Cooperation between UNDP Uzbekistan and the Institute of Seismology of the Academy of Science

At present time Tashkent city with its wide streets, parks, grand plazas, fountains, monuments, and apartment blocks is an example of adopting good urban planning norms under the post earthquake reconstruction programme after 1966 Tashkent earthquake. However, the critical aspects for earthquake safety like structural stability of buildings and performance of soils against earthquake shaking need to be evaluated in the city and neighboring areas.

For the last three years the joint MES/UNDPproject “Strengthening Disaster Risk Management Capacities in Uzbekistan” is providing full support to Ministry of Emergency Situations, Republic of Uzbekistan in the field of disaster risk reduction, in particular for earthquake risk mitigation. The Institute of Seismology of the Academy of Science is one of the Project partners and in the frame of the mutual cooperation the Memorandum of Understanding was signed on development of seismic microzonation map with the estimate of initial seismicity in Tashkent city and adjacent areas.

In the frame of MES/UNDPproject and for the support of implementation of the Resolution of the Cabinet of Ministers N 208, UNDP in Uzbekistan handed over the equipment to the Institute of Seismology for conducting research work on development of seismic microzonation map of Tashkent.

The transferred equipment will be used for instrumental observations of crustal seismicity as well as for field seismic, geological and other studies, on the basis of which a micro zonation map of Tashkent and adjoining areas will be created.

The seismic microzonation map will serve as a basis for determining the respective preventive measures to reduce seismic vulnerability of structures by experts in the fields of disaster management and urban planning.

In addition, to improve the capacity of the Institute, UNDP and the Institute of Seismology have planned establishment a scientific and training center for seismologists. This training center will provide necessary impetus for training of young professionals and scientists working in the field of seismology. It is expected that the results of their work will allow the Government to betterplan and conduct preventive work for possible earthquakes.