In the heart of Central Asia lies the Aralkum Desert, a stark reminder of one of the world¡¯s most severe environmental disasters. Once the seabed of the thriving Aral Sea, this vast expanse of 60,000 square kilometers has transformed into a formidable source of sand and dust storms (SDS), which batter Uzbekistan and its neighboring countries. These storms, laden with salt and toxic chemicals, have wreaked havoc on the environment, undermined public health by degrading air quality, and crippled local economies.
Yet, amid this desolation, a beacon of hope has emerged through the concerted efforts of the government of Uzbekistan, supported by international partners, including the World Bank. Together, they are striving to restore lost wetlands and reclaim the land from the desert¡¯s relentless grip.
A Man-Made Catastrophe
The Aral Sea¡¯s transformation into the Aralkum Desert is a tale of environmental mismanagement; during the Soviet era, the government aimed to boost cotton production and other agricultural outputs in the region, leading to large-scale irrigation schemes that diverted the rivers that once fed the sea and caused its dramatic shrinkage.
As the waters receded, the seabed was exposed, creating a new desert with a particularly insidious characteristic: its high salt concentration. This saline soil, combined with toxic residues from agricultural runoff, has turned the Aralkum into a major emitter of dust storms, spreading harmful particles across vast areas.
While sand and dust storms are natural phenomena, human activities have significantly exacerbated their frequency and intensity in this region. The United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) that 25% of global dust emissions can be attributed to human activity, with desertification and land degradation being key drivers. The Aralkum Desert, with its unique composition, is now a major global hotspot for SDS, contributing to the region's already high levels of airborne pollutants.
The effects of these storms are felt most acutely in Uzbekistan¡¯s Republic of Karakalpakstan and the Khorezm region. Here, the storms have led to soil degradation, stunted agricultural production and habitat disruption, which collectively threaten local ecosystems and biodiversity. Also, these environmental changes have led to the loss of livelihoods, infrastructure damage, and widespread health issues, including respiratory ailments.
Economically, the costs are staggering. , further entrenching poverty and reducing the quality of life for those living in this already challenged region.
Restoring Hope Through Greenery
Despite these overwhelming challenges, Uzbekistan is taking bold steps to combat degradation and restore its lost landscapes. Recognizing the crucial role of vegetation in stabilizing soils and reducing dust emissions, the government has embarked on an ambitious afforestation project. This initiative is part of Uzbekistan¡¯s commitment to the , a global effort to restore degraded lands. By 2020, Uzbekistan had already met its target of restoring 500,000 hectares¡ªa full decade ahead of schedule.
The restoration strategy focuses on planting resilient native and adapted shrubs and trees across the former seabed. These plants are vital for preventing further degradation by binding the soil, reducing wind erosion, and thereby curbing the frequency and severity of dust storms. The benefits extend beyond environmental improvements; they also hold the promise of revitalizing local economies and enhancing public health outcomes.
The potential economic benefits of this restoration are significant. By sequestering carbon, these efforts contribute to global climate change mitigation, with millions of tonnes of carbon potentially captured through these initiatives.
Landscape Restoration and the Role of Natural Capital Accounting
In response to this environmental and economic catastrophe, Uzbekistan has turned to . This approach, guided by the valuation of the environmental and economic benefit-cost ratio, is supported by the Global Program on Sustainability (GPS) of the World Bank, and is now being implemented through the Central Asia RESILAND Program.
This approach involves not just reforestation and soil stabilization, but also a comprehensive method that integrates (NCA). NCA systematically evaluates the benefits provided by restored ecosystems, both in terms of on-site improvements within the Aralkum and off-site benefits in the broader region affected by SDS. It provides data on spatial and temporal changes in natural capital and contributes to making the economic case for restoration or conservation of affected ecosystem services.
By categorizing the impacts of different restoration scenarios based on their effects on ecosystem services, the government can prioritize the most effective strategies. On-site benefits include potential timber and forage production, soil erosion regulation, and climate regulation through carbon sequestration. Off-site benefits encompass improved air quality, reduced health costs, and enhanced agricultural productivity.
Challenges and the Road Ahead
However, the path to restoring the Aral is fraught with challenges. The harsh conditions of the desert¡ªhigh salinity, extreme temperatures, and water scarcity¡ªpose severe tests for the newly planted vegetation. Ensuring the survival of these plants requires careful species selection and ongoing maintenance. The success of these efforts hinges on the government¡¯s continued commitment and the active involvement of local communities.
Local and regional engagement across the Aral Sea frontline countries is crucial for these restoration projects. Programs that train and employ local residents in planting and maintaining vegetation are vital for the sustainability of these efforts. By involving communities directly, the government ensures that the benefits of restoration are shared and that the projects have a lasting impact.
A Model for the World
Uzbekistan¡¯s efforts in the Aralkum Desert serve as a model for other regions facing similar environmental challenges. Through integrated landscape restoration and the strategic use of NCA, the country is turning the tide against one of the world¡¯s most dramatic environmental disasters ¡ªand laying the groundwork for a greener, more resilient future.
ľ¹ÏÓ°Ôº is supporting this future through projects such as the , and the Resilient Landscapes in Central Asia (RESILAND CA+) Project in partnership with the Global Landscapes Forum, UNCCD Peace and Forest Initiatives, PROGREEN and KWFP (Korea World Bank Partnership Facility).
