Climate change is now widely acknowledged as one of the most serious global challenges of the 21st century. Its effects influence every aspect of human life — from water and food security to health, infrastructure, and economic development. These changes require not only immediate measures to reduce negative impacts, but also long-term strategies to adapt to new climatic conditions and increase resilience against disasters.

Uzbekistan is located in a region that is particularly vulnerable to climate change, where rising temperatures, water scarcity, and extreme weather events pose significant risks to social and economic stability. Recognizing this urgency, the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan approved the resolution "On the Adoption of the Uzbekistan — 2030 Strategy." One of the key pillars of this strategy — specifically its third direction — focuses on “Water Resource Conservation and Environmental Protection.” This national priority emphasizes the importance of efficient water management, environmental sustainability, and climate adaptation to reduce the consequences of climate-related disasters and ensure long-term resilience.

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.

COLLABORATION WITH INTERNATIONAL ORGANIZATIONS

Brief Overview of Cooperation between FAO and TIIAME

A cooperative project has been launched between the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and TIIAME National Research University to address ecological and environmental challenges in the Aral Sea region of Karakalpakstan. The partnership focuses on strengthening environmental monitoring systems, enhancing resource management, and promoting climate-resilient agricultural practices in areas affected by desertification and soil degradation.

The main goals of the collaboration are to improve environmental quality management and support the introduction of sustainable agricultural methods. Activities include assessing water and soil conditions, applying innovative irrigation technologies, and promoting efficient land-use practices. As part of the cooperation, monitoring networks are being established, and specialized training courses are organized to build local capacity in water management and ecological restoration, particularly in areas affected by dust storms and land degradation. This joint effort aims to contribute to long-term environmental recovery and improve the livelihood of communities living near the Aral Sea. 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

Collaboration Between TIIAME-NRU and the International Fund for Saving the Aral Sea (IFAS)

TIIAME National Research University maintains an active partnership with the International Fund for Saving the Aral Sea (IFAS) — a major regional organization coordinating sustainable development, transboundary water management, and ecological restoration in Central Asia. Through this collaboration, the university contributes scientific expertise and academic capacity to projects aimed at addressing environmental degradation and climate challenges in the Aral Sea basin.  IFAS official site: http://www.icwc-aral.uz/index.htm

As part of this cooperation, joint scientific and educational activities have been carried out, including workshops, monitoring initiatives, and expert-level forums. One of the recent events, held at TIIAME-NRU, brought together IFAS representatives and university researchers to discuss innovative approaches for water management, climate adaptation, and ecological restoration in the Aral Sea region. The meeting highlighted the importance of youth engagement and scientific knowledge in solving regional environmental challenges.

Event link https://tiiame.uz/news?id=6251

Through this collaboration, TIIAME-NRU supports:

development of scientific solutions for Aral Sea ecosystem restoration,

improvement of sustainable water management practices,

training of future specialists and young researchers in climate and environmental sciences.

Together, TIIAME-NRU and IFAS are working to transform scientific research into practical actions that support environmental recovery and improve the quality of life for communities affected by the Aral Sea crisis.

University Participation in National Climate Action and Environmental Initiatives

TIIAME National Research University actively supports national efforts aimed at combating climate change and improving environmental sustainability. The university regularly joins government-led environmental campaigns and contributes to practical field activities. Within the framework of the nationwide initiative “Yashil Makon” (Green Nation), university students and staff participate in planting trees and creating green zones in ecologically stressed and vulnerable areas. Through these activities, TIIAME-NRU helps restore vegetation, reduce dust pollution, and improve microclimate conditions in urban and rural landscapes.

Sources Links: https://tiiame.uz/news?id=6027 , https://tiiame.uz/news?id=7364

Active Student Involvement in Urban Environmental Improvement (Tashkent City)

TIIAME students are also active contributors to environmental improvement activities in Tashkent city. They participate in cleanup campaigns, waste collection events, landscaping work, and public awareness campaigns. The university is one of the key participants in the city initiative “Fayzli Toshkent” (Prosperous Tashkent) — a collaborative public project aimed at improving city cleanliness and environmental quality. Through regular participation in these volunteer events, students develop a strong environmental culture and civic responsibility.

Sources Links: https://tiiame.uz/news?id=6453  https://tiiame.uz/news?id=6816  

Impact and Contribution

These initiatives demonstrate that climate education at TIIAME-NRU extends beyond academic programs and research projects. The university ensures active participation in real environmental actions, contributing directly to:

-climate mitigation through greening activities,

-improvement of air quality and living conditions in urban areas,

     -strengthening community engagement and environmental awareness among students

By combining education, scientific research, and hands-on environmental involvement, TIIAME-NRU plays an important role in supporting national climate objectives and contributing to the achievement of SDG 13 (Climate Action) and SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities).