FAO hands over special vehicles to forestry organizations in Uzbekistan

"Within the framework of the project, an inventory of forest plantations and the creation of electronic maps using satellite navigation systems are planned in the mountainous territories of Pop, Kitab and Dehkanabad districts. Electronic maps with a constant, real-time update system will make it possible to instantly correct planned activities, significantly save budget funds and conduct high-quality monitoring of forest areas. Special off-road vehicles will solve the issue of transportation in hard-to-reach mountain regions when performing these tasks", said Sherzod Umarov, Assistant FAO Representative in Uzbekistan.

The FAO / GEF project "Sustainable Forest Management in Mountain and Valley Areas of Uzbekistan" is being implemented in four districts which represent the different types of forest ecosystems in Uzbekistan –Syrdarya, Dekhkanabad, Kitab and Pop State Forest Organizations. In these regions, FAO is working on sustainable forest management, the creation of information systems and electronic maps of forest areas and the widespread involvement of the local population in the forest management process.

"During the implementation of the project throughout the period 2018-2021, the FAO Representation in Uzbekistan has done large-scale work",  says the technical coordinator of the project Olimjon Kakhkharov. “For example, the Data centre and the GIS laboratory were established, which are equipped with advanced technological and modern equipment, field inventory and a total budget of USD $400,000 with which to further improve the inventory process of the State Forest Fund. Four greenhouses were built, for the cultivation of ornamental and forest plants using resource-saving technologies. Four tractors worth USD $100,000 were also handed over to forest organizations for technical support.”

As part of the vehicle transfer ceremony, 20 forestry specialists were awarded with certificates to recognise their great energy, diligence and professionalism during the implementation of the project.