New guideline on preventing food loss and waste was presented in Samarkand

One of them is Uzbek translation of the FAO brochure “Your guide to living free of food waste” prepared in cooperation with the Ministry of Ecology, Environmental Protection and Climate Change of the Republic of Uzbekistan and Zamin Foundation. It was noted that food loss and waste is a global problem. At least 17 percent of all food produced worldwide is wasted each year, from retail stores to households. That is 931 million tonnes of food, which could feed millions of people who are going hungry each day.

"Global agrifood systems account for 31 percent of total anthropogenic emissions. Biodiversity loss continues to accelerate across the world and today more than ever before in human history about one million animal and plant species are threatened with extinction. FAO’s estimates reported in 2022 set the Global Food Loss Percentage at 13.3 percent. And on average, each of us produces 74 kg of food waste each year. Educating public on social and environmental issues such as food loss and waste is very important and we are pleased to partner with the Ministry of Ecology, Environmental Protection and Climate Change of the Republic of Uzbekistan and Zamin Foundation in this area. Our so-called practical guide for consumers provides easily implementing tips and recommendations for preventing and reducing food loss and waste in households. These simple actions require minimum efforts and enable everyone to contribute into positive changes", - Viorel Gutu, Assistant FAO Director General stressed.

Another publication presented during the side-event is the National Report on the State of the Environment in the Republic of Uzbekistan, prepared by the Ministry of Ecology, Environmental Protection and Climate Change of the Republic of Uzbekistan,  FAO, UNECE, UNEP and other organizations. It is an analytical document that contains an assessment of the environmental situation and an analysis of the cause-and-effect relationships that cause changes. The report will help Uzbekistan to make environmentally sound decisions and to improve environmental and socio-economic policy, the legal framework, mechanisms for state regulation of nature management and environmental protection.

Uzbekistan, like most of Central Asia, is prone to natural hazards like dust storms, mudslides, earthquakes. Many of these are becoming more frequent and intense due to climate change, with significant environmental, health and social impacts – especially for women, children and older persons. The preparation of the National State of the Environment Report was an important step towards a sustainable future, as it is an investment in disaster risk prevention and reduction in the country.

The methodology of the report was based on the UNECE Guidelines for the preparation of governmental reports on the state and protection of the environment. The project team of the “Food Systems, Land Use and Restoration Impact Program in Uzbekistan” supported development of the report.