Uzbekistan and Japan deepen cooperation on the Aral Sea region

Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — Uzbekistan and Japan are expanding cooperation on climate resilience, water management, environmental innovation and sustainable agriculture in the Aral Sea region, as part of the Eco Expo Central Asia 2026 held in Samarkand.

A dedicated side event, “Japan–Uzbekistan Blue & Green Nexus: Science, Sustainability, and Community Resilience for Climate Action,” brought together scientists, policymakers and international partners to discuss climate change adaptation, green energy and ecological technologies.

Joint projects under Japan’s SATREPS programme, implemented with support from JICA and JST, were presented during the event in collaboration with Uzbek research institutions.

Professor Kenji Tanaka from Kyoto University introduced research on climate-resilient monitoring systems aimed at improving water resource efficiency in the Aral Sea basin. Meanwhile, H2UZ SATREPS expert Yuki Yanagida Ab Farah presented technologies for producing green and blue hydrogen as part of broader carbon neutrality efforts.

Bakhodir Pulatov, rector of the Central Asian University for Environmental and Climate Change Studies, highlighted initiatives focused on training specialists in ecology, climate adaptation and sustainable development, alongside international academic cooperation projects across Central Asia.

Participants were also introduced to sustainable cotton production models and environmentally responsible agricultural practices. Chinori Tokita, head of MASUI Corp. Ltd.’s Tashkent office, presented approaches to eco-friendly cotton production, while Satoshi Togashi of OISCA outlined ongoing projects implemented in Uzbekistan.

A second event, organized by the International Innovation Centre for the Aral Sea region under the BLUE SATREPS project with Japanese partners, focused on land degradation, soil salinization, water scarcity and science-based solutions for sustainable agriculture.

Experts presented climate and hydrological scenarios for the Aral Sea basin, advanced environmental monitoring systems, including meteorological networks and remote sensing technologies, as well as circular agriculture models using salt-tolerant crops.

Participants emphasized the importance of strengthening scientific cooperation, scaling up climate-resilient technologies and expanding joint environmental initiatives.

The discussions underscored the growing strategic partnership between Uzbekistan and Japan in addressing climate and environmental challenges in Central Asia.