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...
