Biodiversity and Habitat Protection Policy Redesigned Compatible

Executive Summary

Navoi State University (NSU) recognizes that its physical footprint, campus development and day-to-day operations can both positively and negatively influence local ecosystems. This policy provides a comprehensive framework that connects infrastructure, teaching, research and community engagement to the conservation of species and habitats. It responds to national environmental priorities and strengthens NSU’s contribution to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG 15 – Life on Land.

The policy establishes clear objectives, responsibilities, monitoring mechanisms and reporting procedures. It is designed to generate tangible, verifiable evidence that can be used in national reporting and in global university ranking instruments such as QS Sustainability, THE Impact Rankings and UI GreenMetric, where indicators related to biodiversity, green spaces and ecosystem protection play an important role.

1. Introduction

Navoi State University is located in a region characterized by semi-arid landscapes, irrigated green areas and urban ecosystems. These environments host a diversity of flora and fauna, including ornamental plantings, remnant natural vegetation and migratory species. As NSU grows in size and complexity, new buildings, roads, car parks and service areas inevitably change the structure and quality of habitats on and around campus.

Recognizing the potential impact of these changes, NSU commits to managing its land and facilities in a way that protects and, where possible, enhances local biodiversity. The University understands biodiversity conservation not only as a compliance obligation but also as an educational and ethical responsibility. The campus should function as a model of responsible land stewardship for students, staff and the wider community.

This policy is aligned with the National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan of the Republic of Uzbekistan (2023–2030), the Law on Environmental Protection (2021) and relevant international agreements, including the Convention on Biological Diversity. It explicitly recognizes the need to identify and protect species classified under the IUCN Red List and national conservation lists, wherever NSU has direct or indirect influence over their habitats.

2. Policy Purpose

The purpose of the Biodiversity and Habitat Protection Policy is to provide a unified institutional framework that ensures biodiversity considerations are systematically integrated into all relevant decisions at Navoi State University. Specifically, the policy seeks to:

• Identify and document species and habitats present on NSU campuses and adjacent areas, with particular attention to rare, endangered or protected species.

• Prevent, minimize and mitigate negative impacts of NSU’s construction, maintenance, transport and landscaping activities on biodiversity.

• Restore degraded habitats and enhance ecological connectivity within campus boundaries through native planting, soil rehabilitation and green infrastructure.

• Integrate biodiversity conservation into curricula, research activities and outreach programs so that students and staff develop practical competencies in SDG 15.

• Generate robust evidence and indicators for national reporting and international rankings focused on sustainability and environmental performance.

3. Policy Scope and Legal Basis

This policy applies to all land, buildings and activities under the jurisdiction or influence of NSU, including:

• Main academic campus, faculty and departmental buildings;

• Student dormitories, sports facilities and recreational spaces;

• Botanical and experimental plots used for teaching, research or demonstration;

• Technical and utility areas such as heating facilities, reservoirs, internal roads and parking areas;

• Regular off-campus fieldwork sites and long-term research locations managed or coordinated by NSU.

4. Policy Principles

The following principles guide the implementation of this policy across all units of NSU:

5. Strategic Objectives and Key Actions (2025–2030)

To operationalize this policy, NSU adopts five strategic objective areas for 2025–2030. Each area includes key actions and example indicators.

For example, under Objective 2 – Habitat Protection and Restoration, NSU may identify a degraded green area near a dormitory building and implement a three-year restoration program. This could include removal of invasive species, planting of native drought-tolerant trees and shrubs, installation of simple rainwater harvesting features and involvement of students in maintenance and monitoring activities.

6. Implementation Plan and Governance Structure

Effective implementation of this policy requires clear roles and responsibilities. NSU establishes the following governance structure for biodiversity and habitat protection:

An Annual Biodiversity Action Plan will be prepared by the Green Campus Committee. The plan will list specific activities, timelines, required resources and responsible units. Progress will be reviewed at least twice per year, and adjustments will be made when necessary to respond to new information or changing conditions.

7. Monitoring, Evaluation and Reporting

Monitoring and evaluation ensure that the policy leads to measurable improvements in biodiversity outcomes. The Green Campus Committee oversees the monitoring system and compiles results for internal and external reporting.

Results will be summarized in an Annual Biodiversity and Green Campus Report. This report will be submitted to the Rector’s Office and shared with staff and students. Selected indicators will also be used for NSU’s submissions to QS Sustainability, THE Impact Rankings and UI GreenMetric, demonstrating the university’s progress in SDG 15 – Life on Land.

8. Financial Framework

To implement this policy, NSU will allocate resources through its Sustainability Fund and seek additional external support where appropriate.

9. Communication and Awareness

Communication and awareness activities are essential for building a campus culture that values biodiversity. NSU will implement a variety of initiatives to engage students, staff and the local community.

10. Review and Continuous Improvement

This policy will be reviewed at least once every three years to ensure that it remains relevant, effective and consistent with new legal requirements, scientific knowledge and institutional priorities. The Green Campus Committee will coordinate the review process and prepare recommendations for revisions.

During the review, feedback will be sought from academic departments, administrative units, student organizations and external partners. The updated policy, once approved by the Rector’s Office, will be disseminated to all stakeholders and integrated into NSU’s strategic planning documents.

11. References and Alignment

This policy is aligned with the following key documents and frameworks:

• United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, especially SDG 15 – Life on Land, SDG 13 – Climate Action and SDG 12 – Responsible Consumption and Production.

• Convention on Biological Diversity and associated guidance on biodiversity mainstreaming in education.

• National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan of the Republic of Uzbekistan (2023–2030).

• Law of the Republic of Uzbekistan on Environmental Protection (2021) and related regulations.

• Navoi State University Sustainability Strategy (2025–2030).

• QS Sustainability Rankings, THE Impact Rankings and UI GreenMetric criteria relating to biodiversity, green spaces and sustainable campus management.

By adopting and implementing this Biodiversity and Habitat Protection Policy, Navoi State University confirms its commitment to protecting life on land within and around its campuses, contributing to national environmental goals and strengthening its international profile as a responsible and sustainable institution.