In a stride towards addressing land degradation and bolstering sustainable agricultural practices, Uzbekistan and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) have joined forces to confront environmental challenges plaguing the Karakalpakstan region, the Ministry of Ecology, Environmental Protection, and Climate Change of Uzbekistan reported.
On February 21, Aziz Abdukhakimov, the Minister of Ecology, Environmental Protection, and Climate Change of Uzbekistan, met with Tarifa Al Zaabi, the Director General of the UAE International Center for Biosaline Agriculture (ICBA), to discuss collaborative efforts aimed at tackling environmental challenges in the Karakalpakstan region.
Minister Abdukhakimov highlighted the pressing issue of land degradation exacerbated by climate change, particularly in Karakalpakstan, a region already grappling with the ramifications of the Aral Sea crisis. Emphasizing the importance of long-term cooperation with ICBA, he outlined plans for establishing a climate center under the Ministry to address environmental concerns effectively.
The focal point of discussion revolved around the joint project initiated by the Abu Dhabi Development Fund and ICBA titled "Development of Sustainable Agricultural Production Systems in the Degraded Areas of Karakalpakstan." With a budget exceeding $1.09mn, this project aims to enhance the resilience of farmers in Karakalpakstan and mitigate economic losses associated with land degradation.
The proposed project encompasses various initiatives, including the establishment of a Genetic Resources Bank (GEN bank), scientific research on drought- and waterproof crop varieties, training programs for local agricultural staff, and the provision of modern equipment and technologies for soil research laboratories.
Crucially, the project seeks to introduce climate-resistant, bio-saline, and integrated modular farming systems to bolster agricultural productivity in Karakalpakstan. It aims to empower thousands of farmers and dehkan farms by fostering value chains in agribusiness, promoting climate-resilient crops, and imparting training on best management practices and integrated production models.
Moreover, the meeting touched upon recent global events, including COP28 in Dubai and COP14 in Samarkand, underscoring the shared commitment of both nations to address climate change at the international level. Minister Abdukhakimov extended an invitation to the ICBA CEO to participate in the inaugural Samarkand Climate Forum scheduled for April this year.
ICBA Project
The relentless shrinking of the Aral Sea in Central Asia, fueled by excessive water extraction for irrigation and inadequate water management practices in surrounding nations, has inflicted profound hardships on communities in Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan. Among the dire consequences of the sea's desiccation are salinization, soil degradation, desertification, and the emergence of sand and dust storms.
In response, a comprehensive project has been initiated with the primary objective of bolstering the resilience of smallholder farmers in Karakalpakstan and fortifying their ability to withstand economic losses stemming from land degradation. This endeavor marks a crucial step towards ameliorating the aftermath of the Aral Sea catastrophe while championing sustainable agricultural practices in the region.
Central to the project's mission is the implementation of innovative agricultural systems designed to thrive in the region's challenging climate conditions. By introducing climate-resilient, biosaline, and integrated modular farming methods, the project aims to elevate agricultural productivity within local communities. Additionally, it seeks to foster economic growth by developing value chains in agribusiness and by empowering community members through knowledge enhancement, skill development, and self-reliance initiatives.
The project will conduct comprehensive assessments of existing irrigation infrastructure across three designated sites to ensure optimal functionality, encompassing irrigation, drainage, and safe disposal of drainage discharge. Capacity-building endeavors will include trainer workshops and farmer field schools to disseminate vital knowledge and skills throughout the community.
Innovative research and adaptation strategies addressing natural resource management in marginal environments and climate change modeling are pivotal components of this initiative. Aligned with several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including zero hunger, good health and well-being, clean water and sanitation, sustainable cities and communities, responsible consumption and production, life below water, and life on land, the project aims to benefit up to 15,000 farmers and agropastoralists directly, impacting the lives of approximately 75,000 individuals in total.
Challenges in Karakalpakstan
The reduction of the Aral Sea has revealed extensive expanses of its former seabed, containing significant accumulations of salt, pesticides, and various contaminants. As winds traverse these parched surfaces, they transport harmful dust particles that pose respiratory risks to local residents. Consequently, there has been a surge in respiratory ailments like asthma, bronchitis, lung cancer, tuberculosis, anemia, and birth defects within the region.
By January 2002, anemia affected a striking 80%-90% of the population in Karakalpakstan, while 89% of Kazakhstan's inhabitants in the vicinity reported digestive issues, delayed sexual development, as well as stunted growth and weight.
Recent data from 2017 underscores the severity of the situation, indicating a mortality rate of 60-100 per 1,000 individuals in areas surrounding the former seabed, compared to 48 per 1,000 in Tashkent.
Additionally, local communities are grappling with the adverse effects of water scarcity and pollution on their health. The redirection of rivers that previously nourished the Aral Sea has led to the accumulation of contaminated saline residues. Moreover, the existing water sources in the area frequently contain high levels of pollutants stemming from agricultural runoff and industrial operations. Consequently, there has been an increase in waterborne illnesses such as gastrointestinal issues, skin infections, and instances of poisoning.
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