Project Pavilion Receives High Recognition from Partners
Throughout the day, visitors explored the pavilion of the Climate Resilient Integrated Water Resources Management in the Zarafshan River Basin Project, funded by the Swiss Government and implemented by the consortium of Caritas Switzerland and CAREC.
A special highlight was the visit of representatives from the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC), who reviewed the project’s achievements and innovative solutions presented at the exhibition. The delegation highly appreciated the efforts of the project team and recognized the project's contribution to strengthening climate resilience and improving water resources management in the Zarafshan River Basin.
The pavilion also welcomed several high-level officials, including the Minister of Water Resources of the Republic of Uzbekistan, the Deputy Minister of Mining Industry and Geology of the Republic of Uzbekistan, the Director of the Hydrometeorological Service Agency under the National Committee on Ecology and Climate Change, as well as representatives of other ministries and government agencies.
During the visit, Andrin Fink, Deputy Head of Mission of the Embassy of Switzerland in Uzbekistan and Head of Cooperation, met with two female PhD students supported under the project framework. The meeting provided an opportunity to discuss their research activities, academic interests, and future contributions to climate and water-related development in Uzbekistan.
Official Technology and Equipment Handover Ceremony
Later in the day, the Official Technology and Equipment Handover Ceremony was held at the Government of Uzbekistan Pavilion as part of the Climate Resilient Integrated Water Resources Management in the Zarafshan River Basin Project. The event aimed to strengthen the institutional capacities of national partners and promote the use of modern technologies for climate adaptation and environmental monitoring.
The ceremony brought together high-level representatives from national and international institutions, including:
- Dr. Katrin Schneeberger, Director of the Federal Office for the Environment of Switzerland;
- Andrin Fink, Deputy Head of Mission and Head of Cooperation of the Embassy of Switzerland in Uzbekistan;
- Jusipbek Kazbekov, Deputy Chairman of the National Committee on Ecology and Climate Change of the Republic of Uzbekistan;
- Sherzod Khabibullayev, Director of Uzhydromet;
- representatives of ministries, agencies, research institutions, and international organizations.
During the ceremony, project partners officially received equipment procured through Swiss Government funding to support climate-resilient water management and environmental monitoring efforts. The equipment included modern weather monitoring stations, groundwater monitoring devices, smart water accounting technologies, and hydrological measurement instruments designed to strengthen data collection and decision-making processes.
Participants emphasized the importance of continued interinstitutional cooperation, knowledge exchange, and technological innovation in addressing climate challenges and supporting sustainable development in Uzbekistan.
CAREC Participates in Side Event on Land Restoration and Green Development
On the same day, CAREC representatives participated in a thematic side event organized by the Forestry Agency of the Republic of Uzbekistan and the design institute Yashil Loyiha. The event focused on land restoration, green infrastructure, climate resilience, and innovative environmental solutions.
During the event, Batyr Mammedov, Executive Director of CAREC, delivered a presentation highlighting the importance of regional cooperation and environmental innovation for sustainable development in Central Asia. He emphasized the value of collaborative efforts among governments, international organizations, research institutions, and the private sector in addressing shared environmental challenges and advancing climate adaptation solutions across the region.
The side event was moderated by Nodirbek Rakhimjonov, Director of the CAREC Country Office in Uzbekistan, who facilitated discussions among representatives of government agencies, international organizations, academia, and the private sector. Participants exchanged views on sustainable landscape management, afforestation initiatives, ecological restoration, and the role of green infrastructure in enhancing resilience to climate change.
Looking Ahead
The final day of Eco Expo Central Asia 2026 served as an important platform for showcasing tangible results of international cooperation, strengthening partnerships, and promoting innovative solutions for sustainable water and environmental management.
For CAREC, participation in the exhibition provided another opportunity to present the achievements of ongoing initiatives, expand collaboration with national and international partners, and reaffirm its commitment to supporting climate resilience and sustainable development across Central Asia.