INTERNATIONAL SCIENTIFIC-PRACTICAL CONFERENCE "SCIENTIFIC APPROACHES TO ADDRESSING GLOBAL ENVIRONMENTAL AND WATER CHALLENGES IN CENTRAL ASIA"

An international scientific-practical conference "Scientific Approaches to Addressing Global Environmental and Water Challenges in Central Asia" took place in Tashkent on June 20. The conference was dedicated to the 100th anniversary of the Research Institute of Irrigation and Water Problems (formerly SANIIIRI).

The Conference addressed such pressing topics as the role of science in sustainable water management, adaptation to climate change, innovative solutions, and transboundary cooperation.

In total, the conference attracted around 200 participants, including 42 international guests. The majority of attendees were representatives of leading universities and research centers in Uzbekistan.

The Conference was organized around the following research sessions:

• Scientific-practical solutions for transboundary cooperation, efficient use of energy and water resources
• efficiency and scientific approaches to water-saving irrigation technologies
• importance of reforms, innovations and digital technologies in the water sector
• advanced technologies for safety of hydraulic structures
• scientific foundations of irrigated land reclamation in the context of climate change

During the conference, scientists and engineers who have worked many years in this sphere, as well as the institute's international partners, were honored with special awards.

Opening speech by H.E. Shavkat Khamraev, Minister of Water Resources of Uzbekistan

Welcome by H.E. Nurjan Nurjigitov, Minister of Water Resources and Irrigation of Kazakhstan

Welcome by Abdushukur Khamzaev, leader of Ecological Party of Uzbekistan

Welcome by Boriy Alikhanov, Chairman of the Executive Committee,
Central Council of Environmental Movement of Uzbekistan

The session "Scientific foundations of irrigated land reclamation in the context of climate change" was held at SIC ICWC's Training Center with the support of the Germany-financed IKI Nexus project implemented by OECD, SIC ICWC and UNECE.

Following the reports and discussions during the session, the participants reached a consensus that:

• Scientific and technological advancements, including digital and geo-information technologies with AI elements, are effective tools for monitoring and assessing the state of land.
• The impact of natural and anthropogenic factors on interstate (transboundary) water resources calls for integrated management and coordination at international level.
• Managing the water-salt balance and drainage systems in arid regions is key for water and land sustainability and ecosystem protection in Central Asia.
• Adoption of alternative energy sources and biotechnologies helps to improve the irrigation efficiency and mitigate negative environmental impacts.

Three leading international experts participated in the conference as part of the efforts aimed at designing the regional Center of Excellence on the base of the Expert Platform on water security, sustainable development and future studies.

Their participation was intended to strengthen scientific and institutional collaboration in the region and to contribute to expert assessments and ideas that could form the basis for the future Center's concept. Two of the invited experts spoke at dedicated conference sessions, sharing their experience on adaptation of water management to the context of climate change, dissemination of adaptive water-saving technologies. These topics have been chosen as the key thematic areas for the future Center of Excellence. Thus, these experts contributed to regional dialogue and promotion of science-informed solutions, that corresponds to the core objectives of the implemented initiative.

Photo credits: IFAS Agency in Uzbekistan and SIC ICWC