Terrestrial Ecosystems Policy

 Executive Summary

Navoi State University (NSU) is committed to protecting and restoring terrestrial ecosystems as a core pillar of its Green Campus Initiative. This policy sets out a comprehensive framework to conserve biodiversity, rehabilitate degraded lands, and promote sustainable use of forests, mountains, and drylands associated with the university’s operations and partnerships, in line with Sustainable Development Goal 15 – Life on Land.

The policy applies to all campuses, green zones, botanical research plots, and collaboration territories, and integrates teaching, research, community outreach, and campus management into a unified ecosystem stewardship approach.

1. Introduction

Terrestrial ecosystems, including forests, grasslands, shrublands, and drylands, are vital for climate regulation, soil stability, water cycles, and biodiversity. Located in a semi-arid region, NSU is directly influenced by challenges such as land degradation, desertification, and loss of vegetation cover. As a leading higher education institution, NSU recognizes its responsibility to adopt evidence-based practices that protect and restore these ecosystems.

2. Policy Purpose

The purpose of this policy is to provide a clear and operational framework that guides NSU in conserving, restoring, and sustainably using terrestrial ecosystems linked to the university. It aims to:

• Integrate ecosystem stewardship into campus planning and decision-making.

• Restore degraded lands and increase vegetation cover.

• Protect biodiversity through research, monitoring, and management.

• Engage students, staff, and local communities in ecological action.

3. Policy Scope

This policy applies to all physical sites owned, leased, or actively managed by NSU, including:

• Main and satellite campuses and all associated green spaces.

• Botanical gardens, arboretums, and experimental plots.

• Field research sites and long-term ecological monitoring areas.

• Partnership projects with municipalities and regional agencies on land restoration.

4. Guiding Principles

5. Strategic Objectives

6. Implementation Framework

Implementation relies on cross-departmental coordination under the leadership of the Sustainability Committee. Roles and responsibilities are defined below.

7. Ecosystem Conservation and Restoration Programs

8. Monitoring and KPI Matrix

Monitoring ensures that NSU’s actions result in measurable ecological improvements. Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) are tracked annually.

9. Financial and Partnership Framework

NSU will allocate internal resources and actively pursue external funding to implement ecosystem projects.

10. Education and Awareness

NSU will integrate Life on Land topics into curricula, extracurricular activities, and public outreach. Students will be encouraged to conduct course projects and theses that support ecosystem conservation and restoration.

11. Review and Continuous Improvement

This policy will be reviewed every two years. Revisions will reflect monitoring outcomes, stakeholder feedback, and new scientific knowledge about terrestrial ecosystems in Uzbekistan.

12. References and Alignment

This policy is aligned with:
• SDG 15 – Life on Land.
• Uzbekistan Environmental Code (2021).
• NSU Green Campus Strategy 2025–2030.
• UI GreenMetric and QS Sustainability frameworks.

Conclusion

Through targeted conservation, restoration, and sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems, NSU reinforces its leadership in environmental stewardship. The university’s actions under this policy will contribute to healthier landscapes, richer biodiversity, and stronger community resilience in the Navoi region.

Annex: Ecosystem Action Plan (2025–2030)