THE ROLE OF PUBLIC ENVIRONMENTAL ORGANIZATIONS IN ADDRESSING THE ISSUES OF NATURAL RESOURCE MANAGEMENT AND ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION IN THE ARAL SEA REGION
On December 17, an informational meeting was held with members of the territorial branch of the National Association of NGOs of Uzbekistan in the Republic of Karakalpakstan. The event took place within the framework of a joint project implemented by the Ministry of Ecology, Environmental Protection, and Climate Change of the Republic of Uzbekistan, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), and the Global Environment Facility (GEF). The project, titled “Conservation and Management of Lakes, Wetlands, and Coastal Corridors as a Foundation for a Sustainable, Land Degradation-Neutral Landscape in the Aral Sea Basin Supporting Sustainable Livelihoods” (Aral Wetlands), aims to improve ecosystem stability and livelihoods in the basins of the Lower Amu Darya and the Aral Sea. This is achieved by preventing soil degradation and integrating land and water resource management in productive landscapes around protected areas, key biodiversity areas, and key ornithological territories.
Public environmental organizations, whose mission is to protect the environment, play and should continue to play a significant role in addressing these issues. In the Aral Sea region, approximately 30 environmental public organizations with diverse activities are actively and successfully operating.
The role of public environmental organizations is primarily manifested in drawing public attention to pressing issues and shaping environmental awareness. Public engagement in addressing socio-environmental problems directly depends not only on the population’s level of environmental culture but also on factors such as the existence of legislation enabling participation in socially significant decision-making, awareness of the environmental state, and the interaction between public environmental organizations and the population.
The informational meeting, held in a hybrid format (with online participation options), brought together leaders of public organizations from the Republic of Karakalpakstan and Khorezm region, staff of relevant governmental agencies and universities, as well as representatives (staff and experts) of the Aral Wetlands project and the media. During the event, project staff and experts presented the achievements of the project and emphasized the importance of sustainable management of natural resources, including the governance of protected areas.
The awareness-raising component includes special events in each target district to initially increase understanding of land degradation neutrality (LDN) and the importance of incorporating biodiversity conservation considerations into agricultural practices to sustain local income sources. Within this framework, 20 informational and educational events are planned across the NABAM landscape regions (Bukhara, Khorezm, and Karakalpakstan). These events target farmers, shepherds, community members, educational and advisory service representatives, and local authorities to disseminate and replicate project experiences across various themes.
☘️ For the latest environmental news, follow @ekologuzenglish. Share your suggestions and feedback via @eklguz_bot!
On December 17, an informational meeting was held with members of the territorial branch of the National Association of NGOs of Uzbekistan in the Republic of Karakalpakstan. The event took place within the framework of a joint project implemented by the Ministry of Ecology, Environmental Protection, and Climate Change of the Republic of Uzbekistan, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), and the Global Environment Facility (GEF). The project, titled “Conservation and Management of Lakes, Wetlands, and Coastal Corridors as a Foundation for a Sustainable, Land Degradation-Neutral Landscape in the Aral Sea Basin Supporting Sustainable Livelihoods” (Aral Wetlands), aims to improve ecosystem stability and livelihoods in the basins of the Lower Amu Darya and the Aral Sea. This is achieved by preventing soil degradation and integrating land and water resource management in productive landscapes around protected areas, key biodiversity areas, and key ornithological territories.
Public environmental organizations, whose mission is to protect the environment, play and should continue to play a significant role in addressing these issues. In the Aral Sea region, approximately 30 environmental public organizations with diverse activities are actively and successfully operating.
The role of public environmental organizations is primarily manifested in drawing public attention to pressing issues and shaping environmental awareness. Public engagement in addressing socio-environmental problems directly depends not only on the population’s level of environmental culture but also on factors such as the existence of legislation enabling participation in socially significant decision-making, awareness of the environmental state, and the interaction between public environmental organizations and the population.
The informational meeting, held in a hybrid format (with online participation options), brought together leaders of public organizations from the Republic of Karakalpakstan and Khorezm region, staff of relevant governmental agencies and universities, as well as representatives (staff and experts) of the Aral Wetlands project and the media. During the event, project staff and experts presented the achievements of the project and emphasized the importance of sustainable management of natural resources, including the governance of protected areas.
