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.

RIGA, September 22. /IA Dunyo/. A round table was held at the Embassy of Uzbekistan jointly with the Institute of Central Asia and Middle East Studies to inform representatives of the Latvian government and public about the reforms implemented in political, economic and social spheres in our country, Dunyo news agency's correspondent reported.

The participants of the event were provided with detailed information on large-scale reforms in all spheres, strengthening of Uzbekistan's position in the international arena, implementation of political and socio-economic reforms. In addition, special attention was paid to the parliamentary elections to be held on October 27.

Speaking, head of the institute Aydin Askerov noted that the expected political event is a continuation of reforms observed in our country. According to him, the world highly appreciates the important changes implemented under the leadership of President Shavkat Mirziyoyev on the path of establishing New Uzbekistan. This electoral process is being conducted under a completely new, mixed model, and by increasing the share of women from 40 percent, special attention is being paid to strengthening their role in the political life of our country.

Deputy Director of the Institute Andrei Bruy emphasized that the active interest and involvement of young people in the political changes taking place in Uzbekistan are proof that the country's leadership pays great attention to them and all conditions are being created for this purpose.

All questions of the participants were also answered during the event. In particular, information was provided on the opportunities created for Uzbek citizens temporarily and permanently residing abroad to participate in the upcoming elections.

Шуни маълум қиламизки, интернет тармоқларида жорий йилнинг 10 август куни Литва-Беларусь чегараси “Мядининкай” назорат пунктида Ўзбекистон Республикасида рўйхатдан ўтган юк машинаси контрабанда жиноятида гумонланиб Литванинг тегишли идоралари томонидан ушлангани хақида маълумот тарқалган.

Элчихона томонидан холат бўйича юқорида кўрсатилган назорат пункти ходимлари билан алоқалар ўрнатилган. 

Бугунки кунда Божхона жиноий хизмати томонидан ушбу воқия юзасидан жиноят иши қўзғатилган ва Вильнюс туман прокуратураси томонидан тергов олиб борилмоқда.

Ушбу холат Элчихона томонидан назоратга олинган ва Литванинг тегишли идоралари билан доимий алоқа ўрнатилган.

Вазиятга тўлиқ ойдинлик киритилиши билан қўшимча хабар берилади.

РИГА, 3 ноября. /ИА "Дунё"/. В ведущих газете Латвии "Сегодня" и электронном информационно-аналитическом портале опубликована статья под заголовком “Узбекистан остался либерально-демократическим”, сообщает корреспондент ИА "Дунё".

В статье сообщается, что 27 октября прошли выборы депутатов Законодательной палаты Олий Мажлиса Узбекистана, победителем которых объявлена правящая Либерально–демократическая партия (УзЛиДеП).

"Согласно предварительным результатам выборов УзЛиДеП набрала 35,75% голосов и получила 64 места в Законодательной палате парламента. На втором месте — Демократическая партия «Миллий тикланиш» (18,82%). Социал–демократическая партия «Адолат» получила 16,20% голосов, Народно–демократическая партия Узбекистана (НДПУ) — 17,11%, Экологическая партия Узбекистана — 13,12%", - пишет автор.

Отмечается, что по данным ЦИК, явка на выборах составила 74,72%. За выборами наблюдали более 850 зарубежных наблюдателей, в том числе и из Латвии.

"В этом году выборы впервые прошли на основе мажоритарно–пропорциональной системы. В этой системе избирательные округа делятся на одномандатные и единый избирательный округ. 75 депутатов нижней палаты парламента избраны от одномандатных округов по мажоритарной системе, остальные 75 — по пропорциональной, то есть на основе голосов, отданных политическим партиям", - подчеркивается в статье.

Согласно информации, перейти к смешанной избирательной системе для повышения роли политических партий еще в марте предложил Президент Узбекистана Шавкат Мирзиёев, встречаясь с депутатами. После референдума о Конституции в новой редакции глава государства 8 мая подписал указ о введении мажоритарно–пропорциональной избирательной системы.

Также автор отмечает, что по сравнению с предыдущими выборами кандидаты значительно помолодели: средний возраст потенциальных депутатов Законодательной палаты составляет 47,2 года, претендентов на кресла депутатов остальных уровней — 44,4 года.

