The Institute of Zoology under the Academy of Sciences of the Republic of Uzbekistan, in collaboration with the University of Oxford (UK), the Saiga Conservation Alliance, the Ministry of Ecology, Environmental Protection, and Climate Change of the Republic of Uzbekistan, the Research Institute for Tourism Development, JV Uz-Kor Gas Chemical LLC, and LLC “The-Pearl-Group,” held a round table on July 16-17, 2024. The event took place in the conference hall of the Jipek Joli hotel, bringing together ecologists, tourism sector representatives, employees of the Ministry of Ecology, the oil and gas sector, and protected natural areas of Karakalpakstan. The purpose was to discuss the results of the Darwin Initiative/Defra project “Resurrection Island: Industry, Conservation Nature, and Development around the Aral Sea” and the next steps for its expansion.
The Resurrection Island project is a large-scale initiative aimed at restoring the territory affected by the disappearance of the Aral Sea, one of the largest environmental disasters. A key step in the project is the creation of the Aralkum State National Park to protect the unique ecosystems of the Aral Sea. Additionally, the project aims to ensure economic stability for the local population through sustainable business development, including ecotourism.
As part of the project, the Aralkum National Natural Park was established, covering an area of 1 million hectares on the lands of the Muynak forestry enterprise. The park features unique landscapes and hosts over 300 species of vertebrates and higher vascular plants. Among its inhabitants are rare species such as saiga, caracal, flamingos, birds of prey, and the steppe tortoise. The park symbolizes nature’s restoration and demonstrates how biodiversity can be preserved despite significant environmental changes.
The principle of “zero losses to nature and beyond” is a cornerstone of the project, aiming to fully compensate for any impact on natural ecosystems through restoration and improvement measures.
The meeting was opened by Khalilulla Sherimbetov, head of the sector at the National Climate Center under the Ministry of Environmental Protection and Biodiversity Conservation of the Republic of Uzbekistan. In his opening speech, he emphasized the importance of this initiative for national climate policy, highlighting its key role in adapting to climate change and mitigating its negative impacts on the environment and the economy. Mr. Sherimbetov also stressed the need for cooperation with international and local partners to successfully implement innovative climate solutions and enhance the sustainability of ecosystems in Uzbekistan.
Dr. Joseph Bull from the University of Oxford, in his presentation, highlighted the significant progress in the implementation of the project and the successes achieved. Dr. Bull emphasized the importance of a comprehensive approach to successfully achieve the project’s objectives, including assessment and planning to understand the current situation and develop a detailed action plan. The official creation of a protected natural area secures its status at the legislative level, ensuring long-term protection. Additionally, the development of ecotourism contributes not only to the region’s economic development but also creates additional income sources for the local population, reducing their dependence on the exploitation of natural resources.
No less important was the speech of Ms. Nodira Shaabbasova from LLC “The Pearl Group”. She focused on the development of eco-tourism, which can become not only a means of conserving biodiversity, but also a powerful tool for raising environmental awareness and economic benefits for local communities. “Ecological tourism is harmony between man and nature,” she noted.
Particular attention of the participants was attracted by the reports of Dr. Khalilullo Sherimbetov and Dr. Elena Bykova, who presented the final zoning plan for the Aralkum territory. As the speakers emphasized, this zoning is critical to protecting the region’s unique natural resources. It not only contributes to the conservation of biodiversity and ecosystems, but also creates the preconditions for sustainable economic growth and an improved quality of life for local residents.
Ms. Gulshad Shagiakhmetova from the Ministry of Ecology of the Republic of Uzbekistan presented the draft Management Plan for the Aralkum National Natural Park. This Plan aims to effectively manage and protect natural resources, which is the key to sustainable development of the region.
The joint presentation by Dr. Joseph Bull and Ms. Inabat Nametova from Uz-Kor Gas Chemical aroused great interest. They discussed prospects for industrial development and options for implementing the principle of “zero losses for nature.” The speakers emphasized that the implementation of this principle will minimize the negative impact on the environment and create a balance between industry and nature.
The round table participants actively engaged in discussions and debates, noting that the Resurrection Island project effectively restores natural heritage and supports sustainable development through the creation of protected natural areas and the adoption of sustainable practices. The integrated approach, including assessment, planning, protected area creation, ecotourism development, and the principle of “zero loss to nature,” exemplifies successful environmental initiative implementation. This project is a symbol of hope for a better future for both nature and the people dependent on it.
The second day of the meeting, dedicated to the application of the principle of “zero losses for nature” and discussing opportunities to expand project activities in the future. At the end of the meeting, the participants highly appreciated the results achieved and unanimously agreed on the importance of continuing the project, noting:
- The need for further development of the project to preserve biodiversity.
- Supporting eco-tourism as a key element of sustainable development.
- The importance of zoning of the Aralkum NNP for the conservation of biological resources and environmentally destructive human activities.
- Approval of the Management Plan of the National Natural Park.
- Support for the implementation of the principle of “zero losses for nature” in industry.
- The importance of international and regional cooperation for the successful implementation of projects.
The working meeting on the Resurrection Island project confirmed significant progress and the participants’ readiness for further cooperation. The project represents a crucial step toward restoring and conserving the unique natural heritage in the Aral Sea region, demonstrating that joint efforts can lead to harmonious coexistence between humans and nature.
Photo by Alexander Esipov