XIEG Participates in Practical Seminar on Establishing Halophyte Gardens in Uzbekistan

From Nov. 8 to 14, a delegation led by Prof. TIAN Changyan from the Xinjiang Institute of Ecology and Geography (XIEG) of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, participated in the Practical Seminar on Establishing Halophyte Gardens, at the invitation of the Forestry Agency under the Ministry of Ecology, Environmental Protection and Climate Change of Uzbekistan (hereinafter referred to as the "Uzbek Ecology Ministry").

The seminar, held on Nov. 10 in Jizzakh Region, Uzbekistan, was hosted by the Forestry Agency under the Uzbek Ecology Ministry, with participation of Uzbek governmental agencies, and research organizations relevant to the establishment of the halophyte gardens.

In his opening remarks, Erkin Mukhdinov, Director of Forestry Agency,underscored Uzbekistan's commitment to President's directives on nationwide afforestation, forest restoration, and climate change mitigation. He highlighted that the establishment of halophyte gardens is central to enhancing the country's greening efforts and strengthening ecosystem protection, a process he assured would continue with unwavering dedication.

Ms. QIAO Jianfang, Head of the International Cooperation Office at XIEG, emphasized that the halophyte gardens will act as a green bridge and an innovation hub connecting scientists from both countries. The collaboration on these gardens, she noted, will leverage the collective expertise of China and Uzbekistan in salt-tolerant plant research, facilitating joint endeavors in the collection, selection, cultivation, development, and utilization of valuable halophyte resources.

The knowledge-sharing extended beyond the seminar venue. Accompanied by Muradbay Ganiyev, an official from the Forestry Agency, Chinese experts conducted tours of halophyte garden sites in the Bukhara and Navoiy Regions. During these visits, they inspected the local natural environments and offered crucial on-site guidance and practical demonstrations.

This visit builds upon an Agreement on Co-establishing the "Uzbekistan–China Halophyte Friendship Garden" between XIEG and the Uzbek Ecology Mnisitry. Under this agreement, the Uzbek side has dispatched delegations to XIEG’s Karamay Halophyte Garden to gain firsthand insights into China's successful strategies for improving saline-alkali lands using halophytes. To support the establishment of five halophyte gardens in Uzbekistan, XIEG has provided halophyte seeds of 35 species, totaling 1.4 tons.

Opening Ceremony

Pre-sowing preparation of halophyte seeds

Demonstration on halophyte seed sowing 

Training on using a soil pH tester

Contact

LONG Huaping

Xinjiang Institute of Ecology and Geography

E-mail: longhp@ms.xjb.ac.cn

Web: http://english.egi.cas.cn