Quote from Alex bobby on June 24, 2025, 7:05 AM

From Pipelines to Pistachios: Shared Climate Solutions Take Root at Eco Expo Central Asia

As global climate pressures intensify, the countries of Central Asia are shifting from words to action—and from pledges too partnerships. That was the defining message of Eco Expo Central Asia 2025, held this year in Tashkent, the capital of Uzbekistan, where nations, organisations, and innovators gathered to align on climate solutions that are as regional as they are practical.

At the heart of the event was a growing sense of urgency: Central Asia, one of the world’s most climate-vulnerable regions, is heating up at nearly twice the global average. With glaciers receding, water scarcity looming, and ecosystems under strain, the region’s leaders made it clear—climate change is not a distant concern. It's a present danger that demands shared solutions.

Kazakhstan: Leading the Regional Push for a Green Transition

One of the clearest and strongest voices at the summit came from Saken Kalkamanov, Head of Kazakhstan’s International Green Technologies and Investment Projects Centre. Speaking at a keynote panel, Kalkamanov didn’t mince words.

“A half-degree of warming in Central Asia brings devastating consequences,” he warned. “We must act together – now.”

Kazakhstan is backing its words with action. The country has launched a suite of initiatives aimed at accelerating a regional green transition. These include industrial modernisation manuals for decarbonising outdated infrastructure, a regional green economy bureau to support intergovernmental collaboration, and startup accelerators that have trained over 500 young eco-entrepreneurs across the region.

Uzbekistan, the host country, is signalling strong support for Kazakhstan’s leadership and has expressed interest in aligning national plans with regional climate strategies.

But Kazakhstan’s voice wasn’t the only one resonating across the expo halls.

South Korea’s Pistachio Project: Forest-Based Climate Resilience

Just steps away from the Central Asian pavilions, a delegation from South Korea showcased what meaningful regional cooperation looks like on the ground.

With support from KOICA (the Korea International Cooperation Agency), South Korea is helping to develop pistachio orchards in the Tashkent region of Uzbekistan. The initiative, a partnership with Uzbekistan’s Forestry Agency, is part of a broader effort to restore degraded lands and strengthen local livelihoods through climate-smart agriculture.

“We’re helping to build a system that improves biodiversity and supports livelihoods,” said Kim Jun Ki, a forestry researcher leading the project.

South Korea’s model is rooted in forest-based solutions that tackle multiple problems at once: they capture carbon, improve soil and water quality, and reduce heat stress through local cooling effects. But the project goes beyond environmental goals. It offers hands-on climate education for Uzbek officials, including workshops and site training, which Kim described as “essential for long-term impact.”

“Greening is not just environmental – it’s social