How is global climate change reshaping Uzbekistan’s riverside ecosystems?
07.11.2026Forest 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.
- Sh. Khabibullaev
Head of Laboratory, Institute of Botany,
Academy of Sciences of the Republic of Uzbekistan, PhD, Senior Researcher.
The Constitution of Uzbekistan: a foundation for modern statehood and human dignity
28.11.2025The 33rd anniversary of the adoption of the Constitution of the Republic of Uzbekistan is a momentous occasion for the nation. For the first time in our independent statehood, a Constitution adopted through the will of the people stands as a cornerstone of modern governance. It embodies the rich experience of national state-building, addresses pressing societal and administrative challenges, and presents a carefully considered strategy for the relationship between the individual, society, and the state amidst complex global geopolitical developments. In essence, the renewed Constitution reflects our irreversible commitment to democratic reforms in both state governance and human rights.
Our Basic Law defines the path of national development, ensures that reforms remain irreversible, and serves as the guiding framework for the country’s statehood model.
The anniversary is not only a celebration but also an opportunity to reflect on the Constitution’s role in daily life and its unmatched significance in safeguarding human dignity and justice. The President’s directive on celebrating Constitution Day at a high level reinforces this, highlighting the deep legal, moral, and strategic importance of the Constitution in modern society.
In today’s rapidly changing world, a country’s competitiveness, the effectiveness of governance, and the protection of human rights depend on constitutional norms and institutional mechanisms that meet contemporary needs. The revised Constitution embodies such modern legal approaches. It articulates principles such as human dignity, liberty, equality, social justice, popular sovereignty, and the rule of law, and establishes practical mechanisms for implementing these principles.
The Constitution’s impact extends to all sectors, uniting them under a single socio-legal system aimed at the overarching goal of ensuring human well-being. It serves as the foundation for consistent and sustainable reforms, from strengthening democracy and civil society to protecting entrepreneurship and expanding social protection. Positive changes in healthcare, education, science, culture, and sports all reflect the practical outcomes of these constitutional principles.
The core of these tasks is to convey the philosophy of the renewed Constitution, endorsed by the people, to every layer of society. It recognizes human dignity as the highest value, strengthens social solidarity, elevates legal culture, and unites the efforts of citizens to consciously and responsibly shape their future as a modern state founded on the rule of law – all under the noble ideal: “For the Motherland, for the Nation, for the People!”
The scholarly community and mentors in constitutional law play a crucial role in this process. Every academic study, legal insight, and educational initiative deepens public understanding of the spirit and essence of constitutional norms.
Practical mechanisms are also advancing these goals. For instance, “Law School” (“Huquq maktabi”) mobile application, developed under the President’s 24 May 2024 decree, enables citizens to acquire legal knowledge independently, conveniently, and in a modern format. With nearly 66,000 registered users, 32 educational courses, and over 33,000 users having completed courses and obtained certificates, the application is a clear sign of growing public interest in legal literacy. It is an effective, modern tool for strengthening legal culture, ensuring the rule of law, and enhancing citizens’ legal knowledge.
Tashkent State University of Law plays a vital role in educating the younger generation. Its faculty have developed “Foundations of State and Law” textbooks for students in grades 8–11, based on the revised Constitution, which help students understand its spirit and essence and develop practical skills to apply it in everyday life.
Ultimately, understanding the Constitution’s place in our lives and ensuring that its provisions are applied in all areas requires active civic engagement, a high level of legal culture, and steadfast commitment to the rule of law. The Constitution is more than a legal document; it is the moral benchmark of national development and the foundation that strengthens citizens’ trust in the state and society’s confidence in the future. Respecting it is not only a constitutional duty but also a civic responsibility in building the New Uzbekistan.
Ikhtiyor Bekov
Head of Constitutional Law Department,
Tashkent State University of Law
Professor of Law, DSc.
COP31: Uzbekistan to present new climate initiatives and practical solutions to the international community
10.11.2026The 31st session of the Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP31) will take place in Antalya, Türkiye, from 9 to 20 November 2026. Uzbekistan will take an active part in this international climate forum, presenting national initiatives, forward-looking projects and practical experience in addressing climate change, protecting the environment and transitioning to a green economy.
