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

At the opening ceremony of the conference, a welcome address from Minister Aziz Abdukhakimov was read by the Head of Department at the Ministry of Ecology, Zarrina Abdullaeva:

"In recent years, under the initiative of the head of state, significant positive changes have been implemented in the Aral Sea region. We face urgent tasks: restoring the ecosystem on the dried seabed of the Aral, preserving biodiversity, applying advanced scientific and innovative practices, and mitigating and eliminating the consequences of the environmental catastrophe. I am confident that the outcomes of this conference will inspire scientific insight into the Aral’s challenges and serve as a catalyst for positive changes of great social importance for future generations."

Chairman of the Council of Ministers of the Republic of Karakalpakstan, Farhod Ermanov, highlighted the efforts to create “green covers” — protective forest plantations:

"Since December 2018, seeds and seedlings of desert plants have been sown on the dried seabed of the Aral Sea. Between 2018 and 2024, more than 1.8 million hectares of forest plantations have been created, mainly using saxaul and other desert species. Over 7,000 tons of seeds have been used in this effort."

Deputy Prosecutor General Sherzod Tukhtaboev noted the effective cooperation with the Ministry of Ecology and other agencies in combating environmental violations:

"As a result of oversight measures ensuring compliance with the moratorium on tree cutting, the number of such violations in 2024 has decreased threefold compared to 2022. Moreover, enhanced monitoring of legislation regarding the protection of wildlife and flora has led to a twofold increase in detected cases of poaching."

Deputy Chairman of the Tourism Committee, Sardor Niyazov, emphasized the crucial role of youth in addressing environmental challenges:

"We place great hope in the younger generation. They are not only educated and active but also possess innovative thinking. The youth among the 'Goodwill Ambassadors' are the future leaders of the region. Today, the Aral tragedy is not only a challenge for us but also an opportunity to unite."

Throughout the conference, experts are focusing on key environmental topics such as expanding forest coverage in the Aral region, reducing soil salinity, combating desertification, improving local living standards, developing environmental education, training qualified specialists, and addressing climate change.

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As part of the Tourism Week, participants are offered excursions to the ancient Mizdakhan complex located in the Khodjeyli district, the Savitsky State Museum of Art, and the “Karakalpak Ethno Village” tourism center. The week's program also includes a tree-planting campaign under the national project “Yashil Makon,” the public initiative “10,000 Steps” (a walking marathon), the international gastronomic festival “99 Types of Aral Fish Dishes,” student badminton competitions, and an open-air concert program.