Uzbekistan to develop a National strategy for the management of hazardous chemical waste
Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.uz ) -- On December 26, the Ministry of Ecology, Environmental Protection and Climate Change of the Republic of Uzbekistan signed a grant agreement for the implementation of the project "Reliable management of hazardous chemicals".
The trilateral document was signed by Deputy Minister of Ecology, Environmental Protection and Climate Change Zhusipbek Kazbekov, Ambassador of the European Union (EU) to Uzbekistan Charlotte Adrian and Deputy Representative of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) in Uzbekistan Sherzod Umarov.
"This project is part of a large program to support the transition to a green economy, for which more than 10 million euros have been allocated. The cost of the project itself is almost 4 million euros. The idea is to expand the capabilities of the Ministry of Ecology in this area, as well as to improve coordination in the field of hazardous chemical waste," said Charlotte Adrian. "There is a need and desire in Uzbekistan to improve work in this area. This potential is linked to several UN Conventions. By doing so, the country has demonstrated its will to move forward towards a "green" transition and growth. Therefore, we are ready and happy to support this aspiration," the Ambassador of the European Union added.
The project will be implemented by the Ministry of Ecology together with FAO with EU financial support in the period from 2023 to 2027. As a result of its completion, it is expected to increase the country's institutional capacity in the field of rational management of hazardous chemicals, which will allow for the formation of a better database on hazardous waste. It will also make it possible to develop a National Waste Management Strategy and proceed to the phased creation of hazardous waste recycling facilities with appropriate standards.
"This topic is very relevant for Uzbekistan, because agriculture accounts for 27% of the country's GDP and in order to have good yields, Uzbekistan is actively engaged in the moderate use of chemicals, pesticides and the cultivation of agricultural products. The main goal of the project is to develop skills in this area of the Ministry of Ecology, the Ministry of Agriculture, farmers and other stakeholders. And, of course, the implementation of the project is the fulfillment of the obligations of the 4 UN conventions," said Sherzod Umarov.
It is important to note that the project will contribute to the expansion of the promotion of sustainable methods in agriculture, which will reduce the risks from the use of pesticides for farmers and consumers. Much attention will be paid to raising awareness among institutions and the general public about the risks associated with the use of hazardous chemicals.
"The project is aimed at improving the management of hazardous chemical waste and its effective use. Within its framework, the necessary measures will be implemented to reduce the use of hazardous substances in agriculture and switch to substances less harmful to soil resources. At the same time, it provides for the development of a National Strategy for the management of hazardous chemical waste," said Anvar Tursunaliev, a representative of the Ministry of Ecology.
For information: It is planned that the implementation of the joint project will improve the effectiveness of mechanisms and tools for managing harmful chemicals and related waste, as well as reduce the use of dangerous pesticides in agriculture, including the introduction and promotion of alternative methods in agriculture involving the replacement of pesticides and reducing their use. Special attention will be paid to raising farmers' awareness of the need to reduce the use of pesticides. At the same time, the project will make it possible to understand the scale of existing problems associated with the use of harmful chemicals, including the volumes of obsolete pesticides that have caused soil pollution.