Enhancing a Culture of Ecology and Environmental Protection as a Priority Direction of Uzbekistan’s State Policy
Ensuring the stability of the balance between humanity’s rapidly growing needs and the planet’s diminishing natural resources, and protecting nature, requires each of us to possess ecological knowledge and a high level of environmental awareness — as essential as water and air. Indeed, ecological culture serves as the root and fundamental platform that unites all efforts aimed at protecting the environment.
Today, there is not a single country in the world that is completely free from the threats of environmental problems or immune to the negative effects of climate change. Borderless ecological threats are adversely affecting countries’ sustainable development, human livelihoods, and quality of life, while disrupting the natural balance of the planet.
That is why most developed and developing countries are shifting their development trajectories toward a “green” path. In other words, they are taking important steps toward respecting nature and fostering cooperation in solving environmental problems.
Uzbekistan, in turn, has embarked on this path with determination. In Uzbekistan, it is clearly evident that creating environmentally sustainable living conditions for citizens has become a key priority of state policy. The ultimate goal of environmental education and upbringing is to develop ecological consciousness. Instilling in the younger generation a sense of love and care for nature, teaching them to protect plant and animal life, and embedding ecological skills from an early age has become a vital necessity.
That is why shaping the ecological consciousness and culture of young people, and increasing their moral responsibility toward environmental protection, has become one of the most pressing global issues today.
The recent decree of the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan, Shavkat Mirziyoyev, “On the Approval of the Concept for Enhancing the Environmental Culture of the Population until 2030,” is of particular importance as it addresses this highly relevant issue. It is important to note that raising public ecological awareness, knowledge, and culture — and ensuring environmental sustainability — cannot be achieved through the efforts of a single public organization alone.
A particularly noteworthy aspect of this document is its focus on increasing the environmental literacy of the younger generation, effectively organizing environmental education and upbringing, promoting the restoration and development of eco-values, and launching a series of initiatives aimed at fostering environmental culture starting from the family. It also includes the integration of ecology as a separate subject in preschool and school curricula, the formation of a “green” consumption culture, the introduction of environmental specialties at the master’s level in relevant higher education institutions, and the adaptation and implementation of advanced educational programs, innovative teaching methods, and technologies used by leading “green” universities around the world. Additionally, it envisions the development of ecological culture among employees of government bodies, enterprises, and institutions.
One of the key factors in addressing environmental problems worldwide is the establishment of a society with a high level of ecological culture. This, in turn, serves as a guarantee for ensuring environmental sustainability. Indeed, the modern world is going through a period in which raising environmental awareness among youth must become one of the most urgent priorities in education and upbringing. The earlier children acquire environmental knowledge, the more effective and long-lasting the impact of such education will be.
In Korea, children’s ecological culture is also developed from an early age. If we systematically teach ecological culture to our children from childhood, instilling a full commitment to green consumption, we will have taken an important initial step toward raising individuals who have a solid, clear, and, importantly, correct attitude toward nature and natural resources.
Today, awakening feelings of care, compassion, love, and rational conservation toward Mother Nature and the surrounding environment in the hearts and minds of young people, as well as strengthening innovations aimed at protecting nature, is more urgent than ever.
Accordingly, the Republic of Korea enacted the Natural Environment Conservation Act (Act No. 4492) on December 31, 1991. This law aims to protect the natural environment from human-induced degradation, conserve diverse natural ecosystems, and prevent the extinction of species deemed worthy of protection. By establishing the fundamental provisions necessary for these goals, the Act seeks to preserve a natural environment in which the people of Korea can enjoy a healthy and pleasant life.
To give another example, addressing the widespread improper approaches to waste management, the strict establishment of proper and rational use of natural resources, wildlife, and the atmosphere, signifies the firm establishment of ecological values in the lives of our citizens.
Taking European countries as an example, in Germany, the legal foundation for developing ecological culture is provided by the Circular Economy Act. This legislation establishes mandatory regulations for reducing waste, recycling, and reusing materials. Accordingly, each municipality provides residents with at least four types of containers (organic, paper, plastic, and glass) for proper waste separation. Additionally, the German Environment Agency has implemented a practice of continuously providing ecological information to the public. Thanks to these advocacy efforts and legal mechanisms, in 2021, 67% of waste in the country was recycled, demonstrating a growing trend in the population’s ecological literacy.
Sweden fosters ecological culture not only through education but also by shaping consumption habits and tax policies. The Carbon Tax Act, introduced in 1991, aims to encourage the population to transition to an environmentally friendly lifestyle by imposing taxes on products that emit greenhouse gases. Currently, 73% of Swedish consumers report choosing products with ecological labels during their weekly shopping.
Taking Asian countries as an example, in Japan, environmental education is an integral part of the national curriculum. The development of environmental culture in Japan is supported at the state policy level, with the legal basis being the Environmental Education and Environmental Learning Promotion Act adopted in 2003. According to this document, environmental education is compulsory in all schools. For instance, in schools in Tokyo, the Zero Waste Education Program is implemented, which equips every student with practical skills in waste recycling, energy conservation, and reducing their carbon footprint.
In connection with Uzbekistan’s accession to the Aarhus Convention, which ensures public access to information, participation, and access to justice in environmental matters, the state monitoring system of the natural environment in Uzbekistan guarantees the openness of its data bases to the public. It is important to note that the Constitution of Uzbekistan establishes at the constitutional level the right of every person to a favorable environment and to reliable information about its condition.
Uzbekistan actively participates in global efforts to mitigate climate change and strives for sustainable and green development. One of the largest initiatives in this direction is the nationwide project “Green Space,” which envisions planting 1 billion trees over five years. Additionally, illegal treatment of wildlife and the unscrupulous use of natural resources are being regulated more strictly.
Another positive initiative is being introduced in Uzbekistan — the establishment of the “Community of Environmental Scientists,” a non-governmental non-profit organization uniting Uzbek students and scientists studying in Uzbekistan and abroad who are engaged in environmental research.
Most importantly, alongside legal mechanisms to prevent environmental violations — including holding offenders accountable, imposing penalties, and strengthening fines — every citizen will consciously develop a correct and lawful attitude towards ecology, nature, and the environment.
In conclusion, it is worth recognizing that ecology and environmental protection have become a priority in Uzbekistan’s state policy, and the country’s practical experience in enhancing public environmental awareness, promoting careful attitudes towards nature, and fostering youth’s love for the environment deserves special acknowledgement.
Indeed, if we do not act today with both the near and distant future in mind, we will not achieve our goals.
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