On January 24-25, the Forestry Agency under the Ministry of Ecology, Environmental Protection and Climate Change is holding a practical seminar dedicated to the development of forestry, discussion of the work done and future plans in connection with 2025 - the "Year of Environmental Protection and "Green" Economy".

The seminar, which is being held in the Bostanlyk district of the Tashkent region, is attended by the Minister of Ecology Aziz Abduhakimov, Director of the Forestry Agency Erkin Muhitdinov, heads of 79 territorial forestry enterprises operating in the Republic of Karakalpakstan and the regions, as well as representatives of the World Bank, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), KOICA and Suppro Ltd., expert scientists and media representatives.

Speaking at the opening ceremony of the seminar, Minister of Ecology Aziz Abdukhakimov noted that a number of positive changes are taking place in the field of forest conservation at the initiative of the President.

“In recent years, the head of our state has strengthened control over the felling of trees, increased responsibility for this, and a moratorium has been declared. Our compatriots understand that you can’t just cut down a tree, this is prohibited by law and strict responsibility is established,” the minister said.

A. Abdukhakimov also took a critical and analytical approach to the activities of forestry, noting that some shortcomings and violations remain in the sector, and their elimination is a priority task.

“Today, land degradation, loss of forests, and desertification have become the most global environmental problem in the world. This problem has a particularly negative impact on the Central Asian region. The only solution is to preserve and increase forests. Therefore, we must put an end to all types of violations in all forestry enterprises. If we do not eliminate the cases of felling trees today and fail to preserve forests, this will inevitably lead to tragic situations in the future. Moreover, future generations will not forgive us,” the minister said.

The minister also spoke with the heads of forestry enterprises and listened to their opinions and suggestions. The use of modern technologies in the sector, tree planting and care for seedlings, and effective management of forestry were discussed.

“This is the first time that a seminar of this level is being held for foresters. Industry workers are exchanging ideas, jointly seeking solutions to problems and shortcomings, and experts and scientists are making their suggestions. That is, this seminar provides an opportunity to exchange ideas and experiences, restore lost contacts and common ground among industry workers. In addition, we are setting goals for expanding forest areas in 2025 that are equally beneficial for all of us. This seminar gave us a great impetus,” said Rustam Ochilov, Director of the Bukhara State Forestry Agency.

During the seminar, Zinoviy Novitsky, Head of the Laboratory of the Research Institute of Forestry, Doctor of Agricultural Sciences, made presentations on the development of forests in the Oryol region, and Ahmed Yalvach, an international expert from Turkey, made presentations on Turkey's experience in reforestation.

The seminar is ongoing.