Target 9: Integrate the Principles of Sustainable Development into Country Policies and Programs and Reverse the Loss of Environmental resources by 2015
Target 10: Increase the share of Urban and Rural Population with Access to an Improved water Source and Sanitation by 2015

Sustainable development is progress that meets the needs of the present without comprimising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.

Sustainable development is about a better way of approaching the management of natural resources in order to preserve them in their riches and integrity. It also means a more comprehensive approach to human development, addressing such imporant areas as poverty reduction, improvement of health, balanced nutrition and increased employment opportunities.

The biggest environmental challenge for Uzbekistan is the problem of the Aral Sea. During the period 1960-1990, the Aral Sea was reduced in size from 66,900 to 36,500 square kilometers. By the late 1990s, the sea had reportedly lost 90 per cent of its volume.
The Aral Sea disaster zone extends to Kazakhstan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan. Currently, 301 plants and 184 animals are included in the Red Book of Uzbekistan.

The largest proportion of atmospheric pollution in Uzbekistan is made up of Carbonic oxide (53 per cent) and Sulphurous anhydride (15 per cent).
According to national statistics, high atmospheric pollution is observed in Andijan city and relatively high atmospheric pollution is identified in Kokand, Navoiy and Tashkent city. Abnormally dangerous industrial waste was gathered from Samarkand and Tashkent regions in 2004.

What is Being Done to Ensure Environmental Sustainability?

The Government of Uzbekistan has developed and adopted a number of strategic
documents to address environmental challenges:

1. National Environmental Action Plan;
2. State Program for Environmental Protection and the Rational Use of Natural Resources;
3. National Strategy and Action Plan for Biodiversity Conservation;
4. National Action Program to Combat Desertification;
5. Decree to strengthen agriculture reforms;
6. National Strategy on Renewable Energy

Through a number of projects the UN system supports Uzbekistan's efforts to effectively manage and protect the environment and natural resources for sustainable development.

What is Being Done to Improve Access to Water and Sanitation?

The Government of Uzbekistan has developed and adopted a number of strategic documents to address environmental challenges:

1. National Environmental Health Action Plan;
2. State Program on Provision of Rural Population with Drinking Water and Natural Gas for the period 2000-2010;
3. National Waste Management and Action Plan (under formulation).
4. The UN system and other donors are active in the field of water resources management.