AGP Executive Report

Space for the farm: Uzbekistan’s Samarqand-2028 hyperspectral Earth-observation satellite was launched from China’s Shandong coast, with Uzbekcosmos building an onboard AI module to process data faster—aimed at mapping cotton and wheat, assessing air quality, and supporting water and disaster risk decisions. Clean cotton standards: BCI and Uzstandard signed up to align Uzbekistan’s cotton production rules with international sustainability requirements, with a goal of a nationally owned cotton standard benchmarked to BCI. Water and land pressures: A Chatham House report warns that the global textile boom—where Uzbekistan is part of the supply chain—carries hidden “water footprints,” raising risks as climate change and water scarcity intensify. RESILAND Uzbekistan: The forestry agency and RESILAND Uzbekistan ran a workshop on preventing sexual harassment and discrimination, with all 37 participating forestry enterprise directors signing a code of conduct. Regional energy integration: At Issyk-Kul’s Primakov Readings forum, Russia-Kyrgyz energy partners argued that Central Asia’s electricity market needs synchronized nuclear and hydropower development. Desert-to-sky warning: A locust swarm darkened skies in Dagestan, highlighting how fast-moving pests can devastate crops across Central Asia.

Space & Environment: Uzbekistan launched its first remote sensing satellite, “Samarqand-2028,” built with China’s STAR.VISION, with an Uzbekcosmos-developed onboard AI module to process hyperspectral data directly—aimed at agriculture, environmental protection, natural resource monitoring, water management, disaster risk reduction, and urban planning. Water & Standards: Uzbekistan is moving to cut water stress and align cotton production with sustainability rules: BCI and Uzstandard partnered to integrate BCI Principles & Criteria into national cotton standards, supporting a nationally-owned cotton sustainability benchmark. Inclusive Green Jobs: Under the RESILAND Uzbekistan landscape restoration effort, forestry enterprises signed a code of conduct to prevent sexual harassment, violence, and discrimination, tied to community job creation and safer workplaces. Rail & Nature Safeguards: Kyrgyzstan says construction of the China–Kyrgyzstan–Uzbekistan railway is slightly ahead of schedule, with routes planned to avoid protected areas and tunnels used to reduce impacts on nature. Higher Education Push: Uzbekistan’s higher education sector is rapidly expanding and internationalising, with more programmes updated to global curricula and growing foreign partnerships—supporting future research capacity for environmental work.

Water & Agriculture: Uzbekistan says it has achieved a major reduction in freshwater withdrawals, with UN-Water highlighting progress under SDG 6 efforts and national targets aimed at water-saving irrigation and more efficient field management. Cotton Sustainability: BCI and Uzstandard have partnered to align Uzbekistan’s cotton standards with international sustainability requirements, including integrating BCI’s Principles & Criteria and paving the way for a nationally owned cotton sustainability standard. RESILAND Uzbekistan (Safeguarding): The RESILAND Uzbekistan project, with the Forestry Agency, trained forestry leaders on a Code of Conduct to prevent sexual harassment, violence and discrimination; all 37 covered enterprise directors signed the code, tied to job-creation plans for local communities. Environment in Infrastructure: Kyrgyzstan says environmental protection is being built into the China–Kyrgyzstan–Uzbekistan railway, with routes planned to avoid protected natural areas and tunnels used to reduce impacts. Space for Environment Monitoring: Uzbek engineers are developing an onboard AI module for the Samarqand-2028 Earth observation satellite, aimed at monitoring agriculture and the environment via hyperspectral imaging. UNESCO Nature & Culture: UNESCO added 25 new World Heritage Sites in 2026, including Tashkent Modernist Architecture (Uzbekistan) and natural listings such as Kazakhstan’s Rock Mosques and Associated Sacred Sites of Mangystau.

Water & Industry: A new Chatham House report warns that the global textile boom—fueling jobs and exports in places like Uzbekistan—rests on “virtual water” across cotton fields, polyester production, dyeing and garment making, leaving supply chains exposed as climate change and water scarcity intensify. Water Security in Uzbekistan: UN-Water highlights Uzbekistan’s recent progress in cutting freshwater withdrawals, pointing to national plans that push water-saving irrigation and more efficient field management. RESILAND Uzbekistan: The RESILAND Uzbekistan project trained forestry leaders on a code of conduct to prevent sexual harassment, violence and discrimination, with 37 directors signing on and plans for thousands of new community jobs. UNESCO & Nature/Heritage: UNESCO added 25 new World Heritage Sites, including “Tashkent Modernist Architecture,” while separate coverage shows how Mogao Grottoes use climate-adaptive tech to protect murals from humidity and CO2 spikes. Transport & Environment: Kyrgyzstan says environmental protection is built into the China–Kyrgyzstan–Uzbekistan railway, with routes avoiding protected areas and using tunnels to reduce damage. Tourism Pressure: Concerns are raised around large events at Issyk-Kul, as organizers promise environmental monitoring before and after races.

