Uzbekistan - National Strategy for Black Carbon Reduction and Air Quality Improvement

RATIONALE

This project responds to a request made by the Ministry of Ecology, Environmental Protection, and Climate Change of Uzbekistan to develop and implement a national strategy for black carbon reduction and air quality improvement. The transport sector in Uzbekistan is one of the major contributors to black carbon and particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10) emissions, largely due to outdated vehicle technologies, inefficient fuel use, and unregulated industrial pollution. These emissions significantly impact both public health and the climate.  

This project aims to support the government’s efforts by establishing a robust national framework for black carbon reduction. It will focus on strengthening air quality monitoring systems, integrating black carbon mitigation measures into national environmental policies, and deploying advanced emission control technologies for diesel vehicles and industrial sources. The project will also provide policy recommendations and develop an MRV system to support effective emissions tracking and enforcement.

The project will support the Government of Uzbekistan at drafting a National Strategy on Air Protection until 2035, as well as aligns with the Strategy for Transition to a Green Economy (2019-2030), and Uzbekistan’s national climate target to reduce GHG emissions per unit of GDP by 35% from 2010 levels by 2030.   

Activities

Outcome 1: The Government of Uzbekistan adopts a national strategy for black carbon reduction that integrates emissions reduction measures into air quality policy by the end of the project.

Indicator: Number of action plans, roadmaps, strategies, or other future plans with SLCP targets or mitigation measures formally adopted, endorsed and/or implemented

• Output 1.1: National black carbon emissions inventory.
• Output 1.2: Policy review and draft national strategy for black carbon mitigation.

Outcome 2: The Government of Uzbekistan demonstrates improved capacity to monitor and report black carbon emissions by the end of the project.  

Indicator: Number of government entities with a demonstrated improved capacity for SLCP action

• Output 2.1: Training materials on black carbon monitoring and enforcement techniques.
• Output 2.2: Standardized MRV framework for black carbon emissions.
• Output 2.3: Capacity-building workshop for relevant stakeholders on monitoring and reporting black carbon emissions.

Outcome 3: The Government of Uzbekistan adopts a national MRV system for black carbon emissions by the end of the project or soon after.

Indicator: Number of monitoring, reporting, and verification (MRV) systems developed or updated that include SLCPs

• Output 3.1: Standardized methodologies and indicators for monitoring black carbon reduction measures across the heavy-duty vehicle emissions (HDVE) sector are developed.
• Output 3.2: A reporting mechanism requiring regular submission of progress data on black carbon reduction targets is designed and institutionalized.
• Output 3.3: A transparent and accessible database framework is outlined to collect, store, and analyze sectoral mitigation data, while avoiding procurement of large digital platforms.
• Output 3.4: A verification protocol is developed to ensure the accuracy and credibility of reported data, potentially involving independent third-party audits or verification bodies.

Outcome 4: The Government of Uzbekistan pilots and evaluates advanced black carbon mitigation technologies for heavy-duty vehicles by the end of the project.

Indicator: Number of SLCP mitigation tools, technologies, or practices adopted

• Output 4.1: Technology assessment report identifying and evaluating cost-effective black carbon mitigation technologies for heavy-duty diesel vehicles.
• Output 4.2: Technical guideline developed on the application of advanced black carbon mitigation technologies for high-emitting heavy-duty vehicles, including catalytic converters for older gasoline-powered trucks and buses as a representative example.
• Output 4.3: Pilot demonstration conducted in collaboration with the Tashkent City Transport Department to install and test black carbon emission control technologies on municipal heavy-duty diesel vehicles.
• Output 4.4: Pilot demonstration report developed to summarize emissions reductions, operational performance, maintenance experience, and cost-effectiveness of tested HDV technologies, with recommendations for national scale-up.
• Output 4.5: Policy recommendation brief prepared to support the integration of validated heavy-duty vehicle advanced black carbon mitigation technologies into Uzbekistan’s emissions standards, fleet procurement policies, and national transport strategies.

Outcome 5: The Government of Uzbekistan mobilizes external support and establishes partnerships for black carbon mitigation financing by the end of the project.

Indicator: Amount of external funding (“catalysed funding”) for SLCP actions

• Output 5.1: A financial roadmap is developed outlining priority investment areas and funding requirements for implementing black carbon mitigation measures.
• Output 5.2: A summary report is produced highlighting global best practices, financing instruments, and international funding opportunities for black carbon mitigation.
• Output 5.3: A consultation workshop is convened with financial institutions, private sector representatives, and development partners to present investment needs and identify potential funding partnerships. 

Reference number: [UZ-25-001] Uzbekistan - National Strategy for Black Carbon Reduction and Air Quality Improvement