Uzbekistan aims to increase green coverage to 30 percent by 2030 under national reforestation plan

As part of the nationwide “Yashil Makon” (“Green Space”) initiative, Uzbekistan plans to plant 200 million trees and shrubs annually. By 2030, the country aims to raise its green coverage to 30 percent and increase forested areas from 8 to 15 percent, equivalent to 6.1 million hectares.

Photo: Shutterstock

Over the past four years, a total of 872 million tree and shrub saplings have been planted across the country under the project. While 125 million saplings were planned for planting this spring, the actual number reached 136.9 million — including 8.3 million on forest fund lands, taking into account the soil and climate conditions of each region.

To support planting efforts, 90 new wells were drilled, and 478.45 kilometers of irrigation systems were put into operation. Additionally, 460 pieces of machinery were deployed to areas with limited irrigation access. In 2025, forestry enterprises plan to prepare 30 million saplings; of these, 14 million were delivered this spring, with the rest to follow in autumn.

Educational institutions received 406,372 saplings, healthcare facilities — 492,623, and 1,024 mahallas (neighborhood communities) — 808,200.

Furthermore, 126,200 hectares of the dried-up Aral Sea bed and surrounding areas have been greened, including 71,900 hectares in the Republic of Karakalpakstan, 23,300 in Bukhara region, 16,000 in Navoi region, and 15,000 in Khorezm region. In desert, mountainous, and foothill areas, 256 hectares of protective forest plantations have been created to combat soil erosion.

#ecology #environment #reforestation