UNESCO & Heritage: UNESCO added 25 new World Heritage Sites in 2026, including Tashkent Modernist Architecture in Uzbekistan—an ensemble of 1960s–early 1990s buildings shaped by modernist design, local traditions, climate and seismic realities. Water & Climate: A UN-Water study says Uzbekistan has made major progress in cutting freshwater withdrawals, tied to national water-saving and irrigation efficiency goals. Regional Water & Ecology: Kyrgyzstan launched the F1H2O “Formula 1 on water” stage at Issyk-Kul, with leaders stressing environmental standards and ecology protection amid concerns about impacts on the lake. Infrastructure with a green lens: Kyrgyzstan reports the China–Kyrgyzstan–Uzbekistan railway section is slightly ahead of schedule, with routes planned to reduce harm to protected areas via tunnels and careful routing. Biodiversity under pressure: A Central Asia-wide look at forests under pressure highlights wildfire risks and how fires can quickly overwhelm protected landscapes. Water risk for business: New reports warn water stress is rising across sectors, from farming to textiles, as heatwaves and drought hit supply chains. Water governance at the ground level: Field reporting from Uzbekistan’s Fergana Valley shows women sometimes divert irrigation water at night to save crops—revealing how scarcity and informal power can push risky coping strategies.

UNESCO World Heritage Boost: UNESCO added 25 new World Heritage Sites in 2026, including Tashkent Modernist Architecture in Uzbekistan, alongside major cultural and natural listings across the world. Climate Adaptation in the Region: China’s Mogao Grottoes are using smart cave doors that open when carbon dioxide rises, helping protect ancient murals as the area gets warmer and wetter. Water & Ecosystems Under Pressure: Reports warn that water risks are climbing on corporate agendas, with drought and heatwaves hitting food and supply chains; in Uzbekistan’s Fergana Valley, women farmers say irrigation access can depend on informal power, pushing some to risky night diversions. Regional Connectivity with Environmental Checks: Kyrgyzstan says construction on the China–Kyrgyzstan–Uzbekistan railway is slightly ahead of schedule and routes are planned to reduce impacts on protected nature. Uzbekistan–Kyrgyzstan Cooperation: President Mirziyoyev’s visit to Kyrgyzstan highlighted expanded water and energy ties and a new Treaty on Allied Relations, with plans to grow trade and implement projects linked to the regional rail corridor. Biodiversity Spotlight: Turkmenistan is described as a biodiversity hotspot with hundreds of endemic vascular plants, underscoring the stakes for conservation.

Water & Climate Pressure: New reporting warns water risk is climbing fast for businesses as record heat and drought hit crops and supply chains, with textiles singled out for its heavy, complex water footprint. Irrigation Reality for Women Farmers: Field accounts from Uzbekistan’s Fergana Valley describe women quietly opening irrigation gates at night to save household plots—often risking harassment and stigma—showing how “guaranteed” water can still depend on informal power. Issyk-Kul Ecology Under Spotlight: Kyrgyzstan’s first F1H2O “Formula 1 on water” stage at Lake Issyk-Kul is underway, with leaders stressing environmental standards and monitoring as organizers prepare for up to 25,000 spectators. Regional Cooperation on Water & Environment: Uzbekistan’s Mirziyoyev and regional leaders meeting in Cholpon-Ata called for a long-term architecture of cooperation, including collective environmental protection and climate adaptation. Methane Reporting Training: CAREC delivered an OGMP 2.0 training under UzEMI to help Uzbekistan strengthen measurement-based methane inventories in oil and gas. UNESCO & Nature/Heritage: UNESCO added 25 new World Heritage sites worldwide, including major natural areas—another reminder of why biodiversity and ecosystems need protection.

Issyk-Kul Ecology Under the Spotlight: Kyrgyz President Sadyr Japarov opened the UIM F1H2O “Formula-1 on water” stage at Issyk-Kul, stressing strict environmental standards and protection of the lake’s natural wealth as leaders from Central Asia attended. Forests Under Pressure: A regional report warns that Central Asia’s protected landscapes are being tested by wildfires, mass tourism and development—often with limited firefighting capacity when smoke first appears. Methane Action for Oil & Gas: CAREC delivered an OGMP 2.0 training for Uzbekistan under the UzEMI project, focusing on measurement-based methane reporting to cut emissions and improve water efficiency and clean energy transitions. Regional Climate & Water Youth Push: Kyrgyzstan is organizing RCOY Central Asia 2026 in Samarkand (Sept 4–6) to build youth positions on water security and climate justice amid glacier melt and shrinking transboundary water supplies. Trade Facilitation with Climate Links: China–Uzbekistan AEO mutual recognition went into effect, promising simpler customs clearance for compliant exporters—supporting logistics that can also help greener supply chains.

