Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) – The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), in collaboration with the Ministry of Ecology, Environmental Protection, and Climate Change of the Republic of Uzbekistan, the Ministry of Agriculture, the Ministry of Water Resources, and other interested organizations and scientific institutions, is working on new projects related to biodiversity conservation and integrated water resource management.

At a seminar held in Antalya, Türkiye, on 4-5 March 2024, the development of several projects officially began within the framework of the regional program "Central Asia Water and Land Nexus (CAWLN)" to restore ecosystems, improve natural resource management, and enhance resilience.

Joint efforts will focus on restoring lands in vulnerable ecosystems in Central Asia, strengthening integrated and comprehensive water resource management in the Amudarya, Zarafshan, Pyandj, Syrdarya, and Naryn river basins, and comprehensive management of natural resources to improve ecosystem and biodiversity conservation.

Uzbekistan is known for its unique diversity of fruit trees, vegetables, and legumes. Preserving this biodiversity, passing it on to future generations, and effectively utilizing its characteristics are of current importance.

A meeting in Tashkent brought together FAO experts, representatives from relevant ministries and agencies, non-governmental organizations, and research institutes. FAO agriculture expert Carolina Starr, who visited Uzbekistan, held discussions with participants on project implementation, goals, and objectives, as well as identifying partner organizations.

It is worth noting that during the 66th session of the Global Environment Facility (GEF) Council held in Washington at the beginning of February 2024, US$26 million was allocated for five projects under the CAWLN Regional Program. Four of these projects, totaling US$18.6 million, will be implemented with FAO support and involve Uzbekistan.

The implementation of these projects will significantly contribute to Uzbekistan's development by protecting the climate and biodiversity. Great successes are expected in future cooperation in this direction.