In Central Asia, the Aralkum Desert stands as a stark reminder of severe environmental mismanagement. Once part of the thriving Aral Sea, this area has transformed into a significant source of sand and dust storms affecting Uzbekistan and neighboring countries. These storms, filled with salt and toxic chemicals, have negatively impacted the environment, public health, and local economies.
The government of Uzbekistan, supported by international partners such as the World Bank, is working to restore lost wetlands and reclaim land from desertification. This transformation began during the Soviet era when large-scale irrigation projects diverted rivers that once fed the sea, leading to its shrinkage. The exposed seabed turned into a desert with high salt concentration and toxic residues from agricultural runoff.
Human activities have intensified sand and dust storms in this region. The United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) notes that 25% of global dust emissions are due to human activity. The Aralkum Desert contributes significantly to these emissions.
The effects are felt acutely in Uzbekistan’s Republic of Karakalpakstan and Khorezm region where soil degradation threatens ecosystems and biodiversity. Economic losses in Karakalpakstan are estimated at $44.2 million annually, which could exceed $844 million over 20 years if unaddressed.
Despite challenges, Uzbekistan is taking steps to combat degradation through afforestation projects as part of their commitment to the Bonn Challenge. By 2020, they had restored 500,000 hectares ahead of schedule by planting native shrubs and trees on the former seabed. These plants help prevent further degradation by binding soil and reducing wind erosion.
Economic benefits from restoration include preventing ecosystem services losses and generating about $39 million annually. These efforts also contribute to global climate change mitigation through carbon sequestration.
Uzbekistan's approach involves landscape restoration supported by the Global Program on Sustainability (GPS) of the World Bank through the Central Asia RESILAND Program. This includes Natural Capital Accounting (NCA), which evaluates benefits provided by restored ecosystems both on-site within Aralkum and off-site in broader regions affected by sandstorms.
Challenges remain due to harsh desert conditions requiring careful species selection for plant survival. Success depends on continued government commitment and community involvement across Aral Sea frontline countries.
Uzbekistan's efforts serve as a model for other regions facing similar challenges through integrated landscape restoration using NCA strategies for greener futures.
The World Bank supports these initiatives via projects like Climate Adaptation and Mitigation Program for Aral Sea Basin CAMP4ASB alongside Resilient Landscapes in Central Asia (RESILAND CA+) Project partnering with Global Landscapes Forum among others.