The parties discussed the prospects for expanding bilateral cooperation and agreed on preparations for signing a Roadmap for cooperation in the field of environmental protection and forestry for 2026-2030.
The document will cover a wide range of areas, including the exchange of experience in the field of forest legislation, the development of nut, pistachio and olive crops, the implementation of international environmental conventions, joint scientific and practical conferences and seminars, as well as cooperation in the field of forest fire prevention and pest control.
The Roadmap includes joint development of project proposals for international donors, research on the effects of climate change, especially in the region of the drying Aral Sea, exchange of experience in the conservation of medicinal plants, development of hunting, eco-educational and tourist destinations. A separate clause provides for the provision of grant places to Turkmen students at Green University, as well as their training in Uzbek universities in environmental areas.
Special attention is paid to the potential for cooperation in the conservation of wild ferula species: the possibility of Turkmenistan's assistance in the supply of seeds or planting material for restoration and research purposes is being considered.
Taking into account the national programs of Uzbekistan, it was proposed to implement a joint pilot project in the Surkhandarya region for the cultivation of ferula. The parties also expressed their willingness to develop joint research on combating desertification, expanding the planting areas of desert-resistant crops, creating a common nursery and developing desert agroforestry.
During the meeting, the sides also exchanged views on the draft Samarkand Declaration and the Action Plan for Regional Cooperation for 2026-2032 in the field of sustainable use of wild fauna and flora resources. At the same time, it was noted that the Samarkand Declaration is planned to be signed at CITES COP20.
At the same time, the parties stressed the importance of an agreed regional agenda in the field of nature protection and expressed their readiness to continue working to strengthen partnerships aimed at sustainable forest resource management, ecosystem restoration and enhancing the natural potential of the region. The parties agreed to maintain a regular dialogue and intensify practical cooperation in all agreed areas.
