UAE to assist in combating land degradation in Karakalpakstan

As reported by the Ministry of Ecology, Environmental Protection, and Climate Change, the project titled "Development of Sustainable Agricultural Production Systems in Degraded Areas of Karakalpakstan" was discussed during a meeting of Minister Aziz Abdukhakimov with the Director-General of ICBA, Tarifa Al Zaabi.

"We are pleased to observe the growing cooperation with the International Innovation Center Aral Sea Basin (IICAS) and the Ministry of Ecology, focusing on the issues of land degradation and enhancing the capacity of farmers in Karakalpakstan. One of the key problems in Karakalpakstan is land degradation and climate change, and the Aral Sea crisis has only exacerbated this threat," said the minister.

The Uzbek side also highlighted the creation of the GEN bank within the project, conducting scientific research on the development of drought- and water-resistant agricultural crop varieties, training local personnel, equipping laboratories with modern equipment, and technologies for soil research.

The agency reminds that this project, valued at over $1.09 million, is a step towards mitigating the consequences of the Aral Sea disaster and promoting sustainable agriculture in the region. Upon its completion, it is expected to increase agricultural productivity in Karakalpakstan through the introduction of climate-resilient, biosaline, and integrated modular farming systems, expand the scope at 5,000 farmer and dehkan farms through the development of agribusiness value chains, create climate-resilient crops, provide training in best management practices, and integrated production models to meet the needs of farmers and establish field schools for farmers.

At the meeting, the sides also discussed past UN global events COP28 in Dubai and COP14 in Samarkand. Additionally, the minister invited the Director-General of ICBA to participate in the first Samarkand Climate Forum in April this year.