BAKU, Azerbaijan, June 2. The participation of
Uzbekistan at Eco Expo Central Asia 2026 concluded with the signing
of a Concept Plan for Integrated Water Resources Management in the
Lower Amu Darya Basin, Trend reports via the Uzbek Committee on Ecology and
Climate Change.
Officials, international organizations, and environmental
experts gathered at Eco Expo Central Asia 2026 on June 2 for a side
event focused on ecosystem restoration and climate resilience in
the Aral Sea region.
The event, titled “Islands of Sustainability: Preserving
Ecosystem Services in the Lower Amu Darya and the Aral Sea Basin”,
was organized under the Aral Sea Wetlands Project, a joint
initiative of Uzbekistan’s National Committee on Ecology and
Climate Change, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP),
and the Global Environment Facility (GEF).
Participants discussed efforts to restore ecosystems in the Aral
Sea region, improve land and water management, protect
biodiversity, and strengthen resilience to climate change.
Speakers included Deputy Minister of Ecology Jusipbek Kazbekov,
UNDP Deputy Resident Representative Anas Fayyad Karman, First
Deputy Minister of Water Resources Zokir Ishpulatov, Deputy
Minister of Agriculture Alisher Shukurov, and FAO Representative in
Uzbekistan Sherzod Umarov.
Discussions focused on the region’s transition from
environmental crisis toward sustainable ecosystem development, the
modernization of water management systems under increasing climate
pressure, the adoption of climate-resilient agricultural practices,
and strategies to achieve land degradation neutrality.
Special attention was given to the role of wetlands and riparian
ecosystems in preserving biodiversity, maintaining ecosystem
services, and supporting local livelihoods.
During the technical session, international experts presented
research and practical approaches to sustainable land-use planning,
ecosystem restoration, and integrated resource management.
Participants also explored opportunities to expand partnerships,
promote innovative solutions, and scale up successful environmental
restoration projects across the Aral Sea basin.
A key outcome of the event was the signing of a Concept Plan for
Integrated Water Resources Management in the Lower Amu Darya Basin
by the National Committee on Ecology and Climate Change, the
Ministry of Water Resources, and the Ministry of Agriculture.
The document is designed to improve integrated water management,
increase water-use efficiency, strengthen environmental
sustainability, and enhance cross-sector cooperation as the region
faces growing climate-related challenges.
