On 7 October, a practical visit took place in Arbashy village, Nukus District, as part of a new project implemented by the Public Association DMO Karakalpakstan with the support of the Global Environment Facility Small Grants Programme (GEF SGP), implemented by UNOPS.

The project is entitled “Establishing a Demonstration Model for the Restoration of Degraded Land and Sustainable Land Management at the Community Level in Arbashy Village, Nukus District, Republic of Karakalpakstan”.

The event brought together representatives of the Global Environment Facility (GEF) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the Nukus District Hokimiyat, sectoral specialists, mahalla activists, and the DMO Karakalpakstan team. Ziyovuddin Zaitov, Hokim of Nukus District, also met personally with the project participants and invited specialists, familiarised himself with the ongoing activities on site, and spoke with local residents.

During the visit, participants inspected the project site and discussed the ongoing activities with Bakhodir Paluaniyazov, Head of the Sustainable Development Cluster at UNDP; Sardor Olimjonov, National Coordinator of the GEF Small Grants Programme (SGP) in Uzbekistan; Maksad Bauetdinov, GEF SGP Programme Assistant in Uzbekistan; and Javlon Toshpulatov, microbiologist.

The practical visit focused primarily on the restoration of degraded land, sustainable land management, and the introduction of environmentally friendly solutions adapted to local conditions.

The participants also examined the soil conditions and ecological characteristics of the area, which are essential for the land restoration process. The findings of earlier studies conducted by specialists from the Centre for Agrochemical Analysis of the Republic of Karakalpakstan were reviewed again with the direct participation of microbiologist Javlon Toshpulatov. The current condition of the project site was subsequently discussed based on the available data.

Another important component of the visit was dialogue with the local community. Discussions with mahalla activists and local residents focused on the rational use of Arbashy village’s natural potential, ensuring environmental sustainability, and encouraging more active community participation in project implementation.

Sardor Olimjonov, National Coordinator of the GEF SGP in Uzbekistan, noted that, alongside preserving the village’s natural landscape, local customs, and traditions, Arbashy has the potential to develop tourism opportunities based on the community-based tourism approach. This approach could help create additional sources of income for local residents while introducing visitors to the village’s unique natural and cultural environment.

During the visit, participants were also provided with relevant explanations and recommendations concerning the project’s financial mechanisms, the targeted use of funds, financial procedures, and reporting requirements.

The initiative being implemented in Arbashy village follows an integrated approach that combines the restoration of degraded land, sustainable natural resource management, environmental sustainability, and the expansion of economic opportunities for the local community.