The project is logical continuation of previously started by the GEF SGP initiative on reforestation of Uzbekistan by drought resistant tree species and changing land use practice from livestock grazing to tree plantations that bring clear cut monetary profit.

Previous experience shows that establishment of pistachio plantations is much more commercially profitable than livestock grazing. However, the main limiting factor for wide dissemination of this practice is delayed cash inflow that starts from 5-6 year of plantation. Planting almond trees between pistachios can substantively shorten the period of profit in-flow and thus the project aims to showcase how this practice can be further developed.

This project aims to disseminate all benefits of commercial tree plantations in south province of Uzbekistan - one of the most arid. The project has 3 demonstration tree plantations that are to be established with wide training programme for local population across the province about all techniques of planting, breeding, nursing, implanting, etc.