Environmental Risk - The Times Of Central Asia

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Sea Breeze Uzbekistan

Environmental Review of Sea Breeze Uzbekistan Resort at Charvak Still in Progress

The environmental review for the multi-billion-dollar Sea Breeze Uzbekistan resort on the shores of the Charvak Reservoir is still in progress, Spot.uz reported, citing the press service of Sea Breeze Uzbekistan. According to the company, initial site preparations, including land clearing and waste removal, are underway. “As for the environmental assessment, this process is not yet complete. We are awaiting the results and remain open to any inquiries from the Ministry of Ecology, Environmental Protection, and Climate Change of Uzbekistan,” the company said in a statement. Emin Agalarov, president of Azerbaijan’s Agalarov Development and the main investor behind the project, addressed the status of construction in a recent interview. He noted that the primary challenges involve infrastructure, specifically access to water, gas, and electricity. “We have gone a long way to secure our project and make sure that nothing will be discharged into the environment. Wastewater will be collected in special facilities. Ecology is a fundamentally important issue. We are now going through all the required procedures in Uzbekistan, at Charvak,” Agalarov said. As previously reported by The Times of Central Asia, Agalarov plans to develop Sea Breeze Uzbekistan as a $5 billion all-season tourist complex spanning 500-700 hectares along Charvak Lake in the Tashkent region. The project is set to include hotels, villas, swimming pools, sports and leisure zones, retail spaces, restaurants, and a bridge linking both sides of the reservoir. The resort is also expected to host cultural events, festivals, and concerts year-round. Despite mounting public scrutiny and criticism from environmental activists, the Uzbek government has approved the project. In August, Prime Minister Abdulla Aripov signed Cabinet Resolution No. 490, granting Sea Breeze Uzbekistan LLC a 25-year direct lease on 577 hectares of land for development. Environmental experts note that the results of the ecological review will be pivotal in determining the project's future, as Charvak remains one of Uzbekistan’s most vital freshwater and recreational assets.

Rogun Dam

Tajikistan’s Rogun Dam to Triple Forests Under No Net Loss Plan

The construction of Tajikistan’s massive Rogun Hydropower Plant (HPP) will proceed under strict environmental conditions, guided by what experts describe as a "No Net Loss" (NNL) approach to nature. According to Asia-Plus, the updated Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) for the project outlines a series of measures to offset ecological damage, including large-scale forest restoration. The report states that 262 hectares of land, including 185 hectares of juniper forest and 77 hectares of floodplain, will be lost due to construction. To compensate, authorities plan to restore 786 hectares of new forest, tripling the area impacted. The reforestation effort will prioritize juniper, riverside, and fruit and nut forests, while also establishing new protected areas to reinforce local ecosystems. Tajikistan’s Forestry Agency has already allocated nearly 7,600 hectares of land for these efforts. Reforestation is expected to cost over $7.5 million, with annual maintenance costs projected at approximately $10,500. The ESIA outlines a phased strategy. From 2025 to 2030, specific restoration sites will be identified. Practical implementation, including planting and ecosystem protection, is scheduled to begin in 2031. The NNL principle aims to ensure that long-term ecological gains outweigh short-term environmental disruptions. Once completed, the Rogun HPP will have an installed capacity of 3,780 megawatts, making it the largest hydropower facility in Central Asia. Its six turbines, each with a capacity of 630 MW, are expected to generate over 14.5 billion kilowatt-hours of electricity annually once the plant becomes fully operational in 2029. Two units, launched in 2018 and 2019, are already producing power at reduced capacity. In 2024, the plant generated 1.22 billion kWh, accounting for 5.5 percent of Tajikistan’s total electricity output. However, the project has not escaped controversy. The World Bank’s Inspection Panel recently agreed to review a formal complaint filed by residents of Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan, supported by the regional coalition Rivers Without Boundaries. The complaint questions the adequacy of the project's environmental assessments, which critics argue fail to fully account for downstream impacts on communities and ecosystems along the Amu Darya basin. Despite these concerns, Tajik officials maintain that Rogun will enhance national energy independence while also helping position Central Asia as a hub for renewable energy.

