Agency for Increasing Forests and Green Areas and Combating Desertification

The event organized on this occasion was attended by A. Abduhakimov, Adviser to the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan on Environmental Issues and Chairman of the National Committee on Ecology and Climate Change; T. Khudaybergenov, Adviser to the President on the Sustainable Development of the Aral Sea Region; E. Muhiddinov, Director of the Forestry Agency; S. Zufarov, First Deputy Minister of Emergency Situations; representatives of the Jokargy Kenes of the Republic of Karakalpakstan, as well as foresters, ecologists, and members of the public.

It should be noted that at the direct initiative of the Head of State, a “green cover” – protective forest plantations – was created on 2 million hectares of the dried seabed of the Aral Sea during 2018–2025. For these forest reclamation activities, 7.8 thousand tons of seeds of desert plants such as saxaul, karaburok, cherkez, and kandym were collected.

On average, up to 1,000 units of equipment and machinery, 4 aircraft, and 2 motorized hang gliders were involved each year. More than 2,000 residents, workers, and machine operators took part in the planting activities. For future afforestation works, saxaul nurseries were established annually on areas of at least 100 hectares.

Speaking at the event, A. Abduhakimov, Chairman of the Ecology Committee, noted the efforts carried out in recent years to prevent desertification on the dried seabed of the Aral Sea, mitigate the negative consequences of climate change, preserve biodiversity, and strengthen ecosystems.

“All the work carried out on the dried seabed of the Aral Sea contributes to improving the environmental situation in our country. Participating in the planting of desert plants in such conditions is a great honor for all participants, especially for young people. Importantly, from an ecological perspective, the work carried out in the Aral region is already showing results and will continue consistently in the future,” said A. Abduhakimov.

It should also be noted that this year, in order to ensure the high-quality implementation of these activities, 730 units of machinery and equipment, 2 AN-2 aircraft, and 622 forestry workers and machine operators have been mobilized from the Republic of Karakalpakstan and all regions.

Currently, the planting of desert plants on the dried seabed of the Aral Sea is continuing actively.