ICBA Highlights Science, Investment and Regional Partnerships at UNCCD COP17

The International Center for Biosaline Agriculture (ICBA) participated in the 17th Session of the Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD COP17), placing science, policy, investment and regional partnerships at the centre of its engagement under the theme “Restoring Land. Restoring Hope.”

ICBA participated as part of Uzbekistan’s delegation and at the country’s national pavilion. Its presence at the conference also coincided with Uzbekistan’s announcement that the accreditation of ICBA’s Regional Office in Tashkent has been renewed until 2029.

ICBA Links Science, Policy and Investment

ICBA Director General Dr. Tarifa Alzaabi said COP17 highlighted the need to combine science-based policies with finance, investment and partnerships capable of translating research into practical solutions.

She said ICBA’s participation through Uzbekistan’s delegation provided an opportunity to demonstrate how this integrated approach can support sustainable agriculture, food and water security and resilience in arid and saline environments.

During a tour of the COP17 exhibition pavilions, Dr. Alzaabi also briefed H.E. Khurelsukh Ukhnaa, President of Mongolia, on ICBA’s regional role and its work to advance sustainable agriculture.

Finance Day Focuses on Turning Investment into Impact

During Finance Day, ICBA organised a high-level dialogue titled “From Investment to Impact: Financing the Restoration of Degraded Lands for Food Security, Climate Resilience and Sustainable Livelihoods” at the Uzbekistan Pavilion.

Moderated by Dr. Alzaabi, the session brought together senior representatives from several countries to examine how national priorities can be connected with research, innovation and investment.

H.E. Aziz Abdukhakimov, Advisor to the President of Uzbekistan on Environmental Issues and Chairman of the National Committee on Ecology and Climate Change, participated as Guest of Honour and highlighted the role of investment in advancing national priorities and scaling impact.

Professor Bakhtiyor Pulatov, Rector of the Central Asian University of Environmental and Climate Change Studies, also discussed scientific research and innovation, including the role of AquaBio Lab as a platform for research, innovation and technological development under cooperation between Green University and ICBA.

Dr. Marguba Rejapova, Post-Doctoral Research Fellow with ICBA’s Central Asia and the Caucasus Program, highlighted the importance of strengthening national capacities and engaging stakeholders through international projects.

Uzbekistan Renews ICBA Office Accreditation Until 2029

A key development during ICBA’s participation was Uzbekistan’s renewal of the accreditation of the Center’s Regional Office in Tashkent until 2029.

The announcement, made by H.E. Aziz Abdukhakimov at the Uzbekistan Pavilion, reflects continued cooperation between ICBA and Uzbekistan and recognition of the Center’s scientific and innovation contributions across Central Asia.

Dr. Alzaabi also met with Abdukhakimov to discuss the further development of ICBA’s work in Uzbekistan and opportunities for future cooperation.

Supporting Farmers Through Sustainable Agriculture

ICBA highlighted its cooperation with the Abu Dhabi Fund for Development (ADFD) as an example of how investment can support scalable agricultural solutions.

Through the ADFD-funded project “Development of Sustainable Agricultural Production Systems in Degraded Areas of Karakalpakstan,” ICBA and its partners are developing agricultural systems adapted to drought and salinity while supporting local communities.

More than 1,500 farmers across seven districts have benefited from the project. In 2026, the initiative expanded through the Farmers’ and Agro-Entrepreneurs Accelerator, aimed at helping move solutions from field trials towards wider applications while strengthening production, value chains and market access.

ICBA Addresses Urban Land and Water Resilience

ICBA’s participation also extended to the COP17 Mayors’ Forum, where Dr. Alzaabi joined a session titled “Regenerating Urban Ecosystems: Combating Land Degradation, Dust, and Sandstorms.”

She highlighted ICBA’s expertise in arid environments and nature-based solutions. The forum concluded with the adoption of the Ulaanbaatar Declaration, which calls for a stronger role for cities and local governments in sustainable land management and drought resilience.

The forum also launched the Ulaanbaatar Initiative, a voluntary effort to test mechanisms for measuring and reporting land degradation at the city level, with results expected to be presented at COP18.

During Water Day, ICBA contributed to the high-level event “Transforming Agricultural Water Management for Drought Resilience and Food Security.” The session brought together policymakers, experts and international organisations to explore ways to strengthen agricultural water management and improve the resilience of food systems to drought.

Dr. Alzaabi delivered the closing remarks, stressing the importance of connecting policy with science, investment and implementation. She also called for greater attention to water quality and salinity in agricultural planning, particularly in arid and saline environments.

ICBA’s COP17 engagement underscored its focus on linking scientific research with policy, investment and regional partnerships to develop practical and scalable approaches to land restoration, sustainable water management, food security and resilience in drought- and salinity-affected environments.