In order to systematically address environmental problems in Uzbekistan, a new structure has been created - the State Targeted Fund for the Elimination of National Environmental Problems. This decision once again confirmed that the country is taking steps towards environmental sustainability, defining this area as a priority at the state level.
The funds allocated to the fund in the coming years are not without reason. In accordance with the Presidential Decree, 900 billion soums will be allocated to the fund from the republican budget in 2025. These funds will be formed primarily through the use of part of the planned payments for the socio-economic development of the regions, improvement of the environment, and servicing of public debt.
In October, the Chairman of the Central Bank, Timur Ishmetov, reported that 1.3 trillion soums of public debt were saved due to the strengthening of the national currency. Now part of this savings is directed towards improving the environment.
In 2026, the scale of the fund will expand further. According to the regulatory document, 548 billion soums will be spent next year in these areas:
- 250 billion soums for the implementation of the "Yashil Makon" project.
- 150 billion soums for sanitation work in cities and districts.
- 73.7 billion soums for the creation of protective forests to prevent desertification, sand migration, and wind erosion.
- For the purchase of modern equipment for forestry - 66.2 billion soums.
- 8 billion soums for maintaining cadastres of biodiversity, flora and fauna, and natural areas.
Starting from 2026, the fund's sources of income will be further diversified. 20 percent of the proceeds from the sale of carbon units, compensations for environmental pollution, court and administrative fines, as well as sanctions for waste disposal, are directed to the fund. A portion of the utilization fee paid for imported vehicles will also be allocated here.
From 2027, this system will expand further: almost all utilization fees for motor vehicles and tire products will be transferred to the fund. This will allow the state to independently finance environmental problems.
The activities of the new fund will be organized transparently and under public control. The established Governing Council consists of 9 members, four of whom are representatives of the independent public. The main task of the Council is to ensure the targeted, rational, and transparent spending of the Fund's resources.
It is expected that the adoption of such a large-scale financial document on solving environmental problems in the country will give a new impetus to environmental protection in the coming years, will contribute to the greening of territories, improving the quality of life and environmental culture.
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