Environmental Risk

Economist Raises Concerns Over $5 Billion Sea Breeze Resort Project at Charvak

The Uzbek government has approved the construction of the Sea Breeze Uzbekistan resort complex along the Charvak Reservoir, granting the investor 577 hectares of land on a 25-year lease at a sharply reduced rate. According to a Cabinet resolution, construction may begin even before the completion of project documentation. Tree relocation is expected as part of the development process. The project, led by Russian-Azerbaijani developer Emin Agalarov, envisions a new lakeside tourist destination complete with hotels, villas, swimming pools, sports facilities, restaurants, shops, and a bridge linking both sides of the reservoir. Financial Concerns Raised by Local Economist Uzbek economist and blogger Otabek Bakirov has voiced strong concerns over the project, arguing that while public debate has focused on environmental issues, the financial aspects have not been adequately examined. After reviewing the Cabinet resolution, he raised several questions about investor selection, project financing, lease terms, and the shifting of infrastructure costs onto the state. Questions About Investor Selection The government resolution names Sea Breeze Uzbekistan, a joint venture involving Agalarov’s development firm, as the winner of the site through what it describes as the “best proposal.” Bakirov questioned whether other bids were solicited or evaluated and whether any Uzbek partners hold ownership in the project. He noted that the resolution lacks information about the local share. Skepticism Over Project Financing Bakirov expressed doubt about the reported $5 billion investment figure, suggesting the Agalarov family likely lacks the capital to fund the project independently. “The Agalarovs don’t have their own $5 billion, which means the money will be borrowed,” he wrote. He questioned the source of financing, the terms of any loans, and what guarantees would be provided. He also pointed to a provision allowing the land to be subdivided and released without restrictions, warning that this could lead to speculation rather than real development. Concerns About Lease Pricing The land was leased for 17 billion soms (approximately $1.4 million), to be paid in installments over five years. This price reflects a 0.01 coefficient discount granted as an incentive. Bakirov argued that such a deeply discounted lease is inappropriate for a large-scale commercial venture. “Why has such a drastically reduced price been set for a commercial project, when this is a major business venture and not a social initiative?” he asked. He called for comparisons with other tourism projects to determine whether similar incentives were offered. “Mr. Agalarov is not building a hospital; he is building a commercial enterprise,” he added. Public Funding for Private Infrastructure According to Bakirov, the resolution assigns responsibility for essential infrastructure—such as access roads, utilities, and the reservoir bridge—to the Uzbek government. He argued that these should be covered by the investor. “Weren’t sewage treatment and bridge construction supposed to be the investor’s responsibility? Or were the public presentations misleading?” he asked. He emphasized the contradiction between promoting Sea Breeze as a $5 billion private investment and then shifting core expenses to the public sector. Fast-Tracked Construction Raises Red Flags Bakirov also criticized the decision to...

Environmental Risk

Uzbekistan Approves Controversial ‘Sea Breeze Project’ at Charvak Reservoir

The Uzbek government has approved the contentious “Sea Breeze Uzbekistan” project at the Charvak reservoir in Tashkent region, despite vocal opposition from environmental activists and mounting public concern. Prime Minister Abdulla Aripov signed Cabinet of Ministers Resolution No. 490, granting “Sea Breeze Uzbekistan” LLC a 25-year direct lease on 577 hectares of land to develop a $5 billion all-season resort complex. Amid widespread protests, the Ministry of Ecology and the Ministry of Water Resources released back-to-back statements pledging strict government oversight throughout the project’s implementation. The Ministry of Ecology stated that it will supervise adherence to environmental legislation, including the monitoring of air quality, resource efficiency, and public health safeguards. The ministry reiterated its commitment to transparency and public engagement, stating: “Environmental protection remains an absolute priority for the state.” “The Ministry of Ecology will conduct continuous monitoring to identify any risks related to pollution, misuse of resources, or potential threats to citizens’ health,” the statement added. The Ministry of Water Resources affirmed that the Charvak reservoir will remain under full state control. It assured the public that all wastewater generated by the project will be diverted to a centralized treatment facility, with no discharge permitted into the reservoir. The ministry stated that construction will take place outside protected water zones and comply fully with sanitary and hydraulic engineering standards. Officials also noted that an inter-agency task force will conduct ongoing monitoring, with immediate responses promised in the event of any violations. Safeguarding drinking water and maintaining the reservoir’s water quality are described as “absolute priorities.” Despite assurances, the project continues to provoke heated debate under the viral hashtag #SaveChorvoq. Government officials have pledged strict oversight, but environmental groups remain skeptical as construction proceeds.

