By Azamat Kauazov, Program Manager, Climate Change and Sustainable Energy Program, Regional Environmental Centre for Central Asia (CAREC)
In the context of global climate change and increasing anthropogenic pressures, traditional approaches to environmental protection are becoming less effective. Fragmented legal frameworks developed in previous decades are gradually giving way to integrated governance models. The Republic of Uzbekistan is undertaking a strategic transition in this direction through the development of a revised Environmental Code. The Regional Environmental Centre for Central Asia (CAREC) supports this initiative by serving as an expert platform that helps align national reforms with regional and global climate objectives across Central Asia.
From Fragmentation to Natural Capital Management
For many years, environmental legislation was based on multiple sector-specific legal acts, with separate laws governing water resources, subsoil use, air quality, and waste management. In practice, this often resulted in legal inconsistencies, overlapping institutional mandates, and a fragmented approach to environmental governance.
The revised Environmental Code addresses this fundamental challenge by transforming the underlying paradigm of environmental management. Nature is no longer viewed solely as a passive object of protection or an unlimited source of resources. Instead, it is recognized as national natural capital that requires modern, evidence-based management. The codification process creates the legal foundation for embedding this systemic approach at the highest legislative level.
Three Pillars of the New Environmental Policy
The draft Code incorporates internationally recognized environmental governance standards, with a strong emphasis on preventive measures and economic incentives.- Preventive Risk Management. One of the key innovations is the comprehensive integration of Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) and Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) mechanisms. Environmental risks will be assessed before the approval of major government programs and infrastructure projects, reducing the likelihood that short-term economic gains are achieved at the expense of ecosystem integrity and long-term sustainability.
- Circular Economy. The Code establishes the legal framework for moving away from the traditional linear “take–make–dispose” model. It introduces strengthened waste management requirements and the principle of Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR), creating incentives for recycling, resource recovery, and the more efficient use of materials throughout their life cycle.
- The Polluter Pays Principle and ESG Principles. Environmental penalties are no longer intended to function merely as a cost of doing business. The proposed framework is designed to make investments in green technologies, resource efficiency, and emissions reduction more economically attractive than compensating for environmental damage after it occurs.
The Role of CAREC: Data, Integration, and Regional Dialogue
The development of the Environmental Code is a sovereign process led by Uzbekistan and supported by the coordinated efforts of key ministries and government agencies. However, effective implementation depends on the adoption of international good practices and a cross-sectoral approach. Legal provisions must be supported by practical implementation mechanisms and field-level experience.
In this area, CAREC provides important support through the RESILAND CA+ regional program (additional information is available on the program’s official website). Within this institutional framework, CAREC contributes by strengthening the analytical and knowledge base for environmental governance and facilitating regional exchange of experience.
In particular, CAREC provides support through the following areas:
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Climate Policy Alignment: CAREC’s expertise, particularly through its climate change and sustainable energy programs, helps establish clear linkages between the provisions of the new Environmental Code and the implementation of Uzbekistan’s Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) under the Paris Agreement.
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Knowledge Transfer: CAREC serves as a platform for regional dialogue and cooperation. Uzbekistan’s experience in codifying and systematizing environmental legislation may provide valuable lessons for other countries in the region, contributing to the development of a more coherent and resilient environmental governance framework across Central Asia.
Conclusion
Uzbekistan’s revised Environmental Code represents more than a consolidation of environmental regulations and compliance requirements. It is a modern framework for managing climate risks and national natural assets. By adopting a systemic approach to environmental governance, the Code can help create a more predictable environment for green investment, enhance transparency and public accountability, and strengthen the country’s long-term capacity to adapt to climate change.
CAREC will continue to support this process by helping ensure that progressive national reforms contribute to greater climate resilience and sustainable development across the Central Asian region.
The RESILAND CA+ Program is the World Bank’s flagship initiative implemented with financial support from the Global Environment Facility and the PROGREEN Multi Donor Trust Fund.
Regional Environmental Centre for Central Asia implements the Regional component of the national projects under RESILAND CA+ in Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan.