International Aral Sea Conference Takes Place at Tashkent’s Green University

With 19 speakers from various nations, including Uzbekistan, the USA, UK, and Germany, the event featured prominent figures like Dr. Zinoviy Novitskiy, Doctor of Agricultural Sciences and Professor Jay Turner, an air quality specialist from Washington University in St. Louis.

Dr. Jusipbek Kazbekov, Deputy Minister of Ecology, Environmental Protection, and Climate Change and Dr. Jasur Salikhov, rector of Green University delivered opening speeches, emphasizing the need for solutions to mitigate the crisis’s effects and support local communities.

Dr. Salikhov highlighted the event’s objective: raising awareness and fostering practical solutions for the Aral Sea dilemma. Dr. Novitskiy, discussing the ‘Green Future of the Aral Sea’, expressed optimism about addressing the challenge collectively, envisioning a positive outcome for future generations.

Professor Jay Turner presented research from Washington University in St. Louis, focusing on data analysis to aid air quality management. Annie Liddell of Project Amu Darya shared insights into the river’s anthropological aspects, emphasizing the importance of capturing locals’ firsthand experiences.

The conference coincided with Aral Sea Tourism Week, featuring events such as a conference, an art exhibition, and a 2km race organized by prorun.uz and covered by tourcentralasia.com, held between Nukus and Muynak, just a week prior.