ARAL SEA WETLANDS

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Objective

The objective of the project is to enhance the resilience of the ecosystems and livelihoods in Lower Amudarya and Aral Sea Basin (LADAB) through land degradation neutrality (LDN) compatible integrated land-water management in the productive landscapes around PAs and KBAs/IBAs. The four components proposed by this project have been designed within available GEF and co-financing framework to address the corresponding drivers of land, water degradation and biodiversity decline, which are directly linked to the diminishment and loss of lake, wetland and riparian biodiversity in this arid landscape. The project will deliver Global Environmental Benefits using a participatory approach that ensures promotion of women, youth and vulnerable groups and equitable participation opportunities. This will result in the establishment of an integrated water management framework linking “water saving agriculture” on 1,050,910 ha of irrigated land in LADAB landscape with the sustainable management of the minimum and the maximum ecological flows, required to sustain 957,260 hectares of lakes, wetlands and riparian zones; participatory Sustainable Land Management (SLM) measures applied to 100,000 ha of pastureland, tugai and tauranga forest ecosystem and halting habitat degradation; extension of the PAs national system’s coverage, to include 9 additional KBAs/IBAs, through the legal designation of 3,094,600 ha new PAs which, coupled with an expected 20% increase in the management effectiveness of the exiting PAs and a guaranteed minimum ecological flow to sustain the deltaic water bodies, will cumulatively result into stabilized population of the key indicator species and the ecological integrity of a chain of watered lands along the Aral coastline, crucial for preventing desertification and loss of biodiversity

Full Project Details

PROJECT TIMELINE

Start Date

January 1, 2022

End Date

December 31, 2026

Components

Coordinated water management
as basis for LDN and conservation

This project component will address unrationalized and unsustainable use of water resources, the negative impacts of which are exacerbated from climate change risks. The project will develop a collaborative framework for efficient water management involving multi-stakeholders engagement, considering agriculture needs but also the necessary ecological flows needed for the preservation of lakes wetlands and riparian zones in Amudarya basin and delta.

Sustainable land management for
Land Degradation Neutrality in the target landscape

This component supports sustainable land management (SLM) around lakes, wetlands, and riparian zones. It targets buffer areas in partnership with local governments and communities to reduce land degradation and pressure on protected areas. GEF resources will fund integrated land use planning and promote biodiversity-friendly farming. A micro-scheme, implemented with the Council of Farmers, will help small and mid-sized farms adopt sustainable irrigation, pasture, and forest practices. An EIA/safeguards team will assess risks and develop mitigation measures for inclusion in land use plans.

Conservation of globally significant
Aral Sea Basin biodiversity

Component 3 focuses on tackling the direct drivers of biodiversity loss by expanding the protected area (PA) system and improving the management of key existing PAs. GEF resources will support spatial and land use planning around these areas to ensure integration of PAs into sustainable land and agricultural practices. Buffer zones and corridors will be mapped, delineated, and incorporated into LDN-compatible spatial plans.

International Cooperation
and Knowledge Management

This component strengthens awareness and technical capacity on land degradation, biodiversity, and climate risks. Despite progress in addressing Aral Sea-related water issues, broader understanding remains low. The project will run education campaigns for decision-makers and local users, and support collaboration on Aral Sea basin decisions. Led by the State Committee on Ecology, it will promote stakeholder dialogue and share results through national and international networks.

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EVENTS

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July 28-29, 2025

Strengthening Capacity in Water Allocation for Agriculture and Ecosystems in the Aral Sea Basin

On 28-29 July 2025, the UNDP-GEF project “Conservation and Sustainable Management of Lakes, Wetlands, and Riparian Corridors as Pillars of a Resilient and Land Degradation Neutral Aral Basin Landscape Supporting Sustainable Livelihoods” successfully conducted a two-day technical training on “Water Allocation Scenarios for Irrigated Agriculture and Biodiversity Conservation.”
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June 26, 2025

The First Meeting of the Multi-Stakeholder Water Management Committee Held in Tashkent

On June 26, 2025, the first meeting of the Multi-Stakeholder Water Management Committee was held in Tashkent under the UNDP/GEF project “Conservation and Sustainable Management of Lakes, Wetlands, and Riparian Corridors as Pillars of a Resilient and Land Degradation Neutral Aral Basin Landscape Supporting Sustainable Livelihoods.”
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June 17, 2025

