Minister of Ecology, Environmental Protection and Climate Change Aziz Abdukhakimov and the Director General of the International Center for Biosaline Agriculture (ICBA) Dr. Tarifa A. Alzaabi signed a Memorandum of Cooperation in Dubai, UAE.
The Memorandum outlines provisions for the exchange of expertise, information, best practices and modern technologies in the areas of ecology, environmental protection, sustainable resource use and climate change mitigation and adaptation. The agreement also includes the joint development and implementation of projects focused on sustainable agriculture, rational natural resource utilization and the adoption of climate-resilient practices in Uzbekistan.The cooperation extends to capacity development initiatives and knowledge transfer activities, including specialized training on sustainable agriculture, environmental protection and climate-resilient practices. Additionally, the document supports scientific research, partnership agreements and Joint Agricultural Research for Development (AR4D) between ICBA and research organizations under the Ministry.
Another key component of the agreement is the empowerment of women in agriculture and environmental sectors through leadership development, research skills training and involvement in decision-making processes related to sustainable agriculture and environmental protection.The Memorandum is set for a five-year term, with automatic renewal for an additional three years. During the negotiations, both parties agreed to expedite the establishment of an ICBA Representative Office in Uzbekistan.
For Information: Earlier, Minister Aziz Abdukhakimov and Dr. Tarifa Alzaabi discussed an initiative proposed by Uzbekistan’s President, Shavkat Mirziyoyev, during the COP29 Climate Conference. The initiative involves creating a Regional Genetic Resources Bank with the participation of leading multilateral organizations to enhance agricultural crops' resilience to climate change. At the conclusion of the meeting, both parties agreed to strengthen Uzbekistan-ICBA cooperation in 2025, designated as the "Year of Environmental Protection and "Green" Economy", by organizing joint research projects and holding regular consultations to achieve mutually beneficial outcomes.Ministry of Ecology, environmental protection and climate change of the Republic of Uzbekistan