A signing ceremony held at the Ministry of Water Resources on February 27 marked the official launch of the United Nations Development Programme’s (UNDP) new landmark project “Strengthening Water Resources Governance and Resilience to Climate Change in the Aral Sea Region”. UNDP and Japan partner for this transformative initiative in Uzbekistan with financial support from the Government of Japan with a total budget of USD 4,600,000, UNDP Uzbekistan reported.
The project is designed to address one of the most pressing development challenges in Central Asia. Running from 2026 to 2028, it aims to empower Aral Sea communities through integrated, climate-resilient water management, while strengthening governance, boosting water-use efficiency, increasing agricultural productivity, and building inclusive resilience.
“The drying out Aral Sea is one of the most severe environmental crises in our era. This is why Japan, as an Asian friend, has been working with Uzbekistan to mitigate negative impacts caused by the Aral Sea crisis,” said Mr. Kenji Hirata, Ambassador of Japan to Uzbekistan. He added that Japan is ready to support Uzbekistan in its efforts to promote efficient use of limited resources by sharing Japan’s knowledge and technologies.
“This initiative is fully aligned with the strategic priorities of the Government of Uzbekistan in the water sector. With UNDP, we are turning the Aral Sea region into a model of adaptation, innovation, and renewed opportunity,” said Zokir Ishpulatov, First Deputy Minister of Water Resources of Uzbekistan.
“UNDP is delighted to collaborate with the Governments of Uzbekistan and Japan in our shared mission to strengthen water governance. We are committed to introducing the best global practices to address climate impacts and water challenges through improved policy frameworks, stronger institutional capacities, and expanded access to reliable data and modern and innovative technologies. Together, we are fostering a culture of responsible water use to benefit farmers and communities in the Aral Sea Region,” said Ms. Akiko Fujii, UNDP Resident Representative in Uzbekistan.
Over its three-year implementation, the project will strengthen water governance institutions, modernize irrigation infrastructure, and introduce digital monitoring tools across the target districts. More than 1,000 farmers and households will benefit from improved access to water resources, climate-smart agricultural practices, and innovative technologies contributing directly to food security and sustainable livelihoods in a region long affected by water scarcity.
Through regional dialogue platforms, documentary production, and international knowledge exchange, the project will also amplify Aral Sea region’s voice as a model for climate-resilient water management demonstrating that integrated, community-centered solutions can deliver lasting change for the people of the Aral Sea region.
