As part of Eco Expo Central Asia 2026, a side event entitled “Islands of Resilience: Preserving Ecosystem Services in the Lower Amu Darya and Aral Sea Basin” was held to discuss ecosystem restoration in the Aral Sea region, sustainable land and water management, biodiversity conservation and climate resilience.
The event was organized within the framework of 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).
Opening remarks were delivered by Zhusipbek Kazbekov, Deputy Minister of Ecology of Uzbekistan; Anas Fayyad Karman, Deputy Resident Representative of UNDP in Uzbekistan; Ilkhom Juraev, First Deputy Director of the Agency for Water Resources Facilities Operation; Alisher Shukurov, Deputy Minister of Agriculture; and Sherzod Umarov, FAO Representative in Uzbekistan.
Participants discussed the transition of the Aral Sea region from environmental crisis to ecosystem resilience, improved water governance under climate stress, climate-smart agriculture and the promotion of Land Degradation Neutrality (LDN) approaches.
Special attention was given to the role of wetlands and riparian ecosystems in conserving biodiversity, sustaining ecosystem services and supporting local livelihoods.
During the technical session, Joshua Brann, International Technical Advisor of the Aral Sea Wetlands Project, presented the importance of ecosystem services and sustainable livelihoods in the Lower Amu Darya region. Dr. Hermann Kust, Senior Scientist at the Secretariat of the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD), shared insights on land degradation neutrality tools and sustainable land-use planning approaches. Expert Vasily Lobkovsky presented practical mechanisms for integrated land-use planning at the local level.
Participants also explored opportunities for expanding partnerships, introducing innovative solutions and scaling up successful ecosystem restoration practices across the Aral Sea region.
Discussions further emphasized the importance of integrated landscape management, water conservation, climate adaptation and stronger cooperation among government institutions, international organizations, academia and environmental initiatives.
A key outcome of the event was the signing of the Concept for the Integrated Water Resources Management Plan for the Lower Amu Darya Basin by the National Committee on Ecology and Climate Change, the Ministry of Water Resources and the Ministry of Agriculture of Uzbekistan.
The document aims to improve integrated water resources management, enhance water-use efficiency, strengthen environmental sustainability and promote cross-sectoral cooperation in response to increasing climate pressures in the Aral Sea region.
📍 Source: National Committee on Ecology and Climate Change of the Republic of Uzbekistan
