Strategic environmental assessment in Uzbekistan: current trends, challenges and future prospects

Shovkat Kholdorov ^a*, Zafarjon Jabbarov ^a, Catalina Garcia ^b, Bakhrom Jobborov ^a, Nuriddin Samatov ^c

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^a National University of Uzbekistan named after Mirzo Ulugbek, Almazor district, University street, 4, Tashkent , 100174, Uzbekistan
^b Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI), Uzbekistan Office, Chilanzar District, Bunyodkor Avenue, 7a, Tashkent, 100043, Uzbekistan
^с Research Institute of Environment and Nature Conservation Technologies, Chilanzar District, Bunyodkor Avenue, 7a, Tashkent, 100043, Uzbekistan

Email: sh.m.xoldorov@gmail.com

Zafarjon Jabbarov: zafarjonjabbarov@gmail.com; Catalina Garcia: catalina.garcia@gggi.org; Bakhrom Jobborov: jobborov.bahrom@gmail.com; Nuriddin Samatov: nuriddin.samatov@ecoilm.uz

https://doi.org/10.29258/CAJSCR/2024-R1.v3-2/45-62.eng

December 25, 2024

Abstract

This study has examined Uzbekistan’s environmental assessment framework, focusing on the challenges impeding Strategic Environmental Assessment implementation, as well as how international practices and pilot initiatives can guide the establishment of a robust and sus-tainable domestic SEA system. Through the analysis of legal documents, reports and pilot action outputs, the study has identified deficiencies in decision making and inconsistent mainstreaming of ecological matters into strategic planning. Thus, the major challenges include limited SEA awareness, insufficient baseline data, and weak legal and regulatory setting. Pilot projects, such as the Charvak Free Tourist Zone SEA, had revealed tangible concerns, including difficulties in engaging local stakeholders, data gaps, and unclear inter-agency roles. While these do represent significant obstacles, they also offer valuable lessons learnt for forging a comprehensive SEA scheme. Although the absence of a strong legal basis remains a critical limitation, there exist opportunities to enhance coordination, oversight, and stakeholder inclusivity. Uzbekistan can build on international SEA trends associated with public engagement and climate risk evaluation, while also learning from regional and cross-border actions. Collaborations across Central Asia, particularly in managing shared water and biodiversity resources, render additional opportunities for harmonizing environmental governance. The key priorities include the adoption of SEA legislation, capacity building through training and awareness programs, and the establishment of national networking and information exchange mechanisms. These steps are vital for fostering sustaina-ble development, preserving natural resources, and building public trust in ecological governance. The study findings furnish actionable insights for policymakers and practitioners in Uzbekistan and other nations facing similar environmental assessment challenges.

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For citation: Kholdorov, Sh., Jabbarov, Z., Garcia, C., Jobborov, B., & Samatov, N. (2024). Strategic environmental assessment in Uzbekistan: Current trends, challenges, and future prospects. Central Asian Journal of Sustainability and Climate Research, 3(2), 45–62. https://doi.org/10.29258/CAJSCR/2024-R1.v3-2/45-62.eng

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