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

The first side event - "Japan–Uzbekistan Blue & Green Nexus: Science, Sustainability, and Community Resilience for Climate Action," focused on issues of climate change, sustainable nature management, green energy, and environmental innovations. During the event, joint initiatives implemented under the SATREPS program with the support of JICA and JST, in collaboration with scientific institutions of Uzbekistan, were presented.

Professor Kenji Tanaka from Kyoto University introduced a project aimed at developing climate-resilient monitoring technologies and enhancing water use efficiency in the Aral Sea region. Yuki Yanagida Ab Farah, an expert from the H2UZ SATREPS project, spoke about the development of green and blue hydrogen production technologies to achieve carbon neutrality.

Bakhtiyor Pulatov, Rector of the Central Asian University of Environmental and Climate Change Studies (Green University), presented the university's initiatives for training specialists in the fields of ecology, climate adaptation, and sustainable development, as well as fostering international scientific cooperation in Central Asia.

Participants were also introduced to models of a sustainable cotton business and eco-oriented agriculture. Chinori Tokita, Head of the Tashkent office of MASUI Corp. Ltd., discussed the principles of environmentally responsible cotton production, while Dr. Satoshi Togashi, Chief Project Coordinator of OISCA, detailed the organization's projects in Uzbekistan.

Continuing the environmental agenda, a side event was organized by the International Innovation Center for the Aral Sea Basin (IICAS) as part of the BLUE SATREPS project in collaboration with Japanese partners. The discussions centered around land degradation, soil salinization, water scarcity, and the implementation of science-based solutions for sustainable agriculture and climate change adaptation in the Aral Sea region.

During the event, Professor Kenji Tanaka presented a report on climate change and water resource scenarios in the region, while Professors Bahriddin Nishonov and Bakhtiyor Kholmatjanov showcased modern monitoring systems, including the development of meteorological networks and Earth remote sensing platforms. Professor Kristina Toderich from Tottori University presented approaches to implementing "circular mixed farming based on halophytes," utilizing salt-tolerant plants.

Following the events, participants underscored the importance of expanding scientific cooperation, integrating climate-resilient technologies, and advancing joint environmental initiatives in Central Asia. The side events successfully reaffirmed the high level of ecological and scientific-technological partnership between Uzbekistan and Japan.