Uzbekistan–China Cooperation: environment, science and green transformation
In recent years, the strategic partnership between the Republic of Uzbekistan and the People’s Republic of China has reached a new level, especially in key areas such as environmental protection, climate change mitigation, environmental education, and sustainable tourism. The visit of the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan, Shavkat Mirziyoyev, to China on January 23–25, 2024, marked an important milestone in deepening bilateral environmental dialogue. One of its key outcomes was signing an intergovernmental agreement on cooperation in environmental protection, which laid a solid foundation for large-scale collaboration.
Environmental cooperation between Uzbekistan and China is developing at both the intergovernmental and interagency levels. In recent years, representatives of the environmental authorities of both countries have taken part in many forums, conferences, and training sessions, sharing experiences in combating environmental pollution, preserving biodiversity and adapting to climate change.
Cooperation with the Xinjiang Institute of Ecology and Geography (XIEG) of the Chinese Academy of Sciences is important. Since 2019, the International Innovation Center for the Aral Sea Basin (IICAS) and this institute have been cooperating under a memorandum of scientific partnership. This cooperation established a joint laboratory for soil, water, and vegetation research, equipped with $127,000 worth of modern technology provided by China. This laboratory is already operational and contributes to the study of the Aral Sea region—one area most affected by environmental crises in Central Asia.
An important area of cooperation with China is developing clean energy and efficient waste management. In May 2024, the Ministry of Ecology, Environmental Protection and Climate Change of the Republic of Uzbekistan and China CAMC Engineering signed a memorandum to interpret a waste-to-energy plant. Three Resolutions of the President (#RP-116, #RP-117, #RP-118) were subsequently adopted to facilitate the implementation of the investment project for electricity generation through the incineration of solid household refuse in six regions of the country.
These projects, implemented with participating Chinese companies—China CAMC Engineering, Shanghai SUS Environment, and China Everbright International Limited—envision construing six plants with a total investment of $933 million. These Chinese companies signed agreements for waste supply, investment partnerships, and power purchase contracts with "Uzenergosotish" JSC.
A key element of the environmental partnership is developing scientific and educational potential. The Central Asian University of Environmental and Climate Change Studies (Green University) is building ties with leading Chinese universities and research institutions. In January 2024, the university took part in the First Uzbek–Chinese Education Forum in Beijing and signed memorandums with the Beijing Institute of Technology, Tianjin Foreign Studies University, and Beijing City University.
In May 2025, the Ministry of Ecology of Uzbekistan and XIEG signed a Memorandum of Understanding to establish the Central Asian Research Center for Ecology and Environment (Tashkent Headquarters) at Green University. The center will coordinate scientific research, implement innovations, and train professionals in sustainable development and the green economy in Central Asia.
Negotiations are also underway to establish a branch of XIEG in Uzbekistan. The agreement includes student internships, summer schools, the introduction of IT solutions in the environmental sector, and joint projects to combat desertification and land degradation.
China’s experience in greening and sustainable forestry is particularly relevant for Uzbekistan, which is implementing the large-scale “Yashil Makon” (“Green Space”) initiative. Uzbek delegations have studied greening clusters in China, including vertical greening projects in residential areas. Plant specimens such as Broussonetia and red-leaf maple are already undergoing adaptation in the Jizzakh State Forestry Enterprise.
Cooperation also continues through the Forestry Agency of Uzbekistan, which, together with XIEG, is implementing projects to establish halophyte gardens and mountainous green areas. Visits by Chinese specialists and joint expeditions, including the study of the dried-up Aral Sea bed, are deepening scientific knowledge and generating practical solutions for the sustainable development of arid regions.
Further development of Uzbekistan–China cooperation envisions the implementation of several new initiatives:
Studying China’s “Three-North Shelterbelt Program” (“Green Great Wall”) to apply its principles within the “Yashil Makon” initiative;
Cooperating on carbon neutrality and the transition to a green economy;
Conducting joint research to reduce industrial emissions and monitor air, water, and soil quality;
Enhancing cooperation between universities and research institutions of the two countries;
Promoting halophyte cultivation to restore degraded lands.
Uzbekistan–China cooperation in ecology and sustainable development is not only an exchange of knowledge, technology, and investment but also a significant contribution to shaping a greener future for the entire Central Asian region. Establishing “Green University”, the launch of joint laboratories, developing environmental infrastructure, and scientific exchange lay a strong foundation for a long-term partnership aimed at ensuring environmental security, economic resilience, and the well-being of future generations.
