Leaders of the Abu Dhabi Development Fund (UAE) Visit Karakalpakstan

A delegation led by Mohammed Saif Al Suwaidi, Director General of the Abu Dhabi Development Fund (United Arab Emirates), and including Tarifa Al Zahabi, Director General of the International Center for Biosaline Agriculture (ICBA), visited Karakalpakstan and took part in an event held at the International Innovation Center for the Aral Sea Region.

The main purpose of the visit was to learn about the key results achieved within the project “Development of Sustainable Agricultural Production Systems on Degraded Lands of Karakalpakstan”, implemented with the financial support of the Abu Dhabi Development Fund in cooperation with ICBA, the Ministry of Ecology of the Republic of Uzbekistan, the Government of the Republic of Karakalpakstan, the International Innovation Center for the Aral Sea Region, the Karakalpak Scientific Research Institute of Agriculture, and a number of other partners, as well as to attend the official launch of the pilot Integrated Agri-Aquaculture Systems (IAAS) project.

The meeting was also attended by the Chairman of the Council of Ministers of the Republic of Karakalpakstan, F. Ermanov, and Deputy Chairman of the Jokargy Kenes, R. Nurasizov, who briefed the delegation on the ongoing reforms, projects, and future plans being implemented in Karakalpakstan at the initiative of the Head of State.

It was noted that the outcomes of this project and the ongoing efforts represent an important step not only for Karakalpakstan but for the entire Aral Sea region and globally — in terms of adapting to and mitigating the negative impacts of climate change. This initiative will contribute to the sustainable development of agriculture, food security, and improved quality of life for the population. Proposals for further expanding cooperation were also discussed during the event.

During the meeting, Director of the International Innovation Center for the Aral Sea Region, B. Khabibullaev, presented a report on the results achieved within the project.

Mohammed Saif Al Suwaidi described this initiative as an important step in adapting to the impacts of climate change and the efficient use of water resources, stressing that the work carried out in Karakalpakstan is of great significance for ensuring environmental sustainability and the well-being of the region’s population.

At the end of the visit, the pilot Integrated Agri-Aquaculture Systems (IAAS) project was officially launched. This system will include the cultivation of carp, salt-tolerant agricultural crops, and spirulina algae. The main innovation of the IAAS system lies in the rational use of water resources and achieving sustainable production through the integration of agriculture and aquaculture.