Uzbekistan’s initiatives to combat sand and dust storms discussed

An event dedicated to implementing the Decade of Action on Combating Sand and Dust Storms (2025-2034) was held at the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) pavilion.

Farrukh Sattorov, Director of Uzbekistan’s National Climate Change Center, delivered a presentation during a panel discussion focused on mobilizing best practices and joint efforts. His presentation focused on the environmental consequences of the Aral Sea’s drying up.

The event also highlighted large-scale measures being implemented in Uzbekistan at the initiative of President Shavkat Mirziyoyev. In particular, the country has adopted the National Program to Combat Dust Storms for 2024-2030, which aims to reduce the frequency of severe dust storms by 50 percent by 2028.

Efforts are underway to establish a unified air quality monitoring network comprising 347 automated stations, develop a multi-hazard early warning system, restore degraded land and create protective green belts.

At the conclusion of the discussion, particular emphasis was placed on the importance of translating national environmental programs into concrete investment projects with the participation of international financial institutions, UN agencies and development partners.

According to the National Committee on Ecology and Climate Change, the event also highlighted the significant potential of initiatives to establish the Green Central Asia Fund and the Central Asian Climate Center, which are being discussed as promising mechanisms for regional cooperation.

A. Rustamov, UzA