Nukus, Uzbekistan, April 3, 2024 – The Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI) Uzbekistan convened the Aral Sea GRIP Project Steering Committee (PSC). The meeting brought together key stakeholders to share the ‘Green Rehabilitation Investment Project for Karakalpakstan Republic to address impacts of the Aral Sea crisis’ (Aral Sea GRIP)’ implementation progress, highlighting key achievements and addressing challenges.

The desiccation of the Aral Sea basin and its delta have resulted in the loss of agricultural potential, livelihoods and employment and have led to health challenges. These problems are expected to worsen due to the impacts of climate change. To effectively address these issues, GGGI is implementing the Aral Sea GRIP financed by KOICA (5.9 Million USD) and supported by the Ministry of Ecology, Environmental Protection and Climate Change of the Republic of Uzbekistan (MEEPCC). With a duration of 3 years (2021 to 2024), the project supports communities of the most disaster-afflicted districts Bozataw, Chimbay, Karauyzak and Kegeyli districts, with climate-smart measures to build sustainable livelihoods.

The Project Steering Committee, comprising of KOICA, the MEEPCC, the Council of Ministers of Karakalpakstan (CMRK), and the Ministry of Industry, Investment, and Trade of Uzbekistan (MIIT), provided strategic guidance and formal approval for key milestones and outputs of the Aral Sea GRIP.  

Ms. Gi Un Kim, Aral Sea GRIP Project Manager, informed that the Awareness Raising sessions tailored for three specific demographics – youth, women and farmers – have reached a total population of 14,034 individuals, including 57% women and 77% youth, with the support from the Ministry of Pre-School and School Education of Karakalpakstan. The Awareness Raising sessions are built with the six climate-change adaptation training modules developed by the GGGI Uzbekistan team. The in-person sessions are supported by GGGI’s climate change adaptation media campaign. GGGI developed and disseminated four promotional videos on drip irrigation, fresh air, biological pest prevention and water filtration through local TV, radio stations, and social media, which recorded nearly 500,000 views in the first week. 

Aral Sea GRIP has also designed four Climate-Smart Agriculture business models for the agroforestry sector, under which GGGI Uzbekistan, with the support of the State Committee of Forestry of Karakalpakstan (ScoF), planted 13,629 trees, protecting 445 ha of land. In partnership with 7 farms and enterprises, the project contracted the local service provider to install water-saving irrigation systems covering 210 ha in 7 pilot areas. The approach is expected to be 20-90% more water-efficient than flooding practice.  

Jointly with the Nukus “Monocenter” under the Ministry of Employment and Poverty Reduction of Karakalpakstan (MEPR), GGGI Uzbekistan developed and conducted two one-month greenhouse and drip irrigation training programs for 40 unemployed persons. All participants completed the course and will be supported by the MEPR to apply for government subsidies for greenhouse establishment. Furthermore, GGGI Uzbekistan trained 812 participants on CSA and farm entrepreneurship as a part of its capacity-building efforts. Through the GGGI-developed Business Development Platform, the project has provided 772 online or in-person consultations with farmers and agricultural value chain actors.  

GGGI Uzbekistan informed the steering committee of the training conducted in December 2023 with ten financial institutions to improve knowledge about ESG (Environmental, Social, Governance), green finance, and Climate-Smart Agriculture business plans. Ms. Kim outlined the project aimed at mobilizing USD 30 million in green investment in the agroforestry sector. To achieve this, the project seeks partnerships with the private sector to establish a green financing facility and develop a green bond framework.  

Additionally, GGGI Uzbekistan team expressed its commitment to cooperation with the UN Multi-Partner Human Security Trust Fund (UNMPHSTF) on the development of a whitepaper for decision-makers on human security issues in the Aral Sea region caused by landscape degradation and natural capital erosion. ​ 

Finally, PSC members shared their final reflections, culminating in the endorsement of GGGI’s updated work plan and budget provided by Ms. Gi Un Kim by the end of her presentation. 

Mr. Ulugbek Khasanov, Karakalpak Deputy Minister of MIIT, on behalf of the Council of Ministers of the Republic of Karakalpakstan, endorsed the 2024 action plan and expressed the CMRK’s full support. In the future, he expects the Climate-Smart Agriculture activities to be replicated. He expressed confidence in GGGI’s ability to successfully implement all the activities planned for 2024.  

Recognizing the key achievements, Ms. Seolri Park, KOICA Deputy Director in Uzbekistan, endorsed the action plan and stated: 

“I believe GGGI will excel in managing the remaining work. To ensure project success, I request close cooperation from CMRK, MEEPCC and MIIT.” 

Dr. Aaron Russell, GGGI Uzbekistan Country Representative, thanked the PSC members for their input and suggestions and reiterated the plan of securing sustainable financing and investment opportunities that will enable scaling up CSA activities. He added that two established financial partnerships hold the potential to mobilize over 50 million USD, exceeding the initial project target. He reassured GGGI’s commitment to delivery acceleration.