The European Union, OSCE, and UNDP have launched a new phase of the uranium legacy rehabilitation project. The kickoff meeting took place in Tashkent on April 17–18, according to Gazeta.uz, citing the EU Delegation to Uzbekistan.
The meeting focused on plans for the implementation of the third phase of the regional project “Stakeholder Engagement for Uranium Legacy Remediation in Central Asia.” It brought together representatives of governments, local authorities, non-governmental organizations, and key partners.
Participants developed joint recommendations to improve cooperation and the sustainable management of uranium legacy sites.
The project aims to reduce the health and environmental risks associated with uranium waste and to improve living conditions in local communities in Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, and Tajikistan.
The first and second phases of the project achieved key goals: 7 transformer substations were installed, 120 radiation safety signs were placed, and emergency services were equipped with dosimetry tools. Specialized educational materials were distributed among local residents.
As part of the project, 7 local businesses in former uranium mining areas received support, more than 500 community members were trained in entrepreneurship, and 4 out of 8 selected community projects in Uzbekistan were implemented in agriculture, energy, and tourism sectors.
The third phase will focus on raising public awareness, improving engagement mechanisms with local authorities, and strengthening regional cooperation for the effective remediation of uranium legacy sites.
Zulfikor Kilichov, a representative of the Department of Radiation, Chemical and Medical-Biological Protection of Uzbekistan’s Emergency Ministry, emphasized the importance of the project, noting that it will contribute to both regional and global security.
Anas Fayad Karman, Deputy Resident Representative of UNDP in Uzbekistan, urged partners to remain active in the restoration of Central Asian communities most affected by the dangers of the uranium legacy, ensuring no one is left behind.
CentralasianLIGHT.org
April 22, 2025