A Milestone in the Desert: My CAS-ANSO Alumni Fellowship Journey to Xinjiang

Bakhtiyor Rustamovich Kholmatov

Director, Institute of Zoology, Academy of Sciences of the Republic of Uzbekistan

The Chinese Academy of Sciences - Alliance of National and International Science Organizations (CAS-ANSO) Alumni Fellowship gave me far more than a research opportunity, it gave me the chance to turn a shared vision into an institutional reality. My visit to the Xinjiang Institute of Ecology and Geography (XIEG), CAS from November 5 to 14, 2024, was not merely an academic exchange; it was the moment when our long-standing cooperation with the Chinese Academy of Sciences took a decisive, formal step forward.

I arrived in Urumqi with high expectations, knowing the reputation of Prof. YANG Weikang and Prof. WANG Muyang. But what I found exceeded anything I had imagined. Our discussions on endangered species conservation under the twin pressures of climate change and human activity were not just productive; they were electric. The most exciting moment came when we formalized the Institute of Zoology’s membership in the Biodiversity Conservation Alliance for Arid Lands (BCAA). For me, this was not just a piece of paper. It was a bridge. It signified that our two institutions are no longer just occasional partners, but committed members of a shared platform for action. I felt a deep sense of pride, knowing that this fellowship had directly enabled a result that will outlast any single visit.

Beyond the conference room, I was given a window into the remarkable scientific culture of CAS and ANSO. I learned how CAS supports the Belt and Road Initiative with genuine, on-the-ground science, and how ANSO fosters open, inclusive partnerships among developing countries. Their mission resonates deeply with our own goals at the Institute of Zoology. I left each meeting with a clearer sense of how we can plug into ANSO’s networks, from joint research projects to talent exchange programs.

But let me also speak of the personal side, because this fellowship was a human journey as much as a scientific one. The warmth and hospitality of my hosts at XIEG touched me deeply. Every seminar, every field visit, every shared meal was carefully arranged, not out of duty, but out of genuine friendship. I had the chance to share Uzbekistan’s experiences in animal conservation, but I learned just as much from listening to my Chinese colleagues. Their professionalism, dedication, and collaborative spirit left an indelible mark on me.

I also took time to walk through Urumqi, to feel the pulse of this vibrant, modern city on the ancient Silk Road. The contrast of snow-dusted mountains on the horizon and bustling streets full of life reminded me that science, too, thrives at the intersection of tradition and innovation. I carried those images with me back to Tashkent.

This CAS-ANSO Alumni Fellowship has laid a solid foundation for the future. I am confident that with the continued support of CAS and ANSO, our partnership will grow through joint research, student exchanges, and platform development. Together, we can contribute to the ecological sustainability of Central Asia’s arid regions and to the green development of the Belt and Road Initiative.

My sincere gratitude goes to CAS, XIEG, and ANSO for their invitation and exceptional support. I now look forward to the next chapter: welcoming my Chinese colleagues to Uzbekistan, continuing our joint journey toward scientific excellence and regional cooperation, one step, one project, one shared hope at a time.