлений сотрудничества в сфере борьбы с коррупцией, сообщает корреспондент ИА «Дунё».

В рамках визита состоялись двусторонние встречи с директором “Transparency International Latvia” Кристой Асмусой и заместителем руководителя Бюро по предотвращению и борьбе с коррупцией Латвии Янисом Розе. В ходе встреч стороны выразили обоюдную заинтересованность в продолжении эффективного сотрудничества и расширении масштабов реализуемых совместных проектов.

В частности, на встрече с директором “Transparency International Latvia” обсуждались вопросы разработки эффективных стратегий противодействия коррупции, улучшения позиций Узбекистана в Индексе восприятия коррупции, обеспечения открытости и прозрачности государственных органов в этой сфере, а также повышения потенциала институтов гражданского общества.

На встрече с заместителем руководителя Бюро по предотвращению и борьбе с коррупцией Латвии состоялся обмен опытом по вопросам антикоррупционной экспертизы нормативно-правовых актов и их проектов, а также крупных строительных проектов. Стороны также обсудили практику оценки коррупционных рисков и мониторинга процессов государственных закупок.

Важно отметить, что Агентство по противодействию коррупции Узбекистана и Бюро по предотвращению и борьбе с коррупцией Латвии в 2022 году подписали Меморандум о взаимопонимании. В рамках этого документа осуществляется сотрудничество в сферах укрепления двусторонних связей в борьбе с коррупцией, обмена передовым опытом и информацией, повышения квалификации кадров, а также организации учебных мероприятий, семинаров и тренингов по вопросам профилактики коррупции.

В ходе встречи с директором Службы специальных расследований Литвы Линасом Пернавасом была подчеркнута значимость проводимых в Узбекистане реформ и роль международного сотрудничества в сфере противодействия коррупции. Стороны также отметили важность обмена опытом с Литвой для его адаптации и применения в национальной практике.

На встрече были обсуждены вопросы двустороннего сотрудничества в области профилактики коррупции, оценки коррупционных рисков и повышения квалификации кадров.

По итогам встречи был подписан Меморандум о взаимопонимании между Агентством по противодействию коррупции Узбекистана и Службой специальных расследований Литвы, создающий основу для дальнейшего развития сотрудничества в борьбе с коррупцией.

Подписание Меморандума стало важным шагом к укреплению международного сотрудничества Узбекистана в сфере противодействия коррупции. Ожидается, что реализация положений Меморандума будет способствовать обмену опытом, внедрению передовых практик и, как следствие, повышению эффективности антикоррупционных мер и улучшению позиций Узбекистана в международных рейтингах.

RIGA, July 9. /Dunyo IA/. A training seminar was held in Latvia for specialists of the Committee for Veterinary Medicine and Livestock Development and Production Center for Breeding of Uzbekistan, reports Dunyo IA correspondent.

The seminar, organized by the Embassy of Uzbekistan in Riga in cooperation with the Latvian breeding center "Siguldas", aimed to expand opportunities for livestock breeding through artificial insemination under Uzbekistan’s climatic conditions, introduce modern technologies, and study international experience in this field.

During the seminar, participants received detailed information on Latvia’s best practices in veterinary and livestock management, technologies used in insemination processes, laboratory research, genetic quality assessment, and breeding selection methods.

Following the training, specialists from both countries agreed to further cooperation, joint research, and the organization of seminars on pressing topics.

HELSINKI, March 23. /Dunyo News Agency/. With the assistance of the Embassy of Uzbekistan, online negotiations were held between representatives of the Joint Stock Company "Company for the Development of Entrepreneurship" of our country and the Finnish company "Finnvera", the correspondent of the "Dunyo" News Agency reports.

During the meeting, "Finnvera" specialists exchanged views with their Uzbek colleagues on areas of mutual interest. In particular, they studied Finnish experience in matters related to the general aspects of "Finnvera" activities, the development and implementation of financial solutions for enterprises, as well as risk management.

Following the meeting, the parties reached an agreement on the further development of bilateral cooperation, including the organization of separate meetings on issues of mutual interest, the exchange of experience, as well as the visit of "Finnvera" representatives to Uzbekistan.

RIGA, March 18. /Dunyo IA/. The Embassy of Uzbekistan in Latvia, together with the diplomatic missions of Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, and Turkiye, organized a cultural and educational event in Riga to celebrate the holiday of Navruz, reports Dunyo IA correspondent.

The event was attended by representatives from Latvia’s public and political spheres, the scientific and academic community, the business sector, the Uzbek Cultural Center, and fellow nationals residing in the country.

During the opening, it was emphasized that Navruz symbolizes traditional values such as kindness, generosity, creation, tolerance, friendship, and solidarity. Guests were also informed about the 43rd session of the UNESCO General Conference, which will be held this year in Samarkand.

Each participating country presented its national stands to the public. Uzbekistan’s stand showcased information about the country’s tourism potential, national costumes, embroidery, and other forms of folk arts. Traditional songs and dances were performed by artists from the "Xalqlar do’stligi" ensemble.

Additionally, the Latvian public had the opportunity to familiarize themselves with the cultures and traditions of all four countries, gaining a broader understanding of each.

As noted by the participants of the event, the joint celebration of Navruz demonstrated the high respect the participating countries have for each other and the closeness of their cultures. In their opinion, such events contribute to the closer ties between peoples.

The text of the article is in Uzbek!

The text of the article is in Uzbek!

The text of the article is in Uzbek!

RIGA, /Dunyo IA/. A delegation of Uzbekistan, led by Bekzod Mamatkulov, Chairman of the Supervisory Board of BMB HOLDING, visited Latvia to explore potential cooperation across various sectors, reports Dunyo IA correspondent.

In particular, during the visit, a meeting was held with Aigars Rostovskis, Vice President of the Association of European Chambers of Commerce and Industry (Eurochambres) and President of the Latvian Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

The meeting included an overview of the activities of companies within the BMB Holding system, covering details about the crops cultivated, products processed, and goods manufactured.

In turn, Aigars Rostovskis discussed the chamber’s and association’s efforts to support entrepreneurs, the business environment, the global market share of association members, and other related topics.

As a result, an agreement was reached to develop multifaceted bilateral cooperation and to organize a meeting with a delegation of European entrepreneurs in Uzbekistan this March.

Eurochambres is the Association of European Chambers of Commerce and Industry. It is one of the largest business representation organizations in Brussels, comprising 45 members (43 national associations of chambers of commerce and industry and 2 transnational chamber organizations) and 1,700 regional and local chambers. Through its European network, it represents the interests of over 20 million enterprises in Europe.

It is worth noting that, the day before, the chairman of the Supervisory Board of BMB Holding Bekzod Mamatkulov held successful negotiations in Poland.

The text of the article is in Uzbek!