In a country like Uzbekistan, rich in minerals and extractives as well as globally important species its important to balance a developing economy and the growing need to protect habitats and species. The out come of the climate change COP in Dubai last year showed that extractives companies and governments in Asian snd Africa will continue to utilise their natural resources in eluding fossil fuels and minerals. Some governments and extractive companies are showing a willingness to engage in Zero net loss of bio diversity and habitats. Our colleagues in Uzbekistan are working closely with one such organisation to balance the environmental and economical needs.
Wildlife and ecosystems conservationist partner with a gas and utilities company may sound like and odd partnership, a conflict of interests even. But such a partnership has been formed around Uzbekistan’s newest protected areas.
In 2023 SCA reported the founding of new protected areas in Uzbekistan. Saigacy and Alar Kum National parks. SCA along with the Ministry of Environment played a vital role in to allocation and zoning of land within and surrounding these areas. Our collegues in Uzbekistan work closely with partners such as Uz-Kor Gas Chemical LLC JV at the Surgil gas processing facility, where training was held on “Biodiversity and natural gas production in the Aralkum” using best practices for oil and gas industry employees with the participation of international expert prof. J.W. Bull from Oxford University, UK.
The training was attended by employees of the Aralkum National Natural Park, inspectors of the Department of Ecology and Environmental Protection of the Muynak region of Karakalpakistan, employees of the Uz-Kor Gas Chemical, ERIELL Group, JV Kungrad Soda Plant LLC, as well as representatives of SCA and the Institute of Zoology of the Academy of Sciences RUz.
This training focused on mitigating the impact of industry on biodiversity and developing biodiversity conservation plans. The training was organized as part of the project “Resurrection Island: Nature Conservation and Development of the Aral Sea Region”, which is supported by the British Darwin Initiative Foundation. The project is being implemented by the Institute of Zoology of the Academy of Sciences of the Republic of Uzbekistan together with the University of Oxford (UK), the Saiga Conservation Alliance, the Ministry of Ecology, Environmental Protection and Climate Change, the Research Institute for Tourism Development and JV Uz-Kor Gas Chemical LLC.
While JV Uz-Kor Gas Chemical LLC are an extractive company they have shown remarkable dedication to zero net loss of biodiversity within their operational area. This past spring the organisation showed further passion for the protection of the protected area by partnering with SCA, Ministry of environment and Saigachiy Complex (landscape) reserve by funding a field visit and ranger meet and greet for local young people.
The purpose of the event was not just to celebrate Saiga Day, but also to increase environmental awareness and patriotism among young people. This event brought together participants from different regions of Uzbekistan, including environmental experts, media representatives and schoolchildren, creating a multinational atmosphere of cooperation and learning.
With the title “Experience the Great Steppe” participants were given the unique opportunity to observe the local flora and fauna using binoculars and GPS trackers. Also a opportunity to meet rangers and guide and hear stories about the plants and animals of Beleuli turned this moment into an exciting adventure. This day left an unforgettable impression on all participants and helped inspire further action to preserve nature, strengthening the connection between the younger generation and the great steppe, which is our common home.