Climate & Water Security: Kyrgyzstan is hosting the RCOY Central Asia 2026 youth conference in Samarkand (Sept 4–6) focused on “Water Security and Climate Justice,” with delegates from nine countries aiming for a shared regional position on glacier melt, shrinking rivers, and transboundary water risks. Methane & Clean Energy: CAREC ran an UzEMI training on OGMP 2.0 for Uzbekistan’s oil and gas stakeholders, teaching measurement-based methane reporting aligned with UN-backed standards to cut emissions and improve water/energy planning. Regional Cooperation (with an environment angle): Uzbekistan’s Shavkat Mirziyoyev urged long-term solutions to climate and other shared risks at the Central Asia–Azerbaijan consultative meeting, stressing collective environmental protection and cross-border coordination. Issyk-Kul Ecology: Kyrgyz leaders opened the F1H2O World Championship at Issyk-Kul, repeatedly calling for careful nature protection as the event promotes tourism while operating at record altitude. Trade Facilitation for Sustainability: China–Uzbekistan AEO mutual recognition went into effect, simplifying customs for compliant firms and potentially reducing logistics costs tied to emissions.

Regional Climate & Water Focus: Kyrgyzstan is set to host RCOY Central Asia 2026, a youth conference on water security and climate justice in Samarkand (Sept 4–6), aiming to build a shared regional position as glaciers melt and transboundary rivers face growing stress. Methane Transparency: CAREC’s UzEMI project ran an OGMP 2.0 training for Uzbekistan, helping officials and experts use measurement-based methane reporting for oil and gas—pushing toward stronger mitigation and cleaner reporting. Biodiversity in the Region: A new look at Turkmenistan highlights why the country matters for conservation, citing 450+ endemic vascular plants and desert-to-mountain habitats that support unique species. UNESCO Nature Spotlight: UNESCO added 25 new World Heritage sites worldwide, including natural areas like Georgia’s Okefenokee refuge, underscoring ongoing global attention to wildlife and ecosystems. Policy Push on Heat: Uzbek President Mirziyoyev stressed the need for long-term regional solutions to climate risks, pointing to abnormally high summer temperatures as a shared challenge that crosses borders. Trade That Can Cut Emissions: China–Uzbekistan AEO mutual recognition now applies, promising faster customs clearance and lower logistics costs—small steps that can support more efficient, potentially lower-impact supply chains.

Climate & Methane Action: CAREC held a new online training under the UzEMI project, focusing on OGMP 2.0 and the UN-backed methane reporting standard for the oil and gas sector, aiming to improve measurement-based reporting and help Uzbekistan move toward “Gold Standard” status. Water & Youth Mobilization: Kyrgyzstan is organizing RCOY Central Asia 2026 in Samarkand (Sept 4–6) with youth from nine countries to push a shared stance on water security and climate justice as glaciers melt and transboundary rivers face growing stress. UNESCO Conservation Spotlight: UNESCO added 25 new World Heritage sites for 2026, including natural areas and biodiversity-rich landscapes—another reminder that protecting ecosystems is also protecting global heritage. Sustainable Cotton Standards: The Better Cotton Initiative signed an MoU with Uzbekistan’s Uzstandard Agency to strengthen cotton sustainability rules, integrating principles on natural resources, crop protection, and climate adaptation. Local Environment & Accountability: In Tashkent, Saida Mirziyoyeva called illegal courtyard construction a “crime,” ordering checks by prosecutors after playgrounds and buildings were reportedly demolished.

Cybersecurity in the region: New malware “OctLurk” and “SilkLurk” have been found in government networks across Central Asia, including Uzbekistan, letting attackers keylog, steal passwords, and run remote commands—an alarming reminder that digital security is now part of environmental and public-safety resilience. Water & biodiversity cooperation: Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan are set to deepen environmental collaboration, with experts pointing to climate adaptation, water management, and biodiversity protection as priorities for the strategic partnership. Cotton sustainability push: Better Cotton and Uzbekistan’s Uzstandard Agency signed an MoU to strengthen cotton standards, integrate sustainability criteria, and support climate-change mitigation and adaptation in farming. UNESCO heritage update: UNESCO added 25 new World Heritage sites in 2026, including modernist architecture in Tashkent, expanding global attention to preservation beyond ancient monuments. Conservation spotlight: A new feature highlights Turkmenistan’s Zarudny’s Sparrow and the desert ecosystems that sustain rare desert biodiversity. Regional development & tourism: A new international golf club opened at Issyk-Kul, with leaders framing it as investment and sustainable tourism infrastructure.

