NewsUN General Assembly adopts resolution declaring Aral Sea region a zone of ecological innovations and technologies

Aral Sea news pic 21 May 2021

The UN General Assembly adopted, without a vote, a resolution declaring the Aral Sea region a zone of ecological innovations and technologies at the 75th session on May 18, 2021. 

It encouraged the following among others: 

  • Research and scientific advisory activities to further recover and improve the environment, preserve natural resources and enhance the quality of life of the population of the Aral Sea region
  • Member States, the funds, programmes and agencies of the United Nations system, international financial institutions (IFIs) and other relevant stakeholders to conduct joint collaborative interdisciplinary research and scientific and innovative cooperation in the Aral Sea region
  • Strengthen regional cooperation in the implementation of joint actions to overcome the consequences of the Aral Sea crisis and stabilize the ecological situation in the Aral Sea region, prevent further desertification and mitigate the negative environmental and socioeconomic consequences.
  • Develop and implement environmentally sound technologies, sustained, inclusive and sustainable economic growth, and energy- and water-saving technologies, in line with goal 17.7 of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

Reference: https://documents-dds-ny.un.org/doc/UNDOC/GEN/N21/123/38/PDF/N2112338.pdf?OpenElement 

For information

The President of the Republic of Uzbekistan, H.E. Shavkat Mirziyoyev announced the initiative to declare the Aral Sea a zone of environmental innovations and technologies for the first time at the meeting of the Heads of the Founding States of the International Fund for Saving the Aral Sea in August 2018. He noted that this decision will help to join efforts of the region and create conditions for attracting foreign investments in environmentally friendly technologies, energy and water saving technologies, prevent desertification and environmental migration, develop ecotourism and other.

In October 2019, in Nukus (Republic of Karakalpakstan), an international high-level conference "Aral Sea Region - a zone of environmental innovations and technologies" was held, with the participation of nearly 250 experts from 28 countries including neighboring Government delegations, representatives of the diplomatic community and international organizations.

Originally published on aral.mptf.uz