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

During the conference, Charles Norman, an expert from the National Centre for Climate Change under the Ministry of Ecology, presented integrated approaches to regional development in the Aral Sea area under climate change conditions. He stressed that without timely action, the environmental situation could lead to even more severe consequences. According to Norman, significant efforts are currently underway to transform the region into a center for innovation, sustainable development, and new opportunities. Projects such as the establishment of halophyte gardens, the Green University initiative, and others are playing a key role in mitigating the consequences of the Aral’s desiccation. He outlined the common challenges between the climate crisis and the Aral Sea, which inform the National Center's approach to climate planning and policy and also "Green Cities" as another project.

Salimjon Buriev, Director of the Scientific Research Institute for Environmental Protection and Natural Resources, Candidate of Agricultural Sciences and Associate Professor, presented a study titled “Modeling of Dust Formation and Particulate Matter Pollution in the Aral Sea Region.” He noted that the modeling of dust storm events provides a foundation for developing more effective prevention measures. Observations show that sandstorms in the region mainly occur during spring and summer. The minimum duration of these storms is about 3 hours in 66% of cases, 3–6 hours in 21%, and 6–12 hours in 11% of cases.

Another speaker was Dr. Saidali Turdiev, Professor at the Department of Forestry and Landscape Design at Tashkent State Agrarian University and Doctor of Agricultural Sciences. He spoke about the acclimatization of new varieties of the Russian olive (Elaeagnus orientalis) — “Tashkent-16” and “Samarkand-7” — in the Aral Sea region. He highlighted that this plant is widely used as a food source in several countries.

Dr. Turdiev explained why the species is being actively planted in Karakalpakstan: its roots form nitrogen-fixing nodules with mycorrhiza, significantly enhancing the soil's reclamation capacity. In addition, the plant contributes to biodiversity, helps stabilize the ecological balance and provides a valuable forage base for local fauna.

For reference: In the Aral Sea region, 5,800 one-year-old standard seedlings of “Tashkent-16” and “Samarkand-7” varieties were prepared using vegetative propagation. The total area of mother plantations and protective plantings currently covers 10.65 hectares.