Gov’t to plant forests on the Aral Sea’s dried bottom 

The document was developed in accordance with the development concept of the forestry system of the Republic of Uzbekistan until 2030, Norma reports.

The followings have been approved:

• areas of protective forests being created to cover the bottom of the Aral Sea and the territory of the Aral Sea region in 2022-2026;
• volumes of preparation of seeds of desert plants for the creation of protective forests to cover the bottom of the Aral Sea and the territory of the Aral Sea in 2022-2026.

The Council of Ministers of Karakalpakstan and the khokimiyats of Bukhara, Navoi and Khorezm regions, together with the State Forestry Committee and the Cadastral Agency under the State Tax Committee, were instructed to register forest plots on the dry bottom of the Aral Sea.

At the same time, annually until December 10, on the basis of scientifically substantiated proposals, the areas of planting green spaces by regions will be determined.

The State Committee for Forestry will constantly monitor the timely creation of a “green cover”. Taking into account the soil composition of the dried bottom of the Aral Sea, plants adapted to desert and saline soils, including tamarix and atriplex (quinoa), will be planted.

The sources of funding for activities to create a “green cover” are defined as:

• funds allocated from the budget of Karakalpakstan, local budgets of khokimiyats of Bukhara, Navoi and Khorezm regions in excess of the forecast;
• sponsorship funds of legal entities and individuals;
• other sources not prohibited by law.