A parallel event on "Islands of Resilience: Sustaining Ecosystem Services in the Lower Amu Darya and Aral Sea Basin" was held
2026-06-02 16:00:00 / News
On June 2, a parallel event titled "Islands of Resilience: Sustaining Ecosystem Services in the Lower Amu Darya and Aral Sea Basin" took place as part of the international exhibition "Eco Expo Central Asia 2026." The event was dedicated to the restoration of Aral Sea region ecosystems, sustainable management of land and water resources, biodiversity conservation, and enhancing the climate resilience of the region.
The event was organized under the "Aral Sea Wetlands Project," implemented by the National Committee on Ecology and Climate Change in partnership with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the Global Environment Facility (GEF).
Welcoming remarks were delivered by Deputy Minister of Ecology Jusipbek Kazbekov, Deputy Resident Representative of UNDP in Uzbekistan Anas Fayyad Karman, First Deputy Minister of Water Resources Zakir Ishpulatov, Deputy Minister of Agriculture Alisher Shukurov, and FAO Representative in Uzbekistan Sherzod Umarov.
During the session, participants discussed the transition of the Aral Sea region from ecological crisis toward the formation of sustainable ecosystems, approaches to improving water resource management under climate pressure, introducing climate-adaptive agriculture, and achieving land degradation neutrality.
Special attention was paid to the significance of wetlands and coastal ecosystems in preserving biodiversity, ensuring the sustainability of ecosystem services, and creating sources of income for local communities.
As part of the technical session, Joshua Brann, international technical advisor of the Aral Sea Wetlands Project, presented a report on the importance of ecosystems and sustainable livelihoods in the lower Amu Darya. Dr. German Kust, Chief Science Officer of the UNCCD (United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification) Secretariat, spoke about land degradation neutrality tools and approaches to sustainable land use planning.
Expert Vasily Lobkovsky also presented practical mechanisms for integrated land use planning at the local level.
During the open discussion, participants explored prospects for expanding partnerships, introducing innovative solutions, and scaling up successful experiences in ecosystem restoration in the Aral Sea region.
Particular emphasis was placed on integrated landscape management, water resource conservation, climate change adaptation, and strengthening cooperation among government bodies, international organizations, the scientific community, and environmental initiatives.
This joint event became an important platform for showcasing Uzbekistan's efforts in restoring Aral Sea ecosystems and advancing sustainable approaches to natural resource management at the regional and international levels.