Saxaul, a resilient desert plant, is now visible from space as part of a successful reforestation effort in the once-dry bottom of the Aral Sea, as per the climatologist Erkin Ablulahatov's words.
"As an effect of such greening, it can be said that after 2018, the risk of strong dust storms on the coast of the island has decreased dramatically. Not only the frequency of dust (sand) storms, but also the intensity of precipitation around the island from the incoming moist air currents has increased compared to other regions. This may be related not only to changes in air circulation but also to changes in phytomass on the surface of the earth," noted Ablulahatov.
The initiative, started in 2018 in the Moynaq district of Karakalpakstan, involves the construction of "green coverings" in the dry area of the Aral Sea. Nizomiddin Bakirov, the director of the Forestry Agency, highlighted the systematic organization of this reforestation project.
"In the dry area of the Aral Sea, 'green covers' were established from the seeds and seedlings of desert plants on an area of 1.7mn hectares. A total of 6,900 tons of seeds of saxaul and other desert plants were collected by forestry companies and local residents. Out of this, more than 1,500 tons of seeds are accounted for by the residents of Moynak District," Bakirov informed.
He emphasized the significant scale of the project, involving thousands of pieces of equipment, airplanes, hang gliders, and the active participation of residents, workers, and mechanics. Bakirov mentioned that the established "green covers" are closely monitored in collaboration with field scientists and relevant ministries and scientific research institutes.
"The established 'green covers' are being monitored in cooperation with field scientists and relevant ministries and scientific research institutes," Bakirov added.
Notably, the saxaul fields planted in the first years have begun to bear fruit, and seeds are currently being collected. The ongoing regional activities in the Aral Bay region have garnered support and recognition from the United Nations, influential international organizations, and various countries.
"These important activities aimed at improving the ecological situation in the republic and preventing desertification will be consistently continued within the approved programs," Bakirov affirmed.
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