On June 2, within the framework of the Eco Expo Central Asia 2026 international exhibition, a side event titled “Islands of Resilience: Conserving Ecosystem Services in the Lower Amu Darya and Aral Sea Basin” took place in Samarkand. The event was dedicated to the restoration of ecosystems in the Aral Sea region, sustainable land and water resources management, biodiversity conservation, and enhancing the region’s climate resilience, according to the National Committee on Ecology and Climate Change.
The event was organized as part of the Aral Sea Wetlands Project, implemented by the National Committee on Ecology and Climate Change in collaboration with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the Global Environment Facility (GEF).
Welcoming remarks were delivered by Deputy Minister of Ecology Jusipbek Kazbekov, UNDP Deputy Resident Representative in Uzbekistan Anas Fayyad Qarman, First Deputy Minister of Water Resources Zokir Ishpulatov, Deputy Minister of Agriculture Alisher Shukurov, and FAO Representative in Uzbekistan Sherzod Umarov.
During the session, participants discussed the transition of the Aral Sea region from an ecological crisis to the formation of sustainable ecosystems, as well as issues of improving water management under climate stress, introducing climate-resilient agriculture, and promoting approaches to achieve Land Degradation Neutrality (LDN).
Special attention was given to the role of wetlands and coastal ecosystems in conserving biodiversity, maintaining the sustainability of ecosystem services, and securing livelihood sources for the local population.
As part of the technical session, Joshua Brann, International Technical Advisor for the Aral Sea Wetlands Project, presented a report on the significance of ecosystem services and sustainable livelihoods in the lower reaches of the Amu Darya. Dr. German Kust, Chief Scientist of the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) Secretariat, spoke about the application of land degradation neutrality tools and approaches to sustainable land-use planning. Additionally, expert Vasily Lobkovsky presented practical mechanisms for integrated land-use planning at the local level.
During the open discussion, participants explored the prospects for expanding partnerships, implementing innovative solutions, and scaling up successful practices for ecosystem restoration in the Aral Sea region.
Following the event, the Concept of the Integrated Water Resources Management Plan for the Lower Amu Darya Basin was signed between the National Committee on Ecology and Climate Change, the Ministry of Water Resources, and the Ministry of Agriculture. The document is aimed at improving the integrated water resources management system, increasing water use efficiency, strengthening environmental sustainability, and fostering cross-sectoral interaction amid growing climate pressure in the Aral Sea region.