One of the main platforms for the country’s participation will be the Uzbekistan National Pavilion, which will operate from 8 to 20 November. It will host an extensive programme of thematic events involving representatives of government agencies, international organisations, financial institutions, the research community, the private sector and young people. The programme will focus on promoting national climate priorities, expanding international partnerships and mobilising investment for environmental and climate-related projects.
In recent years, under the leadership of the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan, the country has undertaken large-scale reforms aimed at environmental protection, climate action, the development of a green economy and the sustainable use of natural resources. Particular attention is being paid to the introduction of modern technologies, the advancement of environmental science and the strengthening of the country’s research and educational capacity.
The National Centre for Climate Change and Green University operate under the National Committee on Ecology and Climate Change, providing scientific, analytical and expert support for environmental and climate policy. The Centre contributes to the development of national climate policy documents, the preparation of projects on adaptation and greenhouse gas emissions reduction, and the mobilisation of international climate finance. Green University advances research in ecology, climate change and the restoration of natural ecosystems. In 2026, the University opened an innovative laboratory for forest and ornamental plants, as well as an In Vitro laboratory for producing high-quality planting material.
At COP31, the National Committee on Ecology and Climate Change and its affiliated organisations will present initiatives in climate finance, environmental monitoring and the restoration of natural ecosystems. Uzbekistan’s participation will provide an opportunity to demonstrate to international partners the results of the ongoing reforms and the country’s practical steps towards a sustainable and environmentally sound future.
From climate commitments to practical results
One of the key areas of Uzbekistan’s participation will be the implementation of its updated Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC 3.0). Under the target set, the country aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions per unit of GDP by 50 per cent by 2035, compared with 2010 levels.
At COP31, Uzbekistan plans to present its national approaches to achieving this target, including the expansion of renewable energy, improvements in energy efficiency, the introduction of modern technologies and stronger climate resilience across various sectors of the economy.
Several events at the National Pavilion will focus on this agenda, including a session entitled “Implementing Uzbekistan’s Updated Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC 3.0): From Climate Commitments to Practical Action”, as well as discussions on industrial decarbonisation, climate finance and the development of carbon markets.
Another important area will be Uzbekistan’s participation in the international Climate Implementation Bridge (BRIDGE) initiative. Uzbekistan is one of five pilot countries in this initiative, which is being implemented under the COP31 Presidency with the participation of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). The initiative aims to help translate national climate plans into concrete investment projects, facilitate access to international finance and provide expert support.
Climate adaptation and water security: shared regional priorities
Climate change adaptation, the sustainable use of water resources and strengthening the resilience of the most vulnerable areas will feature prominently in Uzbekistan’s agenda.
The National Pavilion will host thematic discussions on water and climate resilience in Central Asia, agricultural adaptation, land restoration and strengthening the resilience of the Aral Sea region.
Particular attention will also be given to climate risks in mountain regions, food security, and the impact of changing water and climate conditions on the country’s economy.
Promoting cooperation on climate-induced human mobility will be another important regional initiative. On 10 November, the Uzbekistan National Pavilion will host a high-level event entitled “Facilitating Human Mobility in the Context of Climate Change: Towards the Silk Road Declaration on Climate Mobility”.
The event is expected to see the signing of the Silk Road Declaration on Human Mobility in the Context of Climate Change by the countries of Central Asia and the South Caucasus.
The document is intended to provide a regional framework for strengthening cooperation on climate-related migration, protecting vulnerable communities and developing coordinated approaches to addressing the impacts of climate change.
Uzbekistan will also contribute to advancing joint regional projects. In particular, the launch of a trilateral AFOLU project, funded by the Green Climate Fund and involving Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan, is scheduled for 9 November.
Ecosystem restoration, afforestation and biodiversity conservation
Another priority will be to present Uzbekistan’s initiatives in nature conservation and the restoration of natural ecosystems.
The international platform will showcase approaches to implementing the nationwide Yashil Makon (Green Space) project, establishing forest plantations on the dried bed of the Aral Sea, combating desertification, restoring degraded land and conserving biodiversity.
