Environmental authorities from Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan have held a joint working meeting in Astana to address pressing challenges related to atmospheric air quality and bilateral ecological cooperation.

According to the National Committee for Ecology and Environmental Change, the talks took place on October 23. The Uzbek delegation was led by Iskandar Kutbiddinov, Deputy Chairman of the Committee, alongside representatives from the National Climate Change Center, the Hydrometeorological Service Agency, and the Research Hydrometeorological Institute. The Kazakh side was headed by Alibek Kuantyrov, Minister of Ecology and Natural Resources.

The parties focused on strengthening cooperation in atmospheric protection, upgrading monitoring frameworks, and jointly studying the sources of transboundary pollution. Particular emphasis was placed on establishing the "Clean Air" Interstate Consortium as a primary coordination instrument for both nations.

Participants underscored the necessity of drafting a roadmap for the 2026–2030 period and setting up efficient channels for real-time monitoring data exchange. Officials claim these planned measures will allegedly enhance ecological transparency and foster coordinated responses to regional pollution. *

Additionally, authorities noted that as part of the nationwide "Clean Air" initiative, an indefinite moratorium on establishing new industrial zones in Tashkent is set to take effect on April 1, 2026, with exceptions made only for financial sector projects and service-oriented facilities.

Source: podrobno.uz