Tourism Development

Uzbekistan Faces Criticism Over Charvak Tourism Project

As previously reported by The Times of Central Asia, a major tourism development project on the shores of Uzbekistan’s Charvak Reservoir has sparked public criticism and environmental concern. The proposed resort complex, Sea Breeze Uzbekistan, has come under fire for proceeding without open public consultation, prompting a wave of backlash on social media. The hashtag #SaveChorvoq has emerged as a rallying cry for those demanding transparency and environmental accountability. Local Discontent and Environmental Concerns According to climatologist Erkin Abdulakhatov, preliminary construction activity has already begun along the reservoir’s shoreline. He warned that large-scale development near the water could negatively impact the local ecosystem and alter weather patterns. “If these promises are not fulfilled, the public has the right to organize a petition against mega construction based on the Aarhus Convention,” Abdulakhatov stated. His comments were later shared by Rasul Kusherbayev, an adviser to the Minister of Ecology, on his Telegram channel. However, Kusherbayev added that no official confirmation of construction has been released. Investor Response and Environmental Commitments Investor Emin Agalarov, the driving force behind the Sea Breeze brand, attempted to reassure the public during a press event in Baku. He emphasized that no construction would begin until full public consultations, environmental impact assessments, and technical planning are completed. “We will carry out construction only after these steps,” Agalarov said. During a joint press tour to Azerbaijan on July 8-9, Uzbek officials and journalists visited the Sea Breeze complex near Baku to observe the project's environmental safeguards. Hosted by Uzbekistan’s Ministry of Ecology and the State Center for Environmental Expertise, the visit aimed to assess compliance with international standards for water, soil, and engineering practices. “I want Sea Breeze to become the most environmentally friendly project in any country, whether Azerbaijan, Uzbekistan, Montenegro, or Kazakhstan,” Agalarov told the delegation, noting the project’s planned infrastructure, clean beaches, and green public spaces. Project Specifications and Safeguards Sea Breeze Baku was connected to a centralized sewage system in 2024, replacing more than 100 small treatment plants with a modern collection network that serves a 50-kilometer coastal area. A similar system is now proposed for Charvak. To protect the reservoir’s shoreline, project planners intend to shift the development zone 400 to 500 meters away from the water, significantly exceeding the legal minimum buffer of 50 meters. The area in between would feature parks, walking paths, public beaches, and recreational infrastructure. Agalarov also proposed a ring collector system for wastewater treatment along the entire Charvak coastline, a move he said would benefit both the resort and the wider ecosystem. Government Oversight and Expert Involvement Uzbekistan’s Minister of Ecology, Aziz Abdukhakimov, has expressed cautious support, stating: “Partners must follow Green-Based Solutions. We will fully support projects that meet ecological standards. Special attention must go to protecting water resources. All risks must be assessed by qualified experts.” To ensure accountability, the ministry has announced the formation of an International Environmental Council for Charvak, which will include independent specialists tasked with overseeing public dialogue, environmental assessments, and project...

Mining

Kyzyl-Ompol Mining Resumes Under New Law, Public Concern Persists

Trial production of titanomagnetite has commenced at the Kyzyl-Ompol deposit near Balykchy in Kyrgyzstan’s Issyk-Kul region, First Deputy Prime Minister Bakyt Torobaev announced in a recent interview with local media. According to Torobaev, the deposit holds an estimated 20 million tons of titanomagnetite, and the total value of useful elements in the subsoil could approach $1 billion. “When this project was just starting, few believed in it. Today we see concrete results: experimental development has begun, infrastructure and technology are being developed. The potential of the deposit is enormous,” he said. Torobaev added that the site is also being used to test new technological solutions that could be implemented elsewhere in the country. A Controversial Resource and Legal Shifts Mining at Kyzyl-Ompol was previously prohibited due to the presence of uranium and thorium, radioactive elements often found alongside titanomagnetite. Their extraction has been banned in Kyrgyzstan since 2019, following widespread public protests over environmental and health concerns. However, a 2023 law lifted the ban under strict environmental compliance conditions. The bill’s explanatory note cited the need for alternative revenue sources in light of economic challenges stemming from the COVID-19 pandemic and regional sanctions. President Sadyr Japarov emphasized that titanomagnetite comprises roughly 95% of the deposit’s reserves. The Ministry of Natural Resources, Ecology, and Technical Supervision has assured the public that current extraction technologies meet all safety and environmental standards and pledged ongoing oversight. Economic Potential and Public Concerns Government estimates suggest that the project’s initial phase could contribute approximately $150 million to the state budget and generate around 1,000 jobs. Torobaev described Kyzyl-Ompol as having the potential to become a “second Kumtor”, a reference to the country’s largest and most profitable gold mine. Nonetheless, public debate continues. Critics caution that the area’s known uranium reserves could pose environmental risks if disturbed, particularly in the ecologically sensitive Issyk-Kul region. Titanomagnetite is used in metallurgy, particularly for producing specialized steels, and also has applications in the chemical and energy sectors. Discovered in 1951, the Kyzyl-Ompol deposit comprises five sites. To date, detailed geological surveys have been conducted on only one, with its reserves officially registered in the state balance.