As part of the collaboration between the International Innovation Center for the Aral Sea Region (IICAS) and the International Center for Biosaline Agriculture (ICBA, UAE), an expert delegation from ICBA visited pilot sites of ongoing projects in the Republic of Karakalpakstan.

During the visit, the delegation observed the progress of implementing innovative solutions in arid and saline-affected areas. Special attention was given to a new pilot project on the Integrated Agro-Aquaculture System (IAAS), which utilizes low-salinity groundwater (1–4 ppt) for the combined cultivation of freshwater fish (carp), salt-tolerant vegetables, and spirulina.

The system is based on the principles of Recirculating Aquaculture Systems (RAS), ensuring sustainable water resource use. Fish farming waste is reused in crop cultivation, and wastewater is applied in a separate system for spirulina production — primarily as animal feed, with the potential for broader applications.

The ICBA expert group highly appreciated the project’s technological approach and its scalability potential in arid regions. Representatives from ICBA and IICAS discussed prospects for continued collaboration and the possibility of adapting similar solutions in other parts of the Aral Sea region facing severe water scarcity and soil degradation.

The visit highlighted the importance of integrated, science-based approaches to agricultural development amid climate change. IICAS Director B. Khabibullaev expressed his gratitude to ICBA partners for their close cooperation and contribution to the advancement of sustainable technologies for the region.