LocationsEnsuring the Neutrality of Land Degradation: Assessment and Solution Methods
June 18, 2025
On June 17, 2025, a seminar-training was held for specialists within the framework of the Joint Project of the Ministry of Ecology, Environmental Protection and Climate Change of the Republic of Uzbekistan, UNDP and GEF " Conservation and sustainable management of lakes, wetlands, and riparian corridors as pillars of a resilient and land degradation neutral Aral basin landscape supporting sustainable livelihoods " (Aral Sea Wetlands). The event, which was timed to coincide with World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought, was attended by representatives of relevant government agencies, international and public organizations, and specialists from the administrations of Amudarya, Alat, Karakul, and Muynak districts. The key speaker of the event was the international consultant on LDN of the Aral Sea Wetlands project, German Kust.
The Republic of Uzbekistan faces serious problems related to land degradation due to factors such as climate deterioration, water scarcity, and the consequences of the Aral Sea disaster. These problems significantly impact biodiversity, ecosystem services, agricultural productivity, climate change resilience, and the lifestyle of rural residents.
Uzbekistan commits to achieving the global goal of achieving neutrality in the field of land degradation (LDN) by 2030 within the framework of the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD). Achieving LDN involves maintaining or improving the quantity of healthy and fertile land resources over time. By contributing to the goals of climate change action, biodiversity conservation, and food security, achieving LDN is crucial for Uzbekistan’s sustainable development path.
Today, the effective implementation of the LDN concept requires broad understanding and coordinated efforts among various stakeholders. There is a need to form general knowledge about LDN principles, the goal-setting process, monitoring requirements, and possible responses in the national context. The purpose of this seminar is to be a key step towards uniting stakeholders, raising awareness, and initiating dialogue about LDN.
The purpose of the seminar is to form a fundamental understanding of the concepts, principles, and relevance of neutrality in the field of land degradation (LDN) among key stakeholders in Uzbekistan, and to encourage dialogue on ways to achieve local LDN goals.
Goals and objectives
Introduction of the global context and basic concepts of land degradation neutrality (LDN).
Discuss the importance and potential benefits of adopting and implementing LDN within the framework of Uzbekistan’s national development priorities and environmental issues.
Discussion of the state of land degradation in Uzbekistan and existing national policies, strategies, and initiatives related to LDN.
Achieve understanding of key elements of the LDN concept, including goal setting, monitoring (indicators such as soil cover, fertility, organic carbon content in soil) and response hierarchy (elimination, reduction, restoration).
Identify key stakeholders involved in land resource management and discuss their potential tasks, responsibilities, and opportunities to contribute to achieving LDN.
Facilitate the exchange of primary ideas on priorities, key recession factors, potential intervention strategies, and challenges in implementing SDGs in Uzbekistan.
Develop cooperation and partnership between participants to support future coordinated actions within the LDN.
