The Central Asian Research Center for Ecology and Environment has officially opened in Tashkent, marking an important step toward strengthening regional capacity in addressing climate change, land degradation, and sustainable environmental management. The center was established through cooperation between the National Committee of the Republic of Uzbekistan on Ecology and Climate Change and the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS).
The project brings together two leading research institutions of the People’s Republic of China — the Xinjiang Institute of Ecology and Geography (XIEG) and the Northwest Institute of Eco-Environment and Resources (NIEER), both widely recognized for their expertise in arid and semi-arid ecosystems.
The opening ceremony was attended by more than 100 guests, including representatives of government bodies, academic and research institutions, diplomatic missions, international organizations, and the private sector. The official launch was marked by a ribbon-cutting ceremony performed by Zhussipbek Kazbekov, Deputy Minister of Ecology of the Republic of Uzbekistan, and Zhang Yuanming, Director of XIEG.
In his remarks, Zhussipbek Kazbekov outlined the core mission of the center, emphasizing the development of a comprehensive digital database on arid ecosystems, environmental change forecasting under conditions of desertification and soil salinization, and the design of innovative, science-based strategies for the sustainable economic development of desert regions. Once fully operational, the center is expected to host up to 50 national and international researchers, contributing to one of the most extensive environmental data collections in Central Asia.
Zhang Yuanming, Director of XIEG, emphasized that the new center represents the first research institution of its kind in the region, designed to strengthen international scientific cooperation, promote interdisciplinary research, and support large-scale studies addressing shared environmental challenges.
The strategic importance of the center was also underscored by Erkin Mukhitdinov, Director of the Forestry Agency of Uzbekistan, who noted that approximately 80 percent of Uzbekistan’s territory consists of deserts and arid lands. He stressed that the center’s research will provide critical scientific evidence for combating land degradation, restoring ecosystems, and expanding green areas.
The event further highlighted successful cooperation with XIEG, including the establishment of halophyte gardens in five regions of Uzbekistan using seeds provided by Chinese partners, demonstrating the practical application of scientific research.
The Central Asian Research Center for Ecology and Environment is expected to become a key hub for international scientific collaboration, facilitating joint research projects, academic exchanges, and innovative solutions to support environmental protection and climate change adaptation across Central Asia.
📌 Source: National Committee on Ecology and Climate Change of the Republic of Uzbekistan
