A scientific conference unfolded in Samarkand, gathering local and international scientists and experts to discuss innovative strategies for combating sand and dust storms. The event, held within the framework of the 21st session of the UN Convention against Desertification, Land Degradation, and Drought Review Committee (CRIC-21), brought together renowned minds to explore science-based approaches to education and land use for mitigating the adverse effects of land degradation.
The Ministry of Ecology, Environmental Protection, and Climate Change, along with the Research Institute of Environment and Nature Protection Technologies, played key roles in organizing the conference. Representatives from the UN Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) and the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) joined forces with scientists from approximately 10 foreign research institutes to deliberate on crucial issues related to desertification, drought, and land degradation.
Bakhtiyor Polatov, Director of the Research Institute of Environmental and Nature Protection Technologies, emphasized the central theme of the event, stating;
"The main issue at the event was focused on education, increasing the importance of science, and innovative approaches in the fight against drought, land degradation, and desertification."
Foreign specialists were briefed on the ongoing initiatives in Uzbekistan, receiving particular praise for efforts against desertification in the Aral Sea region, notably the extensive planting of haloxylon plants. Bakhtiyor Polatov highlighted the significance of water resource preservation in the battle against desertification, a topic that resonated strongly in discussions with scientists.
Dust and sandstorms emerged as focal points during the negotiations. Feras Ziadat, a representative of the UN Food and Agriculture Organization, underscored the importance of innovation and new technologies in combating desertification and drought. The discussions delved into biophysical and socio-economic aspects, including the identification of hotspots for sand and dust storms, with the ultimate goal of understanding and mitigating the factors contributing to these phenomena.
"Our goal is to identify and eliminate the factors that cause sand and dust. Because this has a negative impact not only on Central Asia but also on other continents. In particular, the sand and dust storm affects about 151 countries of the world," Ziadat noted.
The conference featured contributions from representatives of Uzbekistan's universities and scientific institutions specializing in ecology and desertification. International organizations, including UNCCD and UNDP, explored possibilities for collaboration and support in combating dust and sand storms. Notably, measures to combat desertification in the Aral Sea region were extensively discussed.
Bakhytzhan Khabibullaev, director of the Aral Sea International Innovation Center under the Ministry of Ecology, Environmental Protection, and Climate Change, highlighted the global attention drawn to the Aral Sea problem since its mention by the country's president at the UN podium. He outlined the discussions on climate change, sea and river drying, and land degradation, showcasing the ongoing efforts to address the island problem, such as the substantial planting of haloxylon on over 1,7mn hectares of land.
"In the future, the plan is to continue this effort, with a target of planting haloxylon on 200,000 hectares of land every year.," Khabibullaev stated.
As the conference concluded, participants collectively outlined future actions to combat desertification and drought, marking a significant step forward in the global endeavor to address environmental challenges.
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