The pavilion programme will include discussions on scaling up nature-based solutions, developing forestry and landscape projects, and using carbon markets to mobilise additional resources for environmental initiatives.
The initiative to proclaim the 2027–2036 period the United Nations Decade of Action for Afforestation and Reforestation is of particular significance. On 17 November, Uzbekistan and the Republic of the Congo will present this global initiative and hold a dialogue on international partnerships in this area.
Other events will address synergies among international environmental conventions in the Aral Sea region, the sustainable management of land and water resources, and the conservation of natural heritage.
Green economy, climate finance and innovation
A substantial part of the programme will focus on mobilising climate investment, developing the circular economy and introducing innovative technologies.
Participants will discuss, among other topics, the role of financial institutions and banks in mobilising climate finance, investment opportunities in sustainable agriculture, and the development of a Central Asian carbon credit standard for drylands.
Separate sessions will address sound waste management, the development of the circular economy, industrial decarbonisation and more efficient use of natural resources.
The science and technology agenda will include discussions on greenhouse gas emissions monitoring, assessing solar energy potential, digital meteorology and the application of artificial intelligence to improve forecasting and early warning systems.
The development of climate-resilient cities will also be an important area of focus. Participants will consider integrated urban planning, the expansion of public green spaces and the incorporation of nature-based solutions into urban infrastructure.
Youth and environmental education: investing in the future
Promoting environmental education initiatives and engaging young people in the climate agenda will be an important part of Uzbekistan’s participation.
The National Pavilion will host events on developing a network of eco-schools, nurturing a new generation of climate leaders and supporting youth-led initiatives.
Particular attention will be paid to practical mechanisms for youth participation in implementing climate solutions, fostering environmental awareness and expanding educational opportunities.
Overall, Uzbekistan’s programme at COP31 covers a broad range of interconnected priorities, from emissions reduction and climate change adaptation to ecosystem restoration, the development of a green economy and stronger regional cooperation.
The country’s participation in the conference will provide an important opportunity to share national experience with the international community, advance joint initiatives, expand partnerships and mobilise additional resources for climate projects.
The overarching objective is to move from stated climate goals to concrete action, investment and results that contribute to the environmental sustainability of Uzbekistan and the wider Central Asian region.
In recent years, Uzbekistan has adopted more than 3 thousand normative acts aimed at comprehensive support for business
22.06.2024Business rights are a priority of the New Uzbekistan
Since 2017, Uzbekistan has put forward cardinal, unexpected and favorable changes for entrepreneurs. The peculiarity of these changes is that they were aimed at reducing the control functions of the state and opening the way to the free conduct of business. All barriers that hindered entrepreneurs at that time were gradually eliminated.
Liberalization of punishment against entrepreneurs, elimination of possibilities of unjustified interference in their activities, strengthening of close diplomatic ties with foreign countries, simplification of export-import procedures - all this gave a powerful impetus to the development of business environment and motivated entrepreneurs to develop and actively expand their business without obstacles.
In particular, all types of unscheduled inspections and counter-inspections of the activities of business entities, including criminal cases, were canceled. A mechanism of putting forward a moratorium on inspections conducted in the activities of entrepreneurs was introduced, which is actively used to this day.
The measure of criminal punishment in the form of deprivation of the right to carry out entrepreneurial activities was abolished.
Since 2017, the Business Ombudsman, created on the initiative of the head of state himself, has been functioning effectively. Reporting to the President, it makes proposals to improve the business environment in the country and remove various obstacles to the development of entrepreneurship.
Uzbekistan is not resting on its laurels. The country has set itself big goals - to bring the share of the private sector in GDP to 80% and the share of the private sector in exports to 60% by 2027.
The president's dialog with entrepreneurs is the key to solving many problems
It is important for every entrepreneur to be listened to in case of difficulties or obstacles in his/her activity. This is especially important if the problem requires the intervention of government officials.
Obviously, in the conditions of economic development of the state there are problems that create difficulties for business. They require prompt intervention from the highest authorities in order to prevent stagnation in the development of this or that industry, as well as to give an impetus for further development.
Such a peculiar impetus was the dialog of entrepreneurs with the President, which is held annually, and entrepreneurs have the opportunity to communicate directly with the head of state.
