SAMARKAND, June 2. /Dunyo IA/. The international environmental exhibition Eco Expo Central Asia 2026 has opened in Samarkand, bringing together representatives of more than 100 countries, international organizations, businesses, and expert communities, reports Dunyo IA correspondent.

The large-scale event is being held at the Expo Center of the Silk Road Samarkand complex and is aimed at promoting the principles of the green economy, introducing environmental innovations, strengthening international cooperation, and supporting sustainable development.

It should be noted that the first Eco Expo Central Asia exhibition, held in Tashkent in 2025, became the largest environmental event of its kind in Central Asia. This year, the forum has significantly expanded both its geographical reach and scale of participation. Approximately 10,000 domestic and international participants are expected to attend. The exhibition features 68 pavilions showcasing environmental products and services, as well as 20 startup pavilions representing Uzbekistan and other Central Asian countries.

The event is organized by the National Committee of Uzbekistan on Ecology and Climate Change and Business Congress Management. Participants include leading international organizations such as the Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI), the Asian Development Bank (ADB), and the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD).

Major domestic and international companies operating in the fields of environmental technologies, sustainable energy, water supply, waste management, and industrial ecology are presenting their latest solutions and innovations.

Particular attention has been given to regional environmental initiatives. All regions of Uzbekistan have presented projects focused on climate change adaptation, sustainable use of natural resources, and environmental resilience. These initiatives are aimed at attracting international investment and donor support.

More than 50 thematic events are scheduled within the framework of the exhibition, including forums, presentations, and expert discussions on green energy, water resource management, climate adaptation, waste management, and sustainable development.

One of the key events on the opening day was the international side event titled “Islands of Sustainability: Preserving Ecosystem Services in the Lower Amudarya and the Aral Sea Basin.” The event was organized under the Aral Sea Wetlands Project, jointly implemented by the National Committee on Ecology and Climate Change, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), and the Global Environment Facility (GEF).

Participants discussed issues related to the restoration of the Aral Sea region’s ecosystems, biodiversity conservation, improved water resource management, the development of climate-resilient agriculture, and achieving land degradation neutrality.

Following the event, the National Committee on Ecology and Climate Change, the Ministry of Water Resources, and the Ministry of Agriculture signed the Concept for the Integrated Water Resources Management Plan of the Lower Amudarya Basin. The document is aimed at improving water-use efficiency and strengthening the region’s environmental sustainability.

Another important development was the official launch of a project to establish Uzbekistan’s national biosafety system in accordance with the Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety, financed by the Global Environment Facility.

During a dedicated side event, international experts and representatives of specialized organizations discussed issues related to enhancing national biosafety policies, strengthening interagency coordination, developing technical capacities, and improving risk assessment mechanisms.

The meeting concluded with the signing of a Statement of Intent on cooperation and support for the implementation of the project aimed at strengthening Uzbekistan’s national biosafety system and fulfilling the country’s international commitments in the field of biodiversity conservation.

The hosting of Eco Expo Central Asia 2026 in Samarkand underscores Uzbekistan’s growing role in the global environmental agenda and contributes to expanding partnerships, attracting investment in the green economy, and promoting modern environmental solutions at both regional and international levels.