UNESCO World Heritage Push: UNESCO added 25 new sites to its World Heritage List in 2026, bringing the total to 1,273. The batch includes Amazonia Theaters (Brazil) and major cultural and natural additions worldwide, with modernist architecture also getting more recognition. Uzbekistan–Kyrgyzstan Environmental Cooperation: Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan are set to deepen ties after high-level talks, with climate adaptation, water management, and biodiversity protection highlighted as key priorities for the partnership. Central Asia Climate & Health Media Training: CAREC opened applications for journalists for a One Health-focused training and conference in Bishkek, linking climate change, ecosystems, and disease risks. Wildlife Protection Debate: Animal groups renewed calls to phase out captive tiger breeding and trade, arguing it fuels wildlife trafficking concerns. Gold Reserves Trend: Central banks, including Uzbekistan, bought record gold in Q2 as geopolitical uncertainty boosts demand for reserve diversification.

UNESCO World Heritage Update: UNESCO’s 48th World Heritage Committee session in Busan added 25 new sites worldwide, bringing the total to 1,273. The list includes major nature and culture landmarks, and it also highlights modernist heritage—among them Uzbekistan’s modernist architecture in Tashkent—signaling growing recognition of 20th-century design. Central Asia Environment Cooperation: A new push for Uzbekistan–Kyrgyzstan environmental cooperation is in focus, with experts pointing to climate adaptation, water management, glacial melt risks, and biodiversity protection as key priorities. Aral Sea Climate Impact: A study warns the dried Aral Sea bed has released about 825 million tons of carbon dioxide since 1960, turning exposed sediments into a major emissions source—raising stakes for restoration efforts. Wildlife Conservation Debate: On International Tiger Day, Four Paws renewed calls to end captive tiger breeding and trade in South Africa, citing inspection figures and transparency concerns. SME Digital Banking: In Uzbekistan, TBC Bank expanded TBC Biznes with a fully digital payroll service for SMEs, aiming to reduce branch visits and transaction fees.

Environmental Cooperation: Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan are stepping up joint work on climate adaptation, water management, glacial melt impacts, and biodiversity protection, with cooperation between ministries and research teams building on a 1996 intergovernmental deal. UNESCO & Heritage: UNESCO has added 25 new World Heritage sites, including modernist architecture in Tashkent and other Aalto works, plus natural and wildlife-rich landscapes like Mount Olympus and the Boma-Badingilo migratory landscape. Wildlife & Policy: Animal welfare group Four Paws renewed calls to end captive tiger breeding in South Africa, citing 734 captive tigers recorded in inspections since 2023/24 and arguing for tighter transparency. Climate Science: A new study says the dried Aral Sea bed has released about 825 million tons of carbon dioxide since 1960, highlighting the climate stakes of restoring the lake. Green Tech & Energy: Uzbekistan’s Beshkala Mining Valley launches a regulated crypto mining zone in Karakalpakstan, linking licensed mining to grid power, renewables, hydrogen options, and even excess-heat reuse for greenhouse farming. Digital Banking for SMEs: TBC Uzbekistan rolled out fully digital payroll on TBC Biznes, helping small businesses pay salaries online—an indirect boost for greener, paper-light operations.

Aral Sea Climate Impact: A new study says the dried Aral Sea has released about 825 million tons of carbon dioxide since 1960, turning exposed sediments into a major regional emissions source and raising the stakes for any future refilling efforts. Uzbekistan Crypto Policy: Uzbekistan’s Justice Ministry approved rules for residents of the Besqala Mining Valley, a special crypto mining zone in Karakalpakstan where mining incomes are tax-exempt until 2035, with activity tied to locally registered legal entities. Regional Water & Trade Connectivity: Pakistan’s National Logistics Corporation was urged to expand the Sost Dry Port and strengthen the Khunjerab border terminal, with forward transit hubs already named in Termez (Uzbekistan) as part of wider Central Asia trade links. SCO Green Industry Push: At an SCO foreign ministers meeting, China highlighted cooperation platforms launched across green industry and energy, alongside digital and AI initiatives. UNESCO Heritage Spotlight: UNESCO added 25 new World Heritage sites worldwide, including Tashkent’s modernist architecture listing—an important reminder that Uzbekistan’s heritage also includes post-earthquake urban rebuilding.