On April 25, an event was held by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) in collaboration with Uzbekistan's Ministry of Agriculture and the International Agriculture University (IAU) to celebrate Earth Day 2023.
The event also recognized the winners of the Students' Contest of Environmental Ideas, which was announced last month by the USAID Agribusiness Development activity and the IAU. The contest centered on the theme "Think Global, Act Local," focused on various environmental topics, including climate and environmental literacy, ending plastic, sustainable fashion, global cleanup, and afforestation.
Twelve three-person teams, with support from IAU lecturers, prepared various projects. The three finalist teams received prizes and gifts, and all participants received commemorative certificates.
'My personal view is that they are all fascinating, creative, and terrific ideas, but more than the ideas themselves, what inspires me is that there are young people here in Uzbekistan who are passionate about this issue and who are going to apply their intelligence and creativity to find solutions to ecological problems,' Ambassador Jonathan Henick told Daryo correspondent.
Besides, the U.S. envoy reflected on illegal tree-cutting across the globe, leading to significant environmental damage, including soil erosion, loss of biodiversity, and disruption of ecosystems.
'This is a problem everywhere, not just in Uzbekistan. Governments and local authorities are responsible for setting clear rules about when and how trees can be cut. And it's also the responsibility of local citizens and the media to make sure that when local rules and ordinances are violated', Ambassador said.
'In the context of climate adaptation, agriculture is one of the most resource-intensive sectors. Therefore, it is crucial to empower well-trained and innovative young professionals to implement best practices to protect the environment and ensure sustainable access to food for future generations. I am thrilled to visit the International Agriculture University today – a new and innovative academic institution providing various educational programs in agriculture,' Ambassador noted.
'On the occasion of such competitions, as well as in the daily activities of our university, which has the word "International" in its name, we try to stimulate young people to think critically and use good examples from around the world. Only in this way will young people find a way to become future professional leaders. And modern agriculture is the future of Uzbekistan, creating favorable conditions for professional success,' Dr. Munira Aminova, Acting Rector of IAU, added.
'Climate adaptation is at the core of USAID's global work. Worldwide we work with governments to help them implement national climate strategies with local communities to strengthen their resilience and with academia to improve knowledge and support innovation. We have seen how bright and innovative the students of IAU are. Many of the ideas presented by students are applicable not only in Uzbekistan but worldwide,' USAID Mission Director Mikaela Meredith told media.
'We helped organize this competition today, where 12 groups submitted their innovative ideas. It was a fantastic competition, and we heard from the first winner, who had created an edible cup that would replace plastic. It's biodegradable; it has nutrients. It's not a waste. It's healthy. It's a fantastic idea. This is just one of the ways that USAID supports Uzbekistan in protecting the environment. We're bringing a smart agriculture course to the new curriculum at this university in September. And it will teach students how to deal with eco-friendly techniques and technologies. We've already supported establishing an agriculture business management course that sophomores take. In addition, we're working on three different projects to protect the environment. First, we are setting up a regional energy market which is going to which is incorporating energy resources, renewable energy resources. That's a $40mn project. In addition, we have a $25mn project to work with different countries in Central Asia to manage water', Michaela Meredith added.
The campuses of agricultural universities in Tashkent have been enriched with new trees every year. Moreover, due to last year's contest, select trees were marked with QR signs.
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