The opportunity to be heard is given to every entrepreneur in every region of the country through meetings. After analysis and generalization, the most relevant and justified proposals are submitted to the head of state for appropriate decisions. In addition, the proposals and complaints of hundreds of entrepreneurs are listened to on a day of open dialog.
Over the past three years, more than 33 thousand appeals and proposals were received from entrepreneurs during the open dialogs. As a result of the dialogs, more than 150 initiatives were put forward to remove obstacles in the development of entrepreneurship, as well as its further development.
In particular, if we analyze the initiatives put forward after the 2021 Dialogue, the reforms were aimed at mitigating the effects of the pandemic, extending tax and customs exemptions and granting deferral of taxes and mandatory payments.
The 2022 Dialogue stood out for the support of business representatives on various fronts, starting with tax reforms such as reducing VAT percentages to 12 percent, shortening the VAT refund period to 7 days, and introducing a flat tax rate of 4 percent instead of the current sales tax ranging from 4 percent to 25 percent.
In addition, the mechanisms for ensuring the rights of entrepreneurs have been expanded by introducing a procedure for canceling the decision to allocate land plots or property only in court.
As a result of the dialog, another problem that worried entrepreneurs was eliminated, concerning the application of higher tax rates due to the non-use of an empty building or land plot. This mechanism was not only canceled, but also debts of entrepreneurs in the amount of 2 trillion soums formed as a result of payment of taxes at the increased rate were written off.
Last year, as a result of the dialog, the mechanisms of financing entrepreneurship were radically revised, the Business Development Bank was established, and tax reforms aimed at protecting the rights of entrepreneurs were introduced.
It has become a tradition for entrepreneurs to look forward to the date "August 20 - Entrepreneurs' Day" every year. It is on the eve of this day that new initiatives to support business are announced in the course of dialog.
Digitalization of business protection as a guarantee to ensure unjustified interference in the activities of entrepreneurs
One of the topics of most concern to entrepreneurs is the topic of inspections. In this area, it is important to ensure the protection of entrepreneurs.
Digital monitoring of inspections conducted in the activities of entrepreneurs by state bodies is carried out by the Business Ombudsman.
The information system "Unified State Control" allows registering inspections carried out in the activities of entrepreneurs, their results, as well as filing complaints in case of violations by the inspecting authorities.
State bodies are prohibited from conducting inspections without registering them in this system. Otherwise, this will serve as grounds for administrative liability.
In order to ensure the transparency of inspections and the rights of business entities, the new system "Unified State Control" provides full access for business entities as well.
Thus, in the new system "Unified State Control" a number of functions have been added, such as the Electronic Book of Registration of Inspections, which provides full oversight of inspections by the Authorized Body.
In order to combat corruption and illegal inspections in the system "Unified State Control" was made an electronic database of all officials with the right to conduct inspections This in turn eliminates the possibility of falsification of data of the certificate with the right to conduct inspections. Entrepreneurs can check the data of the special license of inspectors and in case of non-compliance with the system have the right not to allow them on their territory.
Moreover, registers of state control functions and mandatory requirements have been compiled for business entities, which provides an opportunity to familiarize with the control functions of state inspections and mandatory requirements in relation to them.
As a result of the introduction of the "Unified State Control" system, it has become much easier for the Authorized Body to identify facts of offenses in the state control.
Strategy "Uzbekistan - 2030" - prospects for business development in the future
Uzbekistan does not stop at what has been achieved. Rapid steps to further support the business sphere are also enshrined in the Strategy "Uzbekistan - 2030".
Efficient use of local raw material base and development of industry based on advanced technologies, consistent transfer of monopolistic spheres to market principles, increasing the share of private sector in the economy, creating the most favorable conditions for free activity of entrepreneurs are still a hot topic.
In addition, full digitalization and simplification of the tax system is planned, as well as the creation of equal opportunities for all entrepreneurs to make the official sector preferable and more profitable than illegal activities.
For this purpose, a simplified and compact legislative system will be created, convenient for the population and business entities.
Dilmurod Kasimov,
authorized to protect the rights and legitimate interests
business entities
