New ESG Targets in Uzbekistan: Reviewing Priorities for 2025

Introduction

Within the framework of implementation of the strategy "Uzbekistan-2030", Uzbekistan is experiencing significant changes and development in all spheres of economy and society, where special attention is paid to sustainable growth. The key stage in achieving the set goals will be 2025, which has been declared the year of environmental protection and green economy. This year will be marked by large-scale reforms aimed at fulfilling the tasks within the ESG agenda (environment, social responsibility, governance).

The draft of the State Program for 2025 was presented for a broad public discussion. The discussion was attended by representatives of youth, civil society, senators, international experts and public organizations. The document takes into account the opinions of various social and political groups and includes detailed measures to improve the environmental situation, raise the living standards of the population and develop a "green" economy. Quarterly targets are set to monitor the program's implementation, and responsibility for each task is clearly defined.

Ambitious Goals and Initiatives

According to the draft decree of the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan, one of the key tasks will be to expand the area of forest plantations to 4.1 million hectares and increase the protected natural areas to 14.5%. It is also planned to include unused natural resources in the economic turnover. This will involve ecotourism, nurseries for rare plants and the cultivation of medicinal herbs, which will contribute both to the improvement of the ecological situation and to the growth of the population's income.

Special attention is given to the creation of sustainable gardens with halophytes - plants that can withstand salinity and drought. This is particularly important for regions such as the Republic of Karakalpakstan. To support these initiatives, it is planned to create state laboratories for "in vitro" work and to attract at least $30 million from international financial institutions. These funds will be used to provide loans to entrepreneurs focused on environmental projects.

Popular Movements and Landscaping

One of the most successful environmental projects is the Yashil Makon ("Green Space") project, which has become a popular movement. Millions of trees are planted every spring and fall as part of this program. These initiatives are already having a significant impact, improving the environment and the quality of life of the people.

In addition, a "green development" program has been developed for Uzbekistan's major tourist cities: Tashkent, Samarkand, Bukhara, Khiva, Shakhrisabz and Kokand. It is planned to create environmentally sustainable and energy efficient tourist zones. In parallel, pilot projects will be implemented in a number of districts (Mirishkor, Gijduvan, Ramitan, Chimbay and Amudarya), which will become examples of successful implementation of "green principles" in economic development.

Green Building Standards and Green Manufacturing

Beginning in 2025, Uzbekistan will begin to implement a "green building" certification system. This means that all new buildings and structures will be required to meet standards of energy efficiency and minimal environmental impact.

As part of the experiment, it is also planned to create industrial zones in the Samarkand and Fergana regions that will specialize in the production of environmentally friendly products. This will be an important step towards the development of industry with minimal environmental impact.

And from May 1, 2025 in Tashkent, Nukus and regional centers of Uzbekistan will be introduced strict restrictions on the implementation of new industrial projects aimed at combating environmental pollution. These restrictions prohibit the construction of enterprises producing asbestos, cement, slag and other materials, as well as plants using coal without highly efficient emission treatment systems. The use of fuels that do not meet the Euro 4 standard and fuel oil as fuel for thermal and electric power plants (except in emergency situations) will also be prohibited. These measures are designed to significantly reduce the level of air and water pollution.

Incentives for green business

To encourage companies to adopt environmentally friendly technologies, a system of incentives will be introduced for companies that install air pollution monitoring stations. In addition, companies that meet environmental standards will be able to obtain the status of "green entrepreneur", which will be an important step in the transition to sustainable production methods.

Another important initiative will be the introduction of "green tariffs" for electricity generated from renewable energy sources - solar, wind and energy from waste. This will contribute to the active development of clean energy and the transition to more sustainable energy sources.

Environmental Planning and Urban Development

Starting in September 2025, Uzbekistan will develop environmental passports and master plans for each district and city. These documents will systematize ecosystem management at the local level and monitor key environmental indicators.

A number of initiatives are planned to improve the quality of the urban environment:

 - Creation of "Shady Walking Streets" in 32 cities for walking and cycling;

 - Building 80 recreational trails along rivers and coastal areas;

 - Increasing landscaping in 64 mahallas using modern water-saving technologies.

In addition, a nationwide "One Million Green Families" movement will be launched. It aims to popularize an environmentally friendly lifestyle, including walking, running, rational nutrition, use of "green" transportation, and economical consumption of natural resources.

Protecting biodiversity and ecosystems

In order to restore ecosystems and wildlife populations, a temporary moratorium on hunting will be imposed in the country from September 1, 2025 to January 1, 2028. This will make it possible to restore the number of rare species and stabilize natural ecosystems.

Integrated Approach to Environmental Challenges

In response to serious environmental problems such as water pollution, soil erosion and loss of biodiversity, Uzbekistan is developing long-term strategies and measures. These include a ban on new projects involving harmful production (including the production of asbestos, cement, glass with toxic impurities, and the processing and incineration of Hazard Class I and II wastes), as well as limiting the use of low environmental class fuels.

Environmental investments and the fight against plastic waste

From 2025, 10% of all investment programs and projects in industry, various sectors and regions will be dedicated to green projects. This will rise to 25% by 2027 and 50% by 2030. At the same time, a number of restrictions will be introduced to reduce plastic pollution:

 - Starting in 2026, the use of colored plastic in beverage packaging will be banned;

 - A ban on the production and use of plastic bags will come into force in 2027.

These measures will help to significantly reduce plastic waste and protect ecosystems.

Conclusion

For the successful implementation of this program, it is planned to adopt about 90 regulatory legal acts, which will create a legal basis for new environmental and economic initiatives. It is expected that these measures will allow Uzbekistan to increase GDP by 6% annually, which will ensure the achievement of a gross domestic product of 200 billion dollars by 2030. This will provide the basis for sustainable economic growth, attract investment in green technologies, modernize infrastructure, and help reduce poverty and improve the quality of life of the population.

For information: Global climate change and the impact of human activities are leading to deterioration of air and water quality, soil erosion and depletion of natural resources. According to the World Bank, water resources in Central Asia could decrease by 20% by 2050, which would significantly reduce agricultural production. 

Over 300 million tons of carbon dioxide are emitted annually, accelerating global warming. The International Union for Conservation of Nature estimates that up to 30% of the region's flora and fauna are threatened with extinction. Water and air pollution cause a wide range of illnesses, including respiratory and cardiovascular diseases, and lead to more than 40,000 premature deaths each year, according to the World Health Organization. These facts call for urgent action, and the state program under discussion aims to introduce environmentally friendly technologies and innovative solutions for sustainable development in the region.