EVENTS
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UNDP-GEF Project for Conservation and Sustainable Management
in the Aral Sea Basin
November 30, 2022
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. The project focuses on enhancing ecosystem resilience and achieving land degradation neutrality (LDN) in the Lower Amu Darya and Aral Sea Basin (NABAM) by promoting integrated land and water resource management.
Despite the Aral Sea’s decline, the region remains home to vital wetlands, lakes, and biodiversity hotspots, including internationally important migratory bird routes. Wetlands such as Sudochye and Dengizkul have become essential habitats for nesting and wintering birds, and they support local livelihoods through the provision of water and food.
The target areas include Alat and Karakul districts (Bukhara region) and Amudarya and Muynak districts (Republic of Karakalpakstan), which are rich in biodiversity but face serious challenges such as land degradation, water scarcity, and salinization.
Key project activities include
Capacity building for five new protected areas (totaling over 3 million hectares), such as Southern Ustyurt and the Sudochie Lakes System.
Promotion of sustainable land and water management practices.
Conservation of globally significant biodiversity and ecosystems.
International cooperation and knowledge exchange.
The project adopts an inclusive approach, engaging diverse stakeholders—from government bodies and scientists to local communities and media—while emphasizing gender equality, youth involvement, and empowerment of vulnerable groups. An inception workshop has been held to align the project strategy and goals with stakeholders.
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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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