Uzbekistan’s protected areas, for better or for worse

Looking at the map of Uzbekistan, there are many National Parks and Protected Areas marked with dashed green lines and little green trees. We’ve decided to explore one of them, the Ugam-Chotkol Nature Reserve, just 85km North of Tashkent.  The reserve serves the double-purpose of protecting wildlife and offering a recreation site for locals. Needless to say those two do not always get along very well.

The shores of the Chorvoq Reservoir have been invaded by hotels, luxury resorts and anarchist constructions. Soviet Union gone, Uzbeks have quickly developed a deep sense of private property, as we painfully experienced trying to make our way along the so-called beaches.

During weekends, Uzbeks enjoy coming in the Chimgan Mountains, pitching a tent, walking around or hiring quads, and – for many of them- drinking vodka. In winter time a few skilifts operate across the reserve. For sure, nature around here is good recreational and aesthetical value for local tourism, but it is uncertain how long it will last, as the concept of “leave no trace” has not yet reached this area.

(VB)