The project board meeting of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) project “Enhancing the resilience of the local population and promoting green, inclusive development of the most vulnerable communities in the Aral Sea region” convened last week in Tashkent in partnership with the Ministry of Agriculture of Uzbekistan and the Council of Ministers of the Republic of Karakalpakstan to review 2025 achievements and set priorities for 2026, UNDP Uzbekistan reported.
The project operates in three pilot districts of Karakalpakstan – Karauzyak, Kegeyli, and Kanlykul – applying a systemic approach to addressing environmental and socio-economic challenges caused by the drying of the Aral Sea. The initiative aims to enhance local communities’ climate resilience through strengthening agricultural production capacity, expanding access to international markets, and improving basic social infrastructure in the region’s most vulnerable communities.
During the meeting, results across all project components were presented. Capacity building for farming households was achieved through development of production cooperatives, technical support, and training for over 400 farmers in modern agricultural technologies and climate-resilient practices, contributing to a 40% reduction in water consumption.
Nursultan Kayupov, representative from the Ministry of Agriculture, emphasized: “The project contributes to implementing Uzbekistan’s Agricultural Development Strategy 2020-2030 and the National Strategy for Transition to a Green Economy, helping prevent environmental and socio-economic challenges in the region.”
Significant results have been achieved in developing export potential and improving social infrastructure. Modernization of laboratory infrastructure has enhanced food security for over 2 million residents – in 2025, 15,800 tests were conducted, enabling 18 producers to access international markets. Strengthened social infrastructure provided 4,302 residents with access to clean water, 2,024 students with digital education, and 129,218 residents in remote communities with internet connectivity.
Vladimir Jollibekov, Deputy Chairman of the Council of Ministers of the Republic of Karakalpakstan expressed gratitude: “Through joint efforts, we are strengthening food security, implementing water-saving technologies, and improving social infrastructure. The Government will provide full support for further implementation of these initiatives.” The achieved results lay the foundation for continued partnership in the sustainable development of the Aral Sea region. Under UNDP’s new Strategic Plan for 2026-2029, the partnership will evolve with emphasis on sustainable regional development and creating opportunities for local communities.
