Protecting birds along the Central Asian Flyway – Networking visit in Uzbekistan

From 12 to 19 November, a networking visit to Uzbekistan was implemented by the HSF Korea office. The aim of the networking visit was to promoted climate projects for biodiversity conservation and the Central Asian Flyway (CAF) initiative under the Convention on Migratory Species (CMS).

Several meetings with local organisations and government institutions were arranged to discuss further cooperationin the CAF initiative as close partners.

Moreover, the delegation and experts from the Institute of Zoology Uzbekistan visited Tuzkan/Aydarkul Lake. Aydarkul Lake is the largest waterbody in the Aydar-Arnasay lake system. The lake was formed in 1969 due to an emergency evacuation from the Chardara water reservoir. It is fed by water from Tuzkan Lake and Arnasay water reservoir. This area was designated as Important Birds and Biodiversity Area in 2008. They conducted a field survey with experts at the Institute of Zoology Uzbekistan to understand birds' habitat and ecosystem services in this area and their importance in various species from 15 to 17 November. The delegation recorded over 35 species, including Tudra Swan, Mute Swan, and Black-bellied Sandgrouse. They also briefly met with the Chief of local rangers under the Ministry of Ecology, Environmental Protection and Climate Change to exchange information.