The awareness-raising component includes special events in each target district to initially increase understanding of land degradation neutrality (LDN) and the importance of incorporating biodiversity conservation considerations into agricultural practices to sustain local income sources. Within this framework, 20 informational and educational events are planned across the NABAM landscape regions (Bukhara, Khorezm, and Karakalpakstan). These events target farmers, shepherds, community members, educational and advisory service representatives, and local authorities to disseminate and replicate project experiences across various themes.
☘️ For the latest environmental news, follow @ekologuzenglish. Share your suggestions and feedback via @eklguz_bot!
A draft law aimed at strengthening payment discipline in the waste management sector has been adopted
At a recent session of the Legislative Chamber of the Oliy Majlis, the draft law “On Amendments and Additions to Certain Legislative Acts of the Republic of Uzbekistan Aimed at Strengthening Payment Discipline in the Sphere of Waste Collection and Disposal Services” was reviewed and adopted in its first reading.
Background Information: The draft law, developed by the Ministry of Environmental Protection and Climate Change to enhance payment discipline for household waste collection and disposal services, seeks to implement Clause 4 of the Presidential Decree of the Republic of Uzbekistan No. UP-4, titled “On Measures to Improve the Waste Management System and Reduce Its Negative Impact on the Environment.”
In accordance with the draft, amendments will be introduced into the laws “On Consumer Protection,” “On Competition,” and “On Electricity,” providing mechanisms to collect waste disposal fees together with electricity payments.
Specifically:
• The law “On Consumer Protection” introduces the practice of temporarily restricting the acceptance of electricity payments in cases of non-payment for waste collection and disposal services.
• According to the law “On Electricity,” sanitation companies, in cooperation with electricity suppliers, will notify subscribers via SMS about outstanding debts for monthly waste disposal services and electricity usage, as well as the necessity to pay these dues on time. If the debt remains unpaid after notifying the consumer, temporary restrictions on accepting electricity payments will be imposed until the debt is settled.
Current Challenges: Currently, there are numerous instances of delays or non-payment by the population for waste collection and disposal services, resulting in an annual increase in accounts receivable, which now amounts to 615.6 billion UZS. Under the new regulations, if citizens fail to clear their debt for sanitation services even after receiving a special warning, they will be unable to pay for electricity until the outstanding balance is settled.
Phased Implementation Timeline (Presidential Decree No. UP-5, January 4, 2024):
1. Phase 1: From January 1, 2024 – Implementation in Tashkent, Nukus, and regional administrative centers for debts exceeding six months.
2. Phase 2: From August 1, 2024 – Extension to all regions of the republic for debts exceeding three months.
3. Phase 3: From January 1, 2025 – Enforcement for any monthly debt.
Additional Provisions: The law mandates the integration of GPS-equipped vehicles of sanitation enterprises into the “Toza Makon-Billing” platform. Payments by residents of a given area will only be accounted for if the system uploads GPS-based photographs proving that sanitation vehicles entered the relevant territory and performed the cleaning services. For instance, if the sanitation schedule stipulates eight visits per month, payments will be calculated based on the actual number of completed visits. If visits are not made as per the schedule, and no photographic evidence of entry and cleaning is uploaded, the system will not calculate payments.
The main objective of the law is to ensure fairness and consistency in the payment for sanitation services provided to the population. Additionally, it aims to improve payment discipline and implement a mechanism for mandatory collection of household waste fees along with electricity bills.
☘️ @ekologuzenglish
At a recent session of the Legislative Chamber of the Oliy Majlis, the draft law “On Amendments and Additions to Certain Legislative Acts of the Republic of Uzbekistan Aimed at Strengthening Payment Discipline in the Sphere of Waste Collection and Disposal Services” was reviewed and adopted in its first reading.
Background Information: The draft law, developed by the Ministry of Environmental Protection and Climate Change to enhance payment discipline for household waste collection and disposal services, seeks to implement Clause 4 of the Presidential Decree of the Republic of Uzbekistan No. UP-4, titled “On Measures to Improve the Waste Management System and Reduce Its Negative Impact on the Environment.”
In accordance with the draft, amendments will be introduced into the laws “On Consumer Protection,” “On Competition,” and “On Electricity,” providing mechanisms to collect waste disposal fees together with electricity payments.
Specifically:
• The law “On Consumer Protection” introduces the practice of temporarily restricting the acceptance of electricity payments in cases of non-payment for waste collection and disposal services.
• According to the law “On Electricity,” sanitation companies, in cooperation with electricity suppliers, will notify subscribers via SMS about outstanding debts for monthly waste disposal services and electricity usage, as well as the necessity to pay these dues on time. If the debt remains unpaid after notifying the consumer, temporary restrictions on accepting electricity payments will be imposed until the debt is settled.
