Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) -- In accordance with the Decree of the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan “On measures to ensure environmental sustainability by further increasing the level of greening in the republic and the consistent implementation of the nationwide project “Yashil Makon”, the Ministry of Ecology, Environmental Protection and Climate Change is testing a tree certification system in the city of Tashkent, which is planned to be carried out in 3 stages.

At the first stage, trees will be counted using aerial and satellite images. Then, using the system developed by the Research Institute of Environment and Environmental Technologies under the Ministry. The system will determine the coordinates of each tree.

At the second stage, it is planned to conduct a more detailed inventory of trees, including such parameters as tree type, diameter, exact coordinates and photographic image. To organize these events, it is planned to create working groups with the involvement of employees of the Ministry, its regional divisions, employees of the Tashkent city khokimiyat, other government departments and environmental activists.

After conducting a complete detailed inventory of trees in Tashkent, at the third stage, the inventory results will be entered into the Yashil Makon electronic platform.

It is worth noting that in order to implement the Action Plan for organizing tree certification, within the framework of an agreement with the Zamin International Public Foundation, it is planned to purchase 100 sets of GNSS equipment. The kit includes GNSS receivers and GNSS base stations for determining the most accurate tree location, a laser range finder, tablets and special Field map software. In addition, the Decree provides for the purchase of an additional 100 sets of GNSS devices.

The tree certification process will provide the opportunity to:

— Create a constantly updated geoinformation database with accurate information about the number, location, type, height, diameter and condition of trees;

— Keep a complete record of trees, assign them to the responsible authorities, ensuring the preservation and care of trees;

— Make decisions when planning the planting of new trees depending on their number and location, as well as replacing old ones depending on their condition and type;

— Inform the public in detail about trees when planning urban development works and when allocating land;

— Increase control over illegal tree felling, because according to the Resolution of the Cabinet of Ministers of the Republic of Uzbekistan No. 464 from 22 August 2022. the amount of damage caused to flora as a result of illegal logging is calculated based on the type and diameter of the tree.