Sea Breeze Uzbekistan — A New Resort or a Threat to Nature?

The Sea Breeze Uzbekistan project, launched to boost tourism in Uzbekistan, has sparked wide public discussion. The plan envisions the construction of a modern resort complex on the shores of the Charvak Reservoir, with significant investment. However, the public is concerned that, along with economic benefits, the project may pose serious risks to the environment.

At the initiative of the Ministry of Ecology, Environmental Protection, and Climate Change of the Republic of Uzbekistan, a delegation of local journalists visited Azerbaijan. During the trip, they explored the Sea Breeze Resort near Baku, owned by businessman Emin Agalarov. The main goal was to study its environmental practices, infrastructure, and nature-friendly solutions — and to assess whether similar approaches could be applied in the Sea Breeze Uzbekistan project.

Emin Agalarov: “Charvak is already under threat”

The project's founder, Emin Agalarov, emphasized in an interview that Charvak is already facing serious environmental challenges. Water quality is deteriorating each year, due to the lack of centralized sewage and inefficiencies in current systems.

“That’s why I proposed building a ring-shaped collector around the entire Charvak area — similar to what we implemented in Baku. All construction will adhere to environmental standards. An international environmental advisory council will be established, as well as state-conducted ecological assessments and public hearings. Without this, we will not begin construction,” Agalarov stated.

He also noted that dozens of new plant and shrub species, adapted to the local climate, will be included in the landscaping plan. The project will involve the use of smart technologies, solar panels, and proper waste collection and disposal systems.

The plan is to build a self-sufficient green city with its own infrastructure — schools, kindergartens, hospitals, workplaces, and recreation areas. It is designed not only as a seasonal resort, but also for year-round living. Currently, the Sea Breeze complex in Baku employs around 22,000 people, including over 1,000 local residents. Similar job creation and local economic growth are expected in Uzbekistan.

One key public concern is whether the beaches will be privatized. According to Agalarov, “the beaches will remain open and public, just like in Baku, where both paid and free zones are equally maintained.” He added that the planned development covers only a small portion of Charvak's entire shoreline.

Potential Environmental Risks

It's important to note that Charvak is located within the Ugam-Chatkal National Nature Park. The surrounding forests and mountain landscapes are essential parts of the region’s ecosystem. As reported by The Guardian (2023), similar construction in the Aral Sea region led to the loss of up to 20% of natural lands, causing reduced soil moisture and increased dust storms — a scenario that could repeat in Charvak.

Deforestation may result in the loss of habitat for birds, mammals, and insects. Newly planted trees cannot replace old-growth forests for decades. Moreover, Charvak is a key water source for the Tashkent region and a habitat for various fish species. Construction activities such as excavation, cement work, and use of petroleum products could disrupt water balance, reduce oxygen levels, and contaminate the reservoir.

According to a 2022 analytical article on the official website of Uzbekistan's Ecological Movement, intensified tourism near water bodies has increased phosphate levels, reduced fish populations, and led to the overgrowth of aquatic plants.

Despite these concerns, Agalarov insists that water quality will be tested before and after construction and that implemented ecological measures will improve water conditions compared to pre-construction levels.

Charvak is also an important stopover for migratory birds. Noise, light pollution, and increased traffic may interfere with their nesting and breeding.

Currently, there is no centralized sewage system in Charvak. Without proper wastewater treatment, there is a risk of biological water contamination, including bacteria, viruses, and excess nitrogen and phosphate. Agalarov stated that the government is prepared to build such infrastructure as part of the project.

Large-scale construction may also cause soil erosion, landscape disruption, and increased turbidity due to sediment runoff into the reservoir.

Ministry of Ecology's Position

Minister of Ecology Aziz Abdukhakimov stated that Uzbekistan supports projects based on principles of environmental sustainability. Special attention is given to “Green Based Solutions”.

“The Ministry is ready to support any initiative that adheres to ecological standards. The Sea Breeze Uzbekistan team has expressed their willingness to follow the recommendations of both international and local experts,” said the minister.

He also emphasized that before construction begins, international-level assessments must be conducted to identify potential risks and develop mitigation mechanisms. Waste management will also be monitored strictly, ensuring that all waste is collected, recycled, and disposed of according to international standards.

Economic and Social Impact

According to the minister, the project is also important from the standpoint of national interests. Today, Uzbek citizens spend about $2 billion annually on holidays abroad. If high-quality tourism infrastructure is developed domestically, these funds could instead benefit the national economy.

“If we build a strong tourism industry here, we can keep that money in Uzbekistan,” he noted.

Regarding concerns that the resort will cater only to the wealthy, the minister responded:

“To ensure economic viability, of course, there must be paying customers. But that doesn’t mean the project will serve only the elite. There will also be a public segment where teachers, doctors, and others can relax. It should be a living, socially balanced place.”

Abdukhakimov added that a single large, regulated project is more environmentally manageable than multiple uncontrolled constructions.

Conclusion

The Sea Breeze Uzbekistan project presents both an investment opportunity and an environmental challenge. To minimize risks, it is essential to:

• Conduct independent ecological assessments

• Develop engineering solutions based on international environmental standards

• Ensure public transparency and engagement at every stage of the project

Because true sustainable development cannot come at the expense of nature.

By: Nargis Kosimova