❗️The Karasu Canal is polluted!

Reports have been received regarding the discharge of wastewater into the Karasu Canal, which flows in front of the Riverside residential complex at 3/3 Akhmad Yugnaki Street in the Mirzo Ulugbek district of Tashkent city. The wastewater is being discharged at night, unnoticed by residents.

According to our observers, the wastewater may be coming from a 24-hour car wash operating in the area. However, this information has not yet been officially confirmed.

Ignoring such situations, which negatively impact the environment, could lead to serious ecological problems in the future. We urge the Tashkent City Department of the Ministry of Ecology, Environmental Protection, and Climate Change to investigate this matter. We await a response from the authorities.

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The History of Waste Disposal

In ancient times, there were fewer people and industries on the planet, which naturally resulted in lower volumes of waste. The nature of waste was also different—mainly ceramics, ash, wood, and organic matter (food scraps, human excrement, and manure). It was the latter that caused the most inconvenience—it rotted, smelled, and attracted insects and rodents. Even the ancient Romans realized that human waste needed to be separated from living spaces.

The Roman Empire made attempts to organize waste management. Household waste was often disposed of in cesspools, the contents of which were removed from the city by specialized teams. These teams transported the waste either to farms or to designated “dumps.”

However, historical records also mention that waste was often simply thrown into the streets of the city. This created conditions in Rome similar to those in medieval cities: rotting waste, stench, unsanitary conditions, and disease outbreaks.

“Waste removal teams” were not a widespread practice. They were hired privately by wealthy citizens, meaning part of the waste was transported outside the city and stored in makeshift “landfills,” part was left on the streets, and part was burned. This led to the pollution of streets, rivers, and the air. Unfortunately, the collapse of ancient civilization, with its aqueducts and sewage systems, hindered the further development of waste management practices.
🌿 @mrservis

We Have a Crisis Again! We urgently need the maximum attention of the public because trust in representatives of state institutions is dwindling, though some hope still lingers.

At present, a scientific researcher from the Zarafshan National Nature Park, Alexandra Zaslavskaya, has been detained by the Jambay District Police Department (ROVD) and is being accused of fraud! She is being charged for raising charitable donations to care for wild animals—funds that were regularly provided by the Regional Department of Ecology for the rehabilitation center affiliated with the national park.

Many, including myself, personally know Alexandra Zaslavskaya. She is an exceptionally honest and principled individual who would give her last resources to save animals. She dedicates an enormous amount of time to solving ecological issues, conducts environmental education for children and teenagers, and has revitalized the national park since joining it. Thanks to her, environmental contests and quizzes for children, as well as campaigns to address environmental challenges, have become a regular occurrence. And now, Alexandra is being accused of actions for which people are typically rewarded. Sadly, it seems that only here such selflessness, enthusiasm, and love for nature are misunderstood and distorted.

It is worth noting that the rehabilitation center at the national park has existed since the time when it was still a reserve. However, no funds are currently allocated for its operations. Nonetheless, animals regularly arrive at the center from the Regional Department of Ecology—endangered birds of prey and mammals confiscated from private citizens. Some of them are later released into the wild with much publicity on social media, while others remain in the center as they cannot survive in the wild. All of these animals need to be treated, fed, and cared for. Unfortunately, no funds are provided for this—or, if they are, they never reach the center.

As a result, Alexandra often asked us, her friends, to help feed the animals and birds. To make this process simpler, we ourselves suggested transferring manageable sums to her personal account, confident that these funds would be used to protect biodiversity. Now, however, the park’s management has decided to retaliate and filed a complaint against Alexandra for saving animals.

I am well aware of the motives of the park’s administration. There is serious incriminating evidence against the park’s leadership, particularly its accounting department, and Alexandra has exposed this corruption in her pursuit of justice. In retaliation, they are now threatening her with legal action, despite the fact that it is her rights that are being grossly violated.

Alexandra is a single mother of two minor children, one of whom has a disability. She has never complained about her circumstances but instead actively participates in charitable activities, including planting trees in Agalyk with us.

We cannot allow injustice and lawlessness to prevail against Alexandra Zaslavskaya!

— Anastasia Pavlenko

P.S. The team at ekolog.uz knows Alexandra Zaslavskaya well. She is a dedicated and compassionate advocate for nature. At the beginning of 2024, when I visited the Zarafshan National Nature Park, I learned that the animals and birds in the rehabilitation center are mainly cared for through donations. Alexandra not only collected donations through her personal card but also spent half of her salary on these animals and birds.

In reality, the Ministry of Ecology should bear full responsibility for the center’s upkeep. Are funds allocated for the center’s operations? If so, where are they? If the administration of the National Nature Park has initiated actions to oust such a diligent and dedicated employee as Alexandra Zaslavskaya, it indicates serious underlying issues.

The accusations against Zaslavskaya are baseless and slanderous—I am convinced of this. We demand justice for her. If the park had more employees like Alexandra, who prioritize the protection of animals, birds, and trees, it would not lose parts of its unique flora and fauna year after year.

— Nargis Kosimova, Environmental Journalist

Illegal Wildlife Trade in Uzbekistan: Challenges and Solutions

Nature and wildlife are integral components of the ecosystem. Their conservation and protection are crucial not only for maintaining ecological balance but also for ensuring the healthy transfer of natural resources to future generations. However, the number of individuals and social media platforms involved in the illegal trade of wild animals and birds in Uzbekistan is growing.

