Tashkent, Uzbekistan, 2025 — The Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI) Uzbekistan contributed to the development of Uzbekistan’s new Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) law, which will enter into force on August 25, 2025. 

GGGI Uzbekistan supported the State Ecological Expertise Center in drafting the law, providing technical inputs and recommendations based on lessons learned through the “Support for the Realization of a Pilot Strategic Environmental Assessment” project (Pilot SEA Project). This initiative was funded by Agence Française de Développement (AFD) and implemented with the support of the Ministry of Ecology, Environmental Protection and Climate Change of the Republic of Uzbekistan (MEEPCC). 

The project was carried out in close cooperation with the State Ecological Expertise Center under MEEPCC, the national body responsible for conducting SEAs in Uzbekistan. 

“The State Ecological Expertise Center expresses its gratitude to the Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI) for the cooperation established within the framework of the Pilot SEA project, including the organization of training seminars and workshops, consultations in the field, as well as cooperation during the development of the new draft of the new ‘On environmental expertise, environmental impact assessment, and Strategic Environmental Assessment’ law,” stated Mr. Timurlan Aymuratov, First Deputy Director General of the State Ecological Expertise Center, in an official letter of appreciation to GGGI Uzbekistan. 

The Law of the Republic of Uzbekistan No. 1036 “On Environmental Expertise, Environmental Impact Assessment and Strategic Environmental Assessment” will come into effect on August 25, 2025. This law mandates that all relevant projects and programs undergo Environmental Expertise, Environmental Impact Assessment, and Strategic Environmental Assessment. It requires early identification of environmental risks, integration of public feedback, obtaining the experts’ positive conclusion before implementation, and compliance with environmental standards throughout the project lifecycle. 

“GGGI appreciates the opportunity to contribute to the new law. We look forward to continuing working with the Ministry on the implementation of the projects that benefit Uzbekistan and support its green growth efforts! GGGI also expresses interest in identifying more opportunities to mainstream Strategic Environmental Assessments in Uzbekistan,” said Dr. Aaron Russell, GGGI Asia Regional Sustainable Landscapes Lead. “Based on this SEA report, GGGI is eager to support the government in developing new projects to support the effective planning of sustainable tourism development in Charvak as a model for nature-based tourism development across Uzbekistan, and to develop innovative public-private investment partnerships to build the necessary infrastructure needed to ensure that the growth of tourism maximizes socio-economic and environmental health benefits for local communities,” he added. 

The adoption of this law marks a significant step towards a greener future for the country. It ensures environmental risks are addressed proactively, protects ecosystems and public health, enhances environmental governance, aligns national procedures with international standards, and promotes sustainable development. Without such safeguards, economic activities could proceed without the consideration of environmental and social impacts. 

GGGI Uzbekistan remains committed to supporting Uzbekistan in achieving inclusive and sustainable green growth — ensuring economic development without compromising environmental integrity or public well-being.  

             
Link to the law: https://lex.uz/ru/docs/7397289  

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About Pilot SEA Project:  

GGGI and Agence Française de Développement (AFD) signed an agreement to promote sustainable development through the “Support for the Realization of a Pilot Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA)” project. The project is assessing the Free Tourist Zone (FTZ) Charvak masterplan which considers three policies at both national (Decree No. DP-5611) and regional levels (Decree No. PF-5273 and the Decision of the Cabinet of Ministers, on measures to organize the activities of the FTZ “Charvak). The project consisted of four phases – Screening, Scoping, SEA Study Implementation, Stocktaking and Learning – all have already been successfully completed. The purpose of the project was to demonstrate the proper implementation of SEAs and building the capacity of the government bodies responsible for conducting SEAs in Uzbekistan.