A delegation led by His Excellency Mohamed Saif Al Suwaidi, Director General of the Abu Dhabi Development Fund (UAE), paid a visit to the Republic of Karakalpakstan. The delegation also included Tarifa Al Zaabi, Director General of the International Center for Biosaline Agriculture (ICBA). The official ceremony took place at the International Innovation Center of the Aral Sea Region.
The main purpose of the event was to review the achievements of the project “Development of Sustainable Agricultural Production Systems in Degraded Areas of Karakalpakstan”. The project is being implemented with the financial support of the Abu Dhabi Development Fund, in cooperation with ICBA, the Ministry of Ecology, Environmental Protection and Climate Change of the Republic of Uzbekistan, the Government of Karakalpakstan, the International Innovation Center of the Aral Sea Region, the Research Institute of Agriculture of Karakalpakstan, and several partner organizations. During the visit, the pilot project of Integrated Agro-Aquaculture Systems (IAAS) was also officially launched.
The meeting was attended by Deputy Chairman of the Jokargy Kenes of the Republic of Karakalpakstan R. Nurazizov and Chairman of the Council of Ministers of Karakalpakstan F. Ermanov, who introduced the guests to the ongoing reforms, projects, and future plans being carried out under the leadership of the country.
Speakers emphasized that the results achieved are of great importance not only for Karakalpakstan, but for the entire Aral Sea region and globally — as a significant contribution to adapting to and mitigating the adverse effects of climate change. It was noted that the initiative promotes sustainable agriculture, strengthens food security, and improves the quality of life of the population. Proposals for further expansion of cooperation were also put forward.
The event was attended by representatives of relevant organizations, as well as farmers and dehkan communities. Director of the International Innovation Center of the Aral Sea Region B. Khabibullaev delivered a presentation on the outcomes of the project.
In his speech, Mohamed Saif Al Suwaidi highly praised the initiative, calling it an important step in adapting to climate change and ensuring the efficient use of water resources. He underlined that the work being carried out is of great significance for environmental sustainability and the well-being of the region’s population, and expressed his intention to share this successful experience with other countries.
The visit concluded with the inauguration of the pilot Integrated Agro-Aquaculture Systems project. The system will enable the cultivation of carp, salt-tolerant crops, and spirulina. The key innovation of the IAAS lies in the efficient use of water resources and the achievement of sustainable production by combining agriculture and aquaculture. [wds id="295"]