One of the main topics of the COP29 climate summit held in Baku was water scarcity in Central Asia. Global warming is shrinking the glaciers from which the region’s rivers originate. Some countries are located in mountains and are rich in water. The following depends entirely on the above. Nature itself laid the foundations for the conflict between them. The leaders of the republics do not even rule out a war over access to water resources.
Oku.Az This was stated in an interview by the Minister of the Environment of Uzbekistan, Aziz Abduhakimov, to the Russian publication NEWS.ru about how the problem of water shortage in Tashkent was resolved within the framework of COP29.
– Aziz Abdukaharovich, President of Uzbekistan, Shavkat Mirziyoyev, spoke at the UN summit and reminded the world of the shortage of drinking water in Central Asia. How does your government plan to overcome these challenges?
– First of all, we should think about the education of the next generation. It is very important to make people aware of the high value of water.
We carry out many educational programs, in schools and daycares, to teach children to be careful with water and, basically, to save it. Even in domestic conditions.
In general, we have traditionally considered water as something almost sacred, a source of life. If someone polluted the water, it was considered a great sin. Since ancient times, in our region, at a time when caravans traveled the Silk Road and people dug wells, every drop of water was considered an invaluable blessing. Even today water is life. This concept prevails in our society.
In recent years, the climate has changed, glaciers are melting faster in the mountains and the problem of water scarcity is becoming more acute throughout the region. It is not in vain that our late President Islam Abdulganievich Karimov predicted that wars could break out in Central Asia over water.
It is true that thanks to the wise policy of Shavkat Miromonovich we were able to establish very reliable and balanced relations with all neighboring states. These are the downstream countries (Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan) and the upstream countries (Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan), where the water actually comes from. From there, the water flows into the Syr Darya and Amu Darya, the largest rivers in Central Asia. These two rivers are the main source of water and allow for the equitable distribution of resources.
– Do all countries agree on the fair distribution of resources?
– Our water management ministers meet periodically and divide resources proportionally. They take the total amount of water and many other indicators as a basis and decide how much water each country will consume.
Uzbekistan, in turn, has developed a detailed and large-scale program on water conservation. A whole system of advantages has been created, especially for the application of water-saving technologies. First of all, we are talking about drip irrigation. Huge sums, hundreds of millions of dollars, are allocated to this program. Farmers and agricultural producers who apply drip irrigation and water-saving technologies generally receive very large subsidies.
This policy is already giving practical results. In recent years we have reduced our water consumption by 15%. In addition, the production of agricultural products has multiplied by more than 1.5.
Another important address. Our honorable president took the initiative to reduce water consumption during transportation; We are now building concrete collectors. All these canals and ditches (a hydrotechnical device in the form of a small irrigation canal – ed.) are concreted. Less water is consumed on the way and, secondly, the water flows faster and, consequently, evaporates less.
– How does the government intend to teach young people to save water at home?
– We set an example for children during educational events. Even when you’re just brushing your teeth, don’t turn on the faucet and let the water run. No, you drank half a glass of water and that’s enough. Just enough to brush your teeth. Another example: save even when bathing or showering. A person can, say, turn off the water while shampooing their hair, etc. At such times, water is discharged inefficiently. Now our people are used to it, they turn off the tap for a while.
This habit, of course, arose for another reason: many homes are already equipped with water meters. Domestic water rates are gradually increasing.
As far as I know, our neighbors are actively reforming and applying similar technologies. Our common goal is to use water rationally in the countries of Central Asia.
– How is the Aral problem solved? Can this sea be restored to the size of the Soviet era?
– Unfortunately, the sea is irremediably lost. This is a problem inherited from the Soviet Union, when Central Asia and mainly Uzbekistan were considered a base to supply the country with cotton fiber. The mad scramble for millions of tons of cotton led to the disappearance of the world’s fourth largest lake, called Mar.
The water-saving technologies I have already mentioned are actively applied in agriculture and industry, and these measures continue to increase the flow of water to the rest of the Aral Sea. Our honorable president gives very clear instructions in this regard. In accordance with these guidelines, we try to turn the problems of the Aral Sea into new opportunities.
In place of the sea a new desert appeared – Aralkum. We are considering the possibilities of using these large areas. We would like to use drought-tolerant plants to develop agriculture there and eventually produce biomass that can be used for livestock feed or biofuel production.
– But if the soil is salty, will anything grow there?
– Over time it will even be possible to get points. Yes, yes, there are plants that are both salt and drought tolerant. First of all, we are talking about halophytes. This type of installation also stops the movement of sand and prevents salt and dust storms that periodically arise from the ancient bottom of the Aral Sea.
Halophytes can create a new source of income for the local population. In this regard, we actively work with partners from China and international organizations. In particular, ICBA, an organization with a lot of experience dealing with crops in saline soils, is of great help. It is located in the United Arab Emirates.
We are already conducting scientific research on what plants to plant there. That is, over time we can turn the problem into new opportunities. There are so many opportunities out there.
We are inspired by the example of other countries, including China. The Chinese make good use of their desserts. For example, a large number of “desert teas” are grown, honey is obtained from them, plants are grown, and then used for salads.
There is a promising plant: salicornia. In China it is used for salads that don’t even need salt. They also cook buttermilk with it and the result is a delicious dish. That is, Mother Nature always gives us opportunities. You just need to study everything carefully.
– How did the Uzbek delegation benefit from participating in this conference?
– First of all, I congratulate our Azerbaijani colleagues and friends for their successful implementation. Everything is organized at the highest level. This is a great opportunity for participants to discuss the current agenda, such as the relationship between green energy and green education.
For this reason, our delegation includes the Minister of Education and Science. In general, we have a very large delegation. The ministers of Energy, Water Resources and Agriculture also participate. We actively participate in all events.
Azerbaijani ministers also participate in almost all events. We thank Baku for the opportunity to meet with our partners and colleagues and discuss issues face to face.
This is a successful conference for us. First of all, that friend and brother is detained in Azerbaijan. Second, we can jointly respond to environmental challenges in Central Asia. Central Asia’s voice is now well heard at all levels of the international community. COP29 provided ample opportunities to promote the national interests of both Uzbekistan and the entire central region.
