Issues of strengthening partnership and implementation of joint initiatives were discussed with FAO

The Uzbek delegation was led by the Minister  of Ecology, Environmental Protection, and Climate Change Aziz Abdukhakimov, and Deputy Minister of Agriculture Alisher Shukurov also participated in the negotiations. On the part of FAO, the meeting was attended by Assistant Director-General and Regional Representative for the Middle East and North Africa Abdulhakim Elwaer, Director of the Land and Water Division Li Lifeng, Director of the Forestry Division Zhimin Wu, Land Resources Officer Feras Ziadat, and Assistant FAO Representative in Uzbekistan Sherzod Umarov.

During the meeting, the parties touched upon key cooperation areas, including combating climate change, environmental protection, and sustainable agricultural development. The Uzbek delegation extended their gratitude to FAO for its continuous support in implementing initiatives in relevant areas. 

One of the central issues of the meeting was the report "Sand and Dust Storms in Uzbekistan: Atmospheric Modeling to Understand Impact and Mitigation",  prepared on the initiative of FAO in Uzbekistan within the framework of the "FOLUR" project. The document provides an analysis of the causes of dust storms, the consequences, and nature-oriented solutions to mitigate them. The study is based on the advanced RAMS/ICLAMS modeling system, which allows us to assess the interaction between dust sources, vegetation cover, and regional climatic conditions.

Special attention was also paid to the discussion of the "Yashil Makon" national project, in particular cooperation within its framework, which provides for measures for large-scale afforestation. The participants stressed that restoring the ecological balance in the region requires joint efforts between the countries of Central Asia. Another focus of the discussions was the problem of the Aral Sea region, where the importance of strengthening international cooperation was emphasized.

In conclusion, the parties reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening partnership and implementing joint initiatives that contribute to the conservation of natural resources and sustainable development of the region.