Current Challenges: Currently, there are numerous instances of delays or non-payment by the population for waste collection and disposal services, resulting in an annual increase in accounts receivable, which now amounts to 615.6 billion UZS. Under the new regulations, if citizens fail to clear their debt for sanitation services even after receiving a special warning, they will be unable to pay for electricity until the outstanding balance is settled.
Phased Implementation Timeline (Presidential Decree No. UP-5, January 4, 2024):
1. Phase 1: From January 1, 2024 – Implementation in Tashkent, Nukus, and regional administrative centers for debts exceeding six months.
2. Phase 2: From August 1, 2024 – Extension to all regions of the republic for debts exceeding three months.
3. Phase 3: From January 1, 2025 – Enforcement for any monthly debt.
Additional Provisions: The law mandates the integration of GPS-equipped vehicles of sanitation enterprises into the “Toza Makon-Billing” platform. Payments by residents of a given area will only be accounted for if the system uploads GPS-based photographs proving that sanitation vehicles entered the relevant territory and performed the cleaning services. For instance, if the sanitation schedule stipulates eight visits per month, payments will be calculated based on the actual number of completed visits. If visits are not made as per the schedule, and no photographic evidence of entry and cleaning is uploaded, the system will not calculate payments.
The main objective of the law is to ensure fairness and consistency in the payment for sanitation services provided to the population. Additionally, it aims to improve payment discipline and implement a mechanism for mandatory collection of household waste fees along with electricity bills.
☘️ @ekologuzenglish
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Saigas in Aralkum
A group of saigas got into the camera trap of the "Aralkum" National Natural Park under the Ministry of Ecology, Environmental Protection, and Climate Change.
The "Aralkum" National Nature Park was established on March 4, 2022, on the territory of the Muynak district of the Republic of Karakalpakstan. There are 25 species of animals, 4 of which are listed in the Red Book of Uzbekistan.
Saiga is the most widespread species in the Aral Sea and is listed in the Red Book of Uzbekistan, the IUCN Red List, and Appendix II of CITES as an endangered species.
Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan have signed a Memorandum of Understanding on the conservation, restoration, and sustainable use of saiga and an intergovernmental agreement on the conservation and breeding of saiga.
In addition, measures are being taken to strengthen the fight against poaching, improve territorial protection, reduce the impact of border barriers and the oil and gas sector, improve road transport infrastructure, and increase cross-border cooperation, as well as strengthen the information campaign aimed at preserving the saiga. ☘️ @ekologuzenglish
A group of saigas got into the camera trap of the "Aralkum" National Natural Park under the Ministry of Ecology, Environmental Protection, and Climate Change.
The "Aralkum" National Nature Park was established on March 4, 2022, on the territory of the Muynak district of the Republic of Karakalpakstan. There are 25 species of animals, 4 of which are listed in the Red Book of Uzbekistan.
Saiga is the most widespread species in the Aral Sea and is listed in the Red Book of Uzbekistan, the IUCN Red List, and Appendix II of CITES as an endangered species.
Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan have signed a Memorandum of Understanding on the conservation, restoration, and sustainable use of saiga and an intergovernmental agreement on the conservation and breeding of saiga.
In addition, measures are being taken to strengthen the fight against poaching, improve territorial protection, reduce the impact of border barriers and the oil and gas sector, improve road transport infrastructure, and increase cross-border cooperation, as well as strengthen the information campaign aimed at preserving the saiga. ☘️ @ekologuzenglish
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PEOPLE, PLEASE HELP!
They are all rescued from the streets 😭
Most of them are still outside in this freezing cold.
Every day, I pray not to witness death 🙏😭
Many of them were simply abandoned. I’ve done my best to insulate their shelters 😔.
It’s extremely hard to provide food—cold weather increases their appetite. My home is full of tails, and many are sick 😔.
Donation details:
Card number: 9860 0824 6453 5192 (Nevzorova Marina)
Reports and videos can be found in the group:
https://www.tgoop.com/Kotodom_Ekaterina
Please help! Even small contributions can add up to make a difference for these little ones.
☘️ Read the latest environmental news on @ekologuzenglish. Subscribe to us and share your suggestions or feedback via @eklguz_bot!
They are all rescued from the streets 😭
Most of them are still outside in this freezing cold.
