Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) —  At the UN Climate Change Conference (COP29) in Baku, the Ministry of Ecology of Uzbekistan and the Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI) signed two important documents: a five-year country planning program for 2024-2028 and a memorandum of understanding on a regional project for flood and drought risk management. These agreements reinforce Uzbekistan’s commitment to sustainable development and climate change mitigation.

The GGGI country planning program for 2024-2028 is a strategic roadmap developed in collaboration with the government of Uzbekistan. It outlines GGGI’s activities in the country over the next five years, aligns with the "Uzbekistan 2030" Strategy and the transition to a "green" economy strategy, focusing on climate-resilient agriculture, sustainable forestry, and the development of green infrastructure, drawing on the experience of the Aral Sea GRIP project funded by KOICA.

Additionally, Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan will launch a joint project on flood and drought risk management with a budget of US$10 million, supported by the Ministry of Environment of the Republic of Korea. The project, implemented in partnership with the Korea Export Promotion Association for Government Contractors (KEP) and the Asian Water Council (AWC), aims to introduce modern monitoring and early warning systems, enhance capacity, and standardize flood management methods considering climate change.

COP29 discussions highlighted opportunities for attracting green investments and accelerating Uzbekistan’s transition to a low-carbon economy. The event emphasized the importance of international cooperation and innovations in combating climate change and increasing resilience in Central Asia.

The Aral Sea GRIP project (2021-2024), funded by KOICA (US$5.9 million) and implemented by GGGI with support from the Ministry of Ecology of Uzbekistan, addresses the challenges caused by the drying up of the Aral Sea, exacerbated by climate change.

The project supports residents of the most affected areas of Karakalpakstan by introducing climate-resilient agricultural practices, including the planting of windbreaks, mobilizing green investments, and providing climate adaptation training.