The fourth meeting of the Steering Committee of the “FOLUR – Uzbekistan” project was held in Tashkent to review interim results of the initiative aimed at assessing the impact of food systems on land use and ecosystem restoration.
The meeting was organized by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) Representation in Uzbekistan within the framework of the project “Food Systems, Land Use and Restoration Impact Assessment Programme in Uzbekistan (FOLUR)”, which is financed by the Global Environment Facility (GEF).
The event brought together Jusipbek Kazbekov, Deputy Chairman of the National Committee for Ecology and Climate Change of Uzbekistan, Nuriddin Kushnazarov, Advisor to the Minister of Agriculture on International Cooperation, and Sherzod Umarov, Deputy FAO Representative in Uzbekistan, as well as representatives of partner organizations including the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) and the International Center for Agricultural Research in the Dry Areas (ICARDA).
During the meeting, participants reviewed progress in introducing innovative agricultural technologies aimed at strengthening sustainable food systems and improving natural resource management.
Within the framework of the project, household landowners and farmers received drip and sprinkler irrigation systems, biofertilizers, and around 60 tons of agricultural crop seeds. In addition, approximately 320 tons of seeds were produced and distributed among farmers, contributing to increased agricultural productivity and the sustainability of agroecosystems.
Special attention was given to innovative water management solutions. In particular, the “Ice Stupa” artificial glacier technology was introduced in the Shahrisabz district of the Kashkadarya region, where it is expected to create additional water resources for agriculture under conditions of water scarcity and support irrigation during the spring and summer seasons.
Participants also exchanged information on upcoming international events, regional workshops, and training activities, and identified priority tasks for the further implementation of the project.
The “FOLUR – Uzbekistan” project aims to promote sustainable land management, restore degraded land, and enhance the environmental sustainability of agricultural systems, contributing to global efforts to protect natural resources and ensure sustainable food production.
📌 Source: National Committee for Ecology and Climate Change of the Republic of Uzbekistan
