LocationsEnvironmental degradation in the Aral Sea region: round table on the results of assessing the impact on agriculture and the population
November 15, 2023
Tashkent, 15.11.2023 - Environmental degradation and its negative impact on agriculture and the lives of the local population became the main topic of discussion at the round table, held with the support of the Ministry of Economy and Finance of the Republic of Uzbekistan and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).
The event, held in Tashkent, brought together representatives of the ministries and departments, Islamic Development Bank, World Bank, UNDP, as well as experts in the field of ecology, agriculture and public representatives to discuss the current state of the environmental situation in the Aral Sea region and its impact on agriculture and life of the local population.
The purpose of the round table was to discuss and analyze the negative impact of environmental degradation on agriculture and the population of Uzbekistan, identify key problems and vulnerabilities, and propose practical solutions to mitigate the consequences of such disasters.
During the discussion, the main aspects associated with the negative impact of environmental degradation were identified, including a decrease in soil fertility, deterioration in water quality and an increase in morbidity among the population.
A team of UNDP experts and representatives of the research company presented an overview of the best foreign practices in assessing the impact of emergency situations and environmental degradation on the agricultural sector and the population.
The event participants emphasized the need for urgent measures to improve the environmental situation, such as the introduction of modern technologies in agriculture, raising public awareness of a healthy lifestyle and sustainable farming methods.
Representatives of government agencies and international organizations expressed their readiness for cooperation and joint efforts to develop and implement programs and projects aimed at solving problems caused by environmental degradation in the Aral Sea region.
The final part of the event included an awarding ceremony for the winners of the competition among young architects and urban planners “Smart Rural Planning”, which was organized to engage young people to participate in the socio-economic development of regions, cities and villages - the development and implementation of projects aimed at improving urban planning documents and implementation of innovative, low-carbon and energy-efficient design solutions.
Based on the results of the competition, the jury determined the winners in three categories:
«Smart rural settlement» (master plan/conceptual design of the village territory):
- place: Parpiyev Jamshidbek (Tashkent University of Architecture and Construction)
- place: Yergasheva Nilufar (Turin Polytechnic University in Tashkent)
- place: Asatullayeva Umida (Samarkand State Institute of Architecture and Construction)
«Smart district» (master plan, conceptual design of a city/district):
- place: Kayumova Diyora (Kimyo International University in Tashkent)
- place: Jabborov Abdulaziz (Moscow Institute of Architecture)
- place: Utkelbayeva Ranay (KU LEUVEN, Belgium)
«Green building» (project of a public building or social facility):
- place: Bakhtiyorjonov Khumoyunmirzo (Bucheon University in Tashkent)
- place: Umarkulova Shakhodat (Tashkent University of Architecture and Construction)
- place: Маликова Динара (Tashkent University of Architecture and Construction)
The winners were awarded valuable prizes (computers, tablets, and external hard drives).
The event was organized within the framework of the Joint project of the Ministry of Economy and Finance of the Republic of Uzbekistan and UNDP “Sustainable Rural Development”, funded by the Islamic Development Bank and the OPEC Fund for International Development.
