Today, climate change is recognized by the global community as one of the most pressing challenges facing humanity. This process impacts all aspects of human life, requiring immediate measures to mitigate its negative consequences and adapt to new climatic conditions.

Uzbekistan is located in a region highly vulnerable to climate change, making it necessary to implement adaptation measures and take appropriate actions. In this regard, the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan approved the resolution "On the Adoption of the Uzbekistan — 2030 Strategy." The third direction of the strategy is defined as “Water Resource Conservation and Environmental Protection.”

To read the resolution, click here.

In Uzbekistan, the Ministry of Ecology, Environmental Protection, and Climate Change, as well as the UzHydromet Agency, are the authorized organizations responsible for addressing climate change. These organizations have developed measures and actions to be undertaken by Uzbekistan to combat climate change. More information can be found here.(https://hydromet.uz/uz/node/609)

Tashkent Institute of Irrigation and Agricultural Mechanization Engineers (TIIAME) National Research University is implementing a number of significant initiatives and projects to combat climate change in Uzbekistan. The university is actively engaged in preparing specialists in climate change and conducting ongoing scientific research. The university has reached agreements to collaborate with the Ecology and Environmental Protection Committee, the Scientific Research Institute of EnvironmentalProtection and Nature Conservation Technologies, and the Scientific Research Institute of Hydrometeorology. To establish effective collaboration between the university and these organizations, the following areas of cooperation are being pursued:

·      Organizing short-term internships for professors and lecturers.

·      Improving the content of educational programs and curricula.

·      Developing plans for training highly qualified specialists.

Conducting scientific and innovative research, implementing and commercializing their results, publishing scientific articles, and organizing scientific seminars on pressing issues.

Special attention is being paid to supporting student internships, facilitating graduate employment, and enhancing the qualifications of specialists. Through this collaboration, the main goal is to jointly combat climate change. Continuous cooperation is also being carried out with Centersresponsible for enhancing the qualifications of professionals in the field of climate change.

Collaboration with the Tashkent City Department of Environmental Protection, responsible for regional ecology and environmental changes, has also been established. As part of this collaboration, industry specialists are regularly organizing roundtable discussions for university students.

During these meetings, detailed discussions are held on topics such as protecting the environment and ecology, ensuring sustainable development, preserving natural resources for future generations, adhering to industry requirements and standards, and preventing ecological disasters."

University students are actively participating in various grant competitions organized by the Ministry of Ecology and international partners. Within the framework of the "UzWaterAware" project, a mini-grant program is being implemented to support four projects by TIIAME students focused on water conservation in the context of climate change.

Click here to learn more in detail: (https://www.uznature.uz/en/site/news?id=1101)

Scientific Discussion of Climate Change Issues

The university regularly organizes conferences and seminars on various topics related to climate change. On the occasion of "World Wetlands Day," a conference was held at the Tashkent Institute of Irrigation and Agricultural Mechanization Engineers (TIIAME) National Research University in collaboration with the Senate of the Republic of Uzbekistan, the Ecological Party, and other organizations.

Senate Committee Chairman Alikhanov Boriy Botirovich elaborated on the content of the Ramsar Convention and its significance in Uzbekistan. During the event, specialists delivered presentations on water-saving technologies, ecological challenges, and global issues within the framework of the Ramsar Convention.

The university has also established ongoing collaboration with legislative bodies in the field of ecology. The Ecological Party of Uzbekistan regularly organizes various seminars and meetings at the university.

Roundtable Discussion on "Youth, Ecology, and Legislation"

This event featured lectures from Shaxnoza Maqsudovna Umarxodjaeva, Head of a Department of the Executive Committee of the Central Council of the Ecological Party of Uzbekistan, and Mohinur Odil qizi Ergasheva, Deputy Chair of the Youth Parliament under the Legislative Chamber of the Oliy Majlis. They addressed students with insightful presentations. 

The purpose of the meeting was to promote environmental education and culture among youth and ensure their active participation in the development of laws and decisions related to ecology and environmental protection. Students from the Faculty of Ecology and Law, specifically those studying "Jurisprudence," "Ecology and Environmental Protection," and "Aerospace Technologies and Sustainable Development," actively participated in the event.

They engaged with industry experts by asking questions of interest and receiving relevant answers, fostering a deeper understanding of the field.

Collaboration with International Organizations

Brief Overview of Cooperation between FAO and TIIAME

A collaborative project has been established between FAO (Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations) and TIIAME (Tashkent Institute of Irrigation and Agricultural Mechanization Engineers National Research University) to address ecological challenges near the Aral Sea region in Karakalpakstan.

Main Objectives:

• Enhancing practices for managing and regulating environmental quality.
• Improving water and soil quality in Karakalpakstan and introducing sustainable agricultural methods.

Scope of Collaboration:

• Establishing monitoring networks and organizing training courses to improve water management in dust-prone areas.

Click here to view the partnership agreement.

Conducting evaluations of water and soil quality and providing relevant training.

This project is being implemented by combining FAO's international expertise with TIIAME's local potential.

Under this collaboration, regular conferences and seminars on climate change and other related topics are also being organized.

As part of FAO's collaboration with the university, regular conferences and seminars on the aforementioned topics, as well as other climate change-related issues, are consistently being organized.

Click here to learn more in detail: https://www.fao.org/platforms/water-scarcity/Knowledge/knowledge-products/detail/tashkent-water-security-lectures-climate-change-in-central-asia/en

Research and findings on climate change

As part of FAO's collaboration with TIIAME National Research University, first-year doctoral researcher Karimov Islom is conducting scientific research to accelerate the afforestation of the dried-up bed of the Aral Sea. The research aims to significantly speed up the growth and development processes of desert plants planted in the Aral Sea region.

 Key Achievements:

·   A thorough study of desert plants and the ecological environment of the dried-up Aral Sea bed has been conducted.

·   Suitable plant species for afforestation have been identified, and technologies to accelerate their germination and growth have been developed.

·   The process of photo-priming plant seeds was researched. This innovative method enhances seed germination and growth rates while increasing the plants' adaptability and resilience to sub-optimal conditions. Additionally, it improves the energetic value of the plants' biomass.

This method, being applied for the first time with a strong scientific foundation and practical trials, has demonstrated promising results in accelerating plant growth in challenging environments.

Contribution to Global Challenges:

The scientific work undertaken by TIIAME researchers and scholars is expected to make a significant contribution to mitigating the consequenSces of the Aral Sea crisis—a global environmental issue.

Click here to learn more in detail: https://tiiame.uz/news?id=3914

TIIAME National Research University is becoming a pivotal scientific and practical center for Uzbekistan’s adaptation to and combat against climate change. These efforts will not only enhance the country's environmental sustainability but also ensure a healthy environment for future generations.