Tashkent, Uzbekistan – European Union is delighted to have contributed to the enhancement of the Tashkent Botanical Garden, a cherished landmark and one of the largest and oldest natural parks in the region. Nestled in the heart of Tashkent, the Botanical Garden serves as a unique space for recreation and scientific research, offering visitors a chance to explore the flora of five continents – Central Asia, East Asia, the Far East, Europe, and North America – with over 4,500 species of trees, flowers, and plants.

The EU’s support has provided modern machinery to improve maintenance efficiency and new benches to create a more pleasant environment for visitors. Winter, a time for essential upkeep, is now more manageable thanks to these contributions. The EU encourages Tashkent residents and visitors to explore this extraordinary space, not only to enjoy its beauty but also to learn about the efforts being made to protect nature and biodiversity.

In today’s world, where environmental degradation and climate change present significant challenges, spaces like the Tashkent Botanical Garden play a crucial role in fostering awareness and promoting sustainable practices.

As part of the Europe Day celebrations in May 2024, and marking 30 years of partnership between the European Union and Uzbekistan, the Botanical Garden hosted the European Union Festival. This vibrant event showcased over 50 EU-funded projects for Uzbekistan as well as the Central Asian region in 2023 and more than 70 in 2024, drawing about 10,000 attendees. The festival featured an EU exhibition, including the Team Europe initiative, concert, educational games, and family-friendly activities, highlighting the EU’s commitment to fostering cultural exchange and development cooperation.

The EU looks forward to continuing its collaboration with the Tashkent Botanical Garden, organizing public campaigns that strengthen the bond between Europe and Uzbekistan while advancing shared goals of environmental preservation and cultural enrichment.