The Ugam River and its surrounding lands are set to be officially designated as a National Hydrological Monument of Nature. This proposal received the green light from President Shavkat Mirziyoyev during the government meeting on April 30.
The Ugam River and its basin are integral parts of the Ugam-Chatkal National Nature Park, serving as a sanctuary for rare flora and fauna, including many endangered species listed in the Red Book. Beyond its ecological value, the river is a vital water source for the broader Chirchik River basin.
According to the presidential press service, recent studies have sounded the alarm: "In recent years, the Ugam River has seen a decline in water flow alongside rising threats to its water quality. This situation poses a risk of bank erosion, harms aquatic life and vegetation, and significantly heightens the danger of biodiversity loss."
President’s Advisor on Ecology/Chairman of the National Committee on Ecology and Climate Change Aziz Abdukhakimov emphasized the importance of this move in an interview with Uzbekiston 24. He stated that the upcoming presidential decree is a critical step in safeguarding the river. "The unique flora and fauna there were under threat, in many cases facing the risk of extinction. We are now implementing a system to neutralize these threats; essentially, this territory will be under total protection," he explained.
The initiative also calls for a comprehensive audit of all structures within these protected zones. Authorities will assess their impact on water quality and wildlife, with an eye toward shutting down or relocating any activities that fail to meet environmental standards.
Furthermore, a master plan titled "Enhancing the Ugam River Ecosystem" will be developed to ensure the long-term sustainability of the river’s hydrological and ecological health. To combat land degradation, extensive tree and shrub planting initiatives are planned for the riverbanks.
The president also issued directives to host a high-level assembly of the Global Environment Facility (GEF). Abdukhakimov noted that this event will provide a platform for local enterprises and government bodies to forge stronger ties with international partners.
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