Every day, I pray not to witness death 🙏😭
Many of them were simply abandoned. I’ve done my best to insulate their shelters 😔.
It’s extremely hard to provide food—cold weather increases their appetite. My home is full of tails, and many are sick 😔.
Donation details:
Card number: 9860 0824 6453 5192 (Nevzorova Marina)
Reports and videos can be found in the group:
https://www.tgoop.com/Kotodom_Ekaterina
Please help! Even small contributions can add up to make a difference for these little ones.
☘️ Read the latest environmental news on @ekologuzenglish. Subscribe to us and share your suggestions or feedback via @eklguz_bot!
The problem of environmental pollution in the cherry orchard of the Kibrai district
In the cherry orchard located in the Khojagorgan neighborhood of the Kibrai district, Tashkent region, environmental pollution is observed at night due to the burning of old car tires.
Local residents complain about difficulties sleeping because of the sharp odor emanating from the orchard during the night. This situation not only creates environmental problems but also negatively affects public health.
Community representatives state that the burning of car tires releases harmful substances into the air, leading to breathing difficulties and other health issues. It is crucial for environmental control authorities to focus on resolving this issue and supporting the local population.
We await an official response from the relevant authorities regarding this matter.
☘️ Stay updated on the latest environmental news at @ekologuzenglish. Follow us and share your suggestions and feedback via @eklguz_bot!
In the cherry orchard located in the Khojagorgan neighborhood of the Kibrai district, Tashkent region, environmental pollution is observed at night due to the burning of old car tires.
Local residents complain about difficulties sleeping because of the sharp odor emanating from the orchard during the night. This situation not only creates environmental problems but also negatively affects public health.
Community representatives state that the burning of car tires releases harmful substances into the air, leading to breathing difficulties and other health issues. It is crucial for environmental control authorities to focus on resolving this issue and supporting the local population.
We await an official response from the relevant authorities regarding this matter.
☘️ Stay updated on the latest environmental news at @ekologuzenglish. Follow us and share your suggestions and feedback via @eklguz_bot!
Helping homeless dogs and puppies: a charity campaign in Tashkent
A video of an Uzbek citizen helping a homeless mother dog and her puppies has sparked widespread discussions on Instagram. The video showcased the compassion and care shown toward animals, earning positive feedback from the public.
The press secretary of the public organization “Ekolog” reached out to Omadjon Khodjaev, a resident of Sergeli district in Tashkent. He shared that he has been caring for the homeless dog and her 10 puppies, feeding them regularly. The stray dog gave birth to her puppies on the ground behind the Fratello furniture store, located near the Abu-Sakhi market in the Chilanzar district of Tashkent.
Omadjon Khodjaev commented on his actions:
“I regularly feed the dog and her puppies. Many people, both acquaintances and strangers, ask for my card number to provide financial help. I don’t accept money. If someone wants to help, they should help other homeless dogs in their neighborhood or region.”
As winter approaches, homeless animals face even greater challenges in the cold weather. The dog and her puppies are unlikely to survive the winter unless they are taken to a shelter or someone’s yard. We hope kind-hearted individuals will offer them a safe haven.
📍Address
☘️ Stay updated on the latest environmental news at @ekologuzenglish. Follow us and share your suggestions and feedback via @eklguz_bot!
A video of an Uzbek citizen helping a homeless mother dog and her puppies has sparked widespread discussions on Instagram. The video showcased the compassion and care shown toward animals, earning positive feedback from the public.
The press secretary of the public organization “Ekolog” reached out to Omadjon Khodjaev, a resident of Sergeli district in Tashkent. He shared that he has been caring for the homeless dog and her 10 puppies, feeding them regularly. The stray dog gave birth to her puppies on the ground behind the Fratello furniture store, located near the Abu-Sakhi market in the Chilanzar district of Tashkent.
Omadjon Khodjaev commented on his actions:
“I regularly feed the dog and her puppies. Many people, both acquaintances and strangers, ask for my card number to provide financial help. I don’t accept money. If someone wants to help, they should help other homeless dogs in their neighborhood or region.”
As winter approaches, homeless animals face even greater challenges in the cold weather. The dog and her puppies are unlikely to survive the winter unless they are taken to a shelter or someone’s yard. We hope kind-hearted individuals will offer them a safe haven.
📍Address
☘️ Stay updated on the latest environmental news at @ekologuzenglish. Follow us and share your suggestions and feedback via @eklguz_bot!