Подчеркивается, что высшее образование имеют 99,3% и 90,3% кандидатов соответственно. "Самой многочисленной группой среди кандидатов стали педагоги: 27,9% от числа стремящихся в парламент и 36% претендующих на кресла в Кенгашах и Жокаргы Кенесе. Много экономистов, инженеров, врачей, правоведов, поменьше предпринимателей, фермеров и представителей других сфер", - сообщают латвийские СМИ.

KLAIPEDA, May 10. /IA Dunyo/. During a business trip to Lithuania, a delegation of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Uzbekistan met with the head of BEGA company Laimonas Rimkus in Klaipeda, Dunyo news agency's correspondent reported.

BEGA, founded in 1992, is one of the largest modern stevedoring companies in the Baltic States, providing services in transportation, loading and unloading of cargoes, as well as temporary storage services.

Laimonas Rimkus expressed an opinion that today Uzbekistan's economy is dynamically developing, producing competitive national products that meet world standards.

- Taking into account the growing volumes of Uzbekistan's exports to European countries, Lithuanian companies show great interest in developing relations with Uzbek businessmen. The volume of export of Uzbek products to the EU countries through Latvia and Lithuania is also increasing," he noted.

It was noted that BEGA has created all necessary port infrastructure, has modern automated technologies for transportation and collection of chemical, food industry, construction materials, agricultural products and other cargoes. In addition, the enterprise is connected to the railroad and has the ability to serve all types of transport coming from Uzbekistan in a short period of time.

The parties discussed mutual procedures and legal aspects of leasing the company's warehouses and a building for the Trade House of Uzbekistan to be established in Lithuania.

The sides reached an agreement on holding the official opening ceremony of Uzbekistan Trade House in Klaipeda on May 24-27.

The text of the article is in Uzbek!

RIGA, June 17. /IA Dunyo/. Representatives of the largest in the Baltic region transportation and logistics company "Kreiss" visited Uzbekistan on June 10-17, Dunyo news agency's correspondent reports.


Kreiss" company, founded in 2001 in Riga, is one of the largest trucking companies in the Baltic region and important operators providing logistics services in Europe and CIS countries. The annual turnover of the company is 160 million dollars.

During the visit, the Latvian side held negotiations with the leadership of the Ministry of Transport, the Agency for External Labor Migration and the International Road Carriers Association.

Kreiss and the External Labor Migration Agency signed an agreement on the organized recruitment of 600 drivers to Latvia.

A Memorandum was signed with "Vatanparvar" organization on organization of special simulators for training Uzbek truck drivers on the platform of driving schools belonging to this association. It was emphasized that drivers trained at the centers can obtain certificates according to European standards and work in the EU countries.

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.

RIGA, May 11. /IA Dunyo/. Ambassador of Uzbekistan Timur Rakhmanov together with Deputy Chairman of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Uzbekistan Dilshod Rasulov yesterday met with member of the Board of Directors - head of sales office in Central Asia of the largest Latvian pharmaceutical company "Olainfarm" Alexander Melnis, Dunyo news agency's correspondent reported.

At the meeting, the sides discussed issues of investment and technological cooperation between Uzbekistan and Olainfarm and prospects of establishing joint production cooperation with deepening the level of localization.

Alexander Melnis positively assessed the progressive reforms in the healthcare sector in Uzbekistan under the leadership of President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, which has contributed to the development of cooperation between the companies of the two countries in recent years. It was emphasized that Riga is confidently optimistic about the prospects of expanding Olainfarm's long-term presence in Uzbekistan by increasing investment and technological cooperation.

As Alexander Melnis informed, Olainfarm is working on the realization of an investment project to establish production of a wide range of high-quality ampouled products in Uzbekistan.

Olainfarm was founded in 1972 in the Latvian town of Olaina. It is the largest pharmaceutical company in the Baltic States. The company's turnover exceeds 124 million euros. The product range includes 60 finished dosage forms, 25 active pharmaceutical substances and more than 20 intermediates. The company's products are exported to 60 countries. Since 2011, it has been supplying the World Health Organization (WHO) with anti-tuberculosis drugs.

The text of the article is in Uzbek!

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.