National Committee on Ecology and Climate Change of the Republic of Uzbekistan

The centre was established through a partnership between the National Committee on Ecology and Climate Change of the Republic of Uzbekistan and the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS). The project involves two leading Chinese research institutions: the Xinjiang Institute of Ecology and Geography (XIEG) and the Northwest Institute of Eco-Environment and Resources (NIEER).

The opening ceremony was attended by over one hundred guests, including representatives of government agencies, the scientific community, diplomatic missions and the private sector. The ceremony began with a ribbon cutting led by Jusipbek Kazbekov, Deputy Minister of Ecology  and Zhang Yuanming, Director of XIEG.

In his address to participants, Jusipbek Kazbekov outlined the centre’s primary mission: “to build a digital database on arid ecosystems, to forecast environmental changes under desertification and salinization, and to develop innovative strategies to foster desert economy.” The center, once operational, will host about 50 local and international scientists, creating one of the region's most comprehensive environmental datasets.

Director Zhang Yuanming of XIEG noted that the new research centre is the first institution of its kind in the region, established to strengthen scientific collaboration and to conduct large-scale research aimed at addressing Central Asia’s environmental challenges.

Erkin Mukhitdinov, Director of the Agency of Forestry, emphasised the strategic importance of the centre for improving forestry practices in Uzbekistan, where nearly 80 percent of the territory consists of arid and desert lands. According to Mr. Mukhitdinov, the research carried out at the centre will provide essential scientific data to combat land degradation, restore landscapes and expand green areas.

The ceremony also highlighted successful cooperation with XIEG, including the establishment of halophyte gardens in five regions of Uzbekistan using seeds supplied by Chinese partners.

The centre is expected to become a key platform for advancing international scientific collaboration. Joint research, academic exchanges and the implementation of innovative projects will contribute to strengthened cooperation between Central Asian countries and China in environmental protection and climate change adaptation.