The event was attended by Aziz Abdukhakimov, Advisor to the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan on Environmental Issues and Chairman of the National Committee on Ecology and Climate Change; Yerlan Nysanbayev, Minister of Ecology and Natural Resources of the Republic of Kazakhstan; Akyl Toktobaev, Minister of Natural Resources, Ecology and Technical Supervision of the Kyrgyz Republic; Bahodur Sheralizoda, Chairman of the Committee for Environmental Protection under the Government of the Republic of Tajikistan; Ovezgeldi Goshjanov, Minister of Environmental Protection of Turkmenistan; as well as representatives of international organizations, the scientific community, and environmental institutions.

During the roundtable, participants discussed the implementation of nature-based solutions, sustainable agriculture, the restoration of degraded ecosystems, and the enhancement of water security in Central Asia.

Speaking at the event, Aziz Abdukhakimov noted that Uzbekistan views nature-based solutions as the foundation for the region's long-term water security, climate resilience, and sustainable development. It was emphasized that nearly 80 percent of Uzbekistan's water resources are formed outside the country, and that land degradation, desertification, and changes in river flow directly impact food security and the well-being of the population.

Special attention was given to the restoration of tugai forests and wetland ecosystems along the Amu Darya River, the afforestation of the dried seabed of the Aral Sea, the rehabilitation of degraded pastures, and the promotion of water-saving technologies.

Aziz Abdukhakimov underscored the need to transition from fragmented initiatives to the comprehensive basin management of the Amu Darya and Syr Darya rivers, taking into account the interconnectedness of water, land, ecosystems, and the climate. The importance of strengthening joint monitoring, data exchange, and science-based decision-making at the regional level was also highlighted.

As part of the fight against land degradation and desertification, Uzbekistan's initiative to create halophyte gardens using salt- and drought-resistant plants was presented, aimed at restoring ecosystems and enhancing climate resilience, primarily in the Aral Sea region.

Specific focus was placed on the implementation of the recently approved Central Asia Water and Land Nexus (CAWLN) program, funded by the Global Environment Facility. The program is aimed at ecosystem restoration, strengthening water security, and promoting the sustainable management of natural resources based on integrated and science-backed approaches.

Following the event, the heads of the environmental protection agencies of Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan signed a Letter of Intent on the joint implementation of the Central Asia Water and Land Nexus (CAWLN) program, with a total value of $26 million.

The document reaffirms the joint commitment of the region's countries to restoring degraded ecosystems, developing integrated water and land resource management, strengthening institutional capacity, and supporting climate-resilient agriculture.

The parties also welcomed Uzbekistan's initiative to host the program's coordination office in Tashkent, based at Green University, to ensure effective interaction during the implementation of the regional program.