A four-day training program for specialists from the National Center for Environmental Monitoring has commenced in Uzbekistan, aimed at strengthening laboratory capabilities in chemical analysis.

The initiative is being implemented by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) with financial support from the EU, as part of a project on sound management of hazardous chemical substances. The training is conducted by international expert Mohammad Nazem Shirazi, and the program is the first module of four planned stages.

The course covers risk assessment in laboratories, implementation of quality management systems, and preparation for international accreditation according to ISO/IEC 17025:2017. Special attention is paid to safe handling of chemical substances, equipment, ventilation systems, and emergency response.

The project, valued at 3.9 million euros, aims to reduce environmental risks associated with pesticide use and develop sustainable agricultural practices. In a broader context, it is part of the EU's support for food security and rational use of natural resources in the country.