Ensuring the Neutrality of Land Degradation: Assessment and Solution Methods

In honor of the World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought, we held a seminar that brought together representatives of local authorities, international organizations, and civil society.
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April 28, 2025

Update on Wetlands in the Aral Sea Region: New Data Collection Underway

The inaugural meeting of the Multilateral Working Group on Water Resources Management took place in Urgench as part of the Aral Sea Wetlands Project—a joint initiative between the Ministry of Ecology, Environmental Protection and Climate Change and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), supported by the Global Environment Facility (GEF).
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April 14, 2025

The Aral Sea Wetlands project will contribute to increasing the stability of the Aral Sea region

The Aral Sea Wetlands Project, jointly implemented by the Ministry of Ecology, Environmental Protection and Climate Change of Uzbekistan, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), and the Global Environment Facility (GEF), plays a critical role in enhancing the ecological stability of the Aral Sea region.
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December 11, 2024

3,000 fruit trees will be planted in Muynak district

As part of the "Aral Wetlands" project, a joint initiative by the Ministry of Ecology, Environmental Protection, and Climate Change of Uzbekistan, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), and the Global Environment Facility (GEF), a ceremonial transfer of 3,000 fruit tree seedlings was held for the "Muynak" State Forestry in the Muynak district of the Republic of Karakalpakstan.
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November 28, 2024

The Aral wetlands project has established cooperation with an international university

As part of the joint Aral Wetlands Project—implemented by the Ministry of Ecology, Environmental Protection and Climate Change, the UN Development Programme (UNDP), and the Global Environment Facility (GEF)**—an information meeting was held at **Acharya University Uzbekistan in the Bukhara region.
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July 23-26, 2024

UNDP-GEF Experts and Stakeholders Unite to Tackle Water Challenges and Restore Wetlands in the Aral Sea Basin

Through targeted consultations, site visits, and scientific analysis, the mission deepened the understanding of current water resource challenges in the Amudarya Delta and its impact on ecosystems and communities.
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July 18, 2024

6 protected natural territories of the country have been replenished with the material and technical base

On July 18, the Department of Protected Natural Areas under the Ministry of Ecology, Environmental Protection, and Climate Change hosted a ceremony for the transfer of professional equipment and technical means to six protected natural areas (PNA) of the country.
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April 24, 2024

Two ATVs Handed Over to Protected Natural Areas

On April 24, 2024, two all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) were handed over to the Department of Protected Natural Areas under the Ministry of Ecology, Environmental Protection, and Climate Change of the Republic of Uzbekistan.
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January 26, 2024

Off-road vehicles were transferred to the national natural parks “Southern Ustyurt” and “Central Kyzylkum”

On 25 January, a meeting was held in the building of the Ministry of Ecology, Environmental Protection and Climate Change with the participation of the head of the Department of Protected Natural Areas (PA) Zokir Rakhimov, the head of the UN Development Program cluster on Environment and Climate Bahadur Paluaniyazov , Aral wetlands project manager Akmal Ismatov and others.
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October 13, 2023

Engaging general public in the conservation of wetlands in the Aral Sea region

The joint project led by the Ministry of Ecology of Uzbekistan, UNDP, and the Global Environment Facility focuses on the conservation and sustainable management of lakes, wetlands, and riparian corridors in the Lower Amu Darya and Aral Sea basins.
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November 30, 2022

UNDP-GEF Project for Conservation and Sustainable Management in the Aral Sea Basin

A joint initiative by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the State Committee of the Republic of Uzbekistan for Ecology and Environment Protection (Goscomecology), funded by the Global Environment Facility (GEF), is underway to conserve and sustainably manage lakes, wetlands, and riparian corridors in the Aral Sea Basin.
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May 21, 2022

UN to implement a project on efficient use of lakes and wetlands in Aral Sea region

A draft resolution of the Cabinet of Ministers has been announced to implement the project “Preservation and Management of Lakes, Wetlands and Coastal Areas as a Basis for Sustainable Livelihoods in the Degraded Lands of the Aral Sea Basin.”
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