The concept of bio-regions and its relevance in achieving green goals

Various initiatives worldwide promote sustainable, locally-based food systems and rural development, including Community Supported Agriculture (CSA), Farmers Markets, Food Hubs, Slow Food Movement, Regenerative Agriculture, and Agroecology Networks. These approaches often address specific challenges within narrower contexts. The concept of bio-regions offers a holistic approach to sustainable development, integrating ecological, social, economic, and cultural dimensions, demonstrating promising socio-economic and environmental impacts, and fostering community engagement and local development. Examples of good practices of bio-regions in European countries allow us to evaluate the relevance and possibility of application of this concept in Uzbekistan, as a strategy to promote sustainable development and resilience at the local and regional level. In the context of Uzbekistan, bio-regions can play a crucial role in achieving the country's green goals by addressing various environmental and socio-economic challenges while fostering sustainable development. By addressing these actualities and research on bio-region impact on local development in EU countries, researchers can contribute to advancing knowledge on community resilience and social cohesion in rural areas of Uzbekistan within the context of bio-regions. This can inform evidence-based policies, programmes, and interventions aimed at promoting sustainable development, environmental conservation, and social well-being in rural communities. The present research aims to investigate the theoretical and policy frameworks for the concept of bio-regions in the EU, which could be applied in achieving sustainability goals and solving environmental and socio-economic problems in Uzbekistan. Although there is no bio-regional policy in Uzbekistan, existing policy documents related to sustainable development, environmental conservation and rural development provide a basis for integrating bio-regional approaches into national strategies.