Life on Land
Protect, restore and promote sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems, sustainably manage forests, combat desertification, halt and reverse land degradation, and halt biodiversity loss.
Greening and Conservation Initiatives at Central Asian University
Central Asian University (CAU) recognizes the importance of protecting terrestrial ecosystems and ensuring that natural resources are preserved for future generations. In alignment with SDG 15: Life on Land, the university actively engages its students and staff in environmental activities that strengthen awareness, restore ecosystems, and build a culture of responsibility toward nature.
In August 2025, the CAU community participated in the “Yashil Makon” National Project, launched under the initiative of President Shavkat Mirziyoyev. This project is one of the most ambitious environmental campaigns in Uzbekistan, designed to expand green spaces, combat desertification, and address the impacts of climate change. Through their involvement, CAU students and staff demonstrated their commitment to environmental stewardship by planting trees and contributing directly to the creation of healthier, greener spaces.
In August 2025, the CAU community participated in the “Yashil Makon” National Project, launched under the initiative of President Shavkat Mirziyoyev. This project is one of the most ambitious environmental campaigns in Uzbekistan, designed to expand green spaces, combat desertification, and address the impacts of climate change. Through their involvement, CAU students and staff demonstrated their commitment to environmental stewardship by planting trees and contributing directly to the creation of healthier, greener spaces.
The act of tree planting goes beyond symbolic participation. It represents a practical and long-term contribution to climate action by enhancing carbon sequestration, improving air quality, and providing shade and resilience to urban environments. For students, it also served as a meaningful learning experience—linking classroom knowledge on sustainability with direct environmental impact.
In addition to tree planting, CAU students and staff took part in an eco-clean-up activity in Krasnogorsk on August 14, 2025. During this initiative, the group collected more than 150 bags of waste left behind due to human negligence. While the number reflects the scale of the effort, it also symbolizes something greater: the decision to leave behind clean air, healthy soil, and an unpolluted environment for future generations. These actions emphasize that sustainability is not only about waiting for solutions but also about taking personal responsibility—acting now to protect the natural world.
In addition to tree planting, CAU students and staff took part in an eco-clean-up activity in Krasnogorsk on August 14, 2025. During this initiative, the group collected more than 150 bags of waste left behind due to human negligence. While the number reflects the scale of the effort, it also symbolizes something greater: the decision to leave behind clean air, healthy soil, and an unpolluted environment for future generations. These actions emphasize that sustainability is not only about waiting for solutions but also about taking personal responsibility—acting now to protect the natural world.
This spirit of initiative was beautifully summarized by participants: “Nature does not wait for our help — it is already in our hands. We did not wait; we took the first step ourselves. Today, we are the voice of nature. Tomorrow, nature will answer us with cleaner air and a healthier life.”
Through activities such as tree planting and environmental clean-ups, CAU fosters a culture in which every student and staff member feels responsible for the natural environment. These actions strengthen ecological awareness, create practical environmental benefits, and contribute directly to the global agenda of SDG 15. By combining national initiatives with local action, CAU demonstrates how higher education institutions can mobilize communities to act for biodiversity, climate, and sustainable land management.
Central Asian University (CAU) emphasizes that protecting land-based ecosystems requires not only practical initiatives, such as tree planting and sustainable waste management, but also academic engagement and knowledge-building. In 2025, CAU welcomed Dr. Alireza Mokhtar, an international Energy and Carbon Consultant and founder of PathWay2050, to deliver a guest lecture on climate science, sustainability, and ecosystem resilience.
Visiting from New Zealand, Dr. Mokhtar drew on his global experience with the United Nations and sustainability projects such as KiwiRail to highlight how climate change affects ecosystems, biodiversity, and land use. He explained the connections between global warming, CO₂ emissions, and land degradation, and stressed the importance of adopting sustainable land and resource management practices to safeguard ecosystems for future generations.
Key insights from his lecture included the long-term impacts of rising temperatures on soil fertility, forestry, and agriculture, as well as the risks climate variability poses to Central Asia’s ecosystems. He also discussed emerging technologies in carbon recycling and renewable energy that can mitigate pressures on terrestrial environments.
Visiting from New Zealand, Dr. Mokhtar drew on his global experience with the United Nations and sustainability projects such as KiwiRail to highlight how climate change affects ecosystems, biodiversity, and land use. He explained the connections between global warming, CO₂ emissions, and land degradation, and stressed the importance of adopting sustainable land and resource management practices to safeguard ecosystems for future generations.
Key insights from his lecture included the long-term impacts of rising temperatures on soil fertility, forestry, and agriculture, as well as the risks climate variability poses to Central Asia’s ecosystems. He also discussed emerging technologies in carbon recycling and renewable energy that can mitigate pressures on terrestrial environments.
By hosting such a lecture, CAU ensured that students and faculty not only understood the global science of climate change but also its direct implications for sustainable land management in Uzbekistan and the wider region. The event deepened ecological awareness within the university community and reinforced the importance of integrating climate knowledge with ecosystem protection strategies.
This initiative aligns with SDG 15: Life on Land, as it strengthens the university’s role in preparing future leaders to protect biodiversity, restore ecosystems, and develop policies that promote the sustainable use of terrestrial resources.
Life on Land - SDG 15
Central Asian University actively promotes the protection and sustainable management of terrestrial ecosystems in line with SDG 15. Key initiatives include:
Through practical action, education, and community engagement, CAU strengthens ecological awareness and contributes to biodiversity conservation and sustainable land use for future generations.
- Participation in the national “Yashil Makon” project, with students and staff planting trees to combat desertification, enhance carbon sequestration, and improve urban environments.
- Organizing eco-clean-up campaigns, collecting over 150 bags of waste to foster environmental responsibility and maintain healthy ecosystems.
- Hosting expert lectures, such as by Dr. Alireza Mokhtar, on climate science and sustainable land management, linking global environmental challenges to regional biodiversity and ecosystem resilience.
Through practical action, education, and community engagement, CAU strengthens ecological awareness and contributes to biodiversity conservation and sustainable land use for future generations.