Abstract

Climate change, agricultural runoff, industrial activity, and pollution are some factors contributing to the worsening of Uzbekistan’s water quality and ecosystems. The country’s rising environmental issues calls for an immediate adaptation of the national curriculum to include the teaching of environmental engineering, with an emphasis on water ecosystem conservation. This report outlines the methodologies proposed for teaching environmental engineering in secondary schools in Uzbekistan. The program is built on active participation in awareness campaigns and student-led solutions to local water pollution issues. It includes lessons on water cycle processes, waters and waste treatment processes, and management of water resources. Collaborations with universities, governmental bodies, and environmental NGOs have been suggested to provide the necessary expert and educational materials. The pilot studies conducted in sample schools showed increased documented participation in environmental preservation initiatives, alongside the previously noted heightened interest in environmental issues among the youth. Through the acquisition of technical competencies and practical skills, the students are expected to become environmentally responsible citizens and professionals of the future. The findings suggest that enhancing the documentation of the water systems will reinforce the scientific foundations while early and sustained exposure to environmental engineering will enable students to comprehend the impact of their actions, rather, life sustaining actions on nature which fosters long-lasting ecological preservation of water systems in Uzbekistan.

Keywords: Environmental engineering, Water ecosystem, Education, Sustainability, Uzbekistan, School curriculum, Water protection