Channels involved:
• https://www.tgoop.com/ovchiqushlarrr
• https://www.tgoop.com/Ruchnoy_qushlarN1
• https://www.tgoop.com/quwlardunyosi
• https://www.tgoop.com/NAMANGAN_qushlari
• https://www.tgoop.com/RuchnoypapugayN1

Consequences of Illegal Wildlife Trade
1. Ecosystem Damage: Removing wild animals from their natural habitats drastically reduces their populations and disrupts ecosystems.
2. Legal Violations: Wildlife trade often violates the laws of the Republic of Uzbekistan.
3. Animal Cruelty: During illegal transportation, animals are kept in unsuitable conditions, leading to high mortality rates.

The Need for Oversight by the Ministry of Ecology

The Ministry of Ecology, Environmental Protection, and Climate Change must play an active role in combating the illegal wildlife trade. The following measures can help address this issue:
1. Social Media Monitoring: Regularly monitor and block channels engaged in illegal trade on platforms such as Telegram and Instagram.
2. Increased Accountability: Strengthen legislation and impose stricter penalties on individuals involved in illegal trading.
3. Public Awareness: Educate the population about the environmental and legal consequences of illegal wildlife trade.

This is our nature, and no one should capture, kill, or sell animals, birds, and plants that are the nation’s heritage.

Call to Action

Fighting illegal wildlife trade should be the responsibility of not only government organizations but also every citizen. Anyone who witnesses or becomes aware of illegal trading must report it to the relevant authorities immediately.

Nature is our shared home, and protecting it is the duty of each of us. Illegal wildlife trade harms not only the animals but also leads to the loss of Uzbekistan’s natural resources. With active participation from the Ministry of Ecology and public support, this issue can be effectively addressed.

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Climate Risk Assessment in Central Asia

GIZ
Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan
December 2024


Tashkent hosted a workshop titled “Climate Risk Assessment in Central Asia.” The workshop aimed to review and align the results of climate risk assessments and proposed adaptation measures with local and regional stakeholder priorities.

Participants examined climate risks and vulnerabilities and provided feedback on the Climate Risk Assessment (CRA) findings, particularly regarding identified risks, vulnerabilities, and adaptive capacities in selected transboundary river basins. They also discussed and prioritized adaptation measures that are technically and economically viable, socially acceptable, and environmentally sustainable.

The workshop emphasized fostering local ownership and participation among authorities and communities involved in water and environmental management. Additionally, it promoted collaborative transboundary climate risk management by facilitating dialogue between countries to support priority adaptation strategies, ultimately contributing to regional stability.

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Night guard killed by lions in a private zoo in Parkent

In a tragic incident at the private Lion Park zoo in the Parkent district of Tashkent region, three African lions escaped from unlocked enclosures and attacked the night guard, resulting in his death. Two of the lions were later returned to their cages, while the third had to be shot. Investigations and forensic examinations are underway.

The incident occurred on December 17 at around 5:00 AM in the Lion Park zoo, owned by LLC Wild Life, located in the “Faiziobod” mahalla (Krasnogorsk) in the Parkent district. The news was confirmed by Hayot Shamsutdinov, the press secretary of the Prosecutor General’s Office of Uzbekistan, to Gazeta.uz.

The lions escaped their enclosure due to an unlocked cage door and attacked the 44-year-old guard as he attempted to return them to the enclosure. Tragically, he was mauled to death.

The incident was discovered by zoo staff at around 9:00 AM. Two of the lions were returned to their enclosures using tranquilizers, but the third lion had to be shot by a local hunter.

By 10:00 AM, a response team from the district police department, the district prosecutor, investigators, regional ecology officers, and a special armed unit arrived at the scene. The area was inspected, and medical and DNA forensic examinations were ordered.

Additionally, all predatory animals in the zoo were checked, and it was confirmed that they were secure in their enclosures.

Lion Park, managed by Akmal Tashkentboev and founded by Bobir Narzullaev, was registered in 2019 in the Parkent district. The zoo spans 0.96 hectares and employs five staff members.

According to the Prosecutor General’s Office, the zoo operates under a permit issued by the State Committee for Nature Protection in 2019 and a perpetual license granted by the Ministry of Ecology, Environmental Protection, and Climate Change in November 2024.

The zoo houses 1 brown bear, 1 golden eagle, 1 jackal, 10 adult African lions, 5 lion cubs, as well as other non-predatory mammals and birds.

At present, an investigative-operational team from the Parkent district prosecutor’s office, experts from the Ministry of Ecology, and specialists from the Tashkent Zoo are conducting the necessary investigations and inspections.

Source

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Bukhara deer and a jungle cat in the frame of a camera trap

Bukhara deer and a junglr cat (Chaus) were caught in the frame of a camera trap installed on the territory of the Lower-Amudarya State Biosphere Reserve under the Ministry of Ecology, Environmental Protection, and Climate Change.

For information: The Lower-Amudarya State Biosphere Reserve was established on August 26, 2011. It is located on the territory of the Beruniysky and Amudarya districts of the Republic of Karakalpakstan and is a habitat for 36 species of animals, 4 of which are rare. The number of reed cats on the site is 8-10.

Bukhara deer were first brought to the reserve from the Republic of Tajikistan in 1976. There are 21 individuals in total: 3 in 1976, 9 in 1978, and 9 in 1987. In 2024, according to the results of the spring account, 1,566 Bukhara deer were recorded in the reserve. Currently, the reserve is the territory where the world's largest population of Bukhara deer is kept.

The Bukhara deer is listed in the Red Book of Uzbekistan as an endangered, locally widespread subspecies.

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A Clean Plate – The Key to Our Health!

We’re launching the “Clean Plate” campaign! The true goal of “Clean Plate” is to promote proper and moderate eating habits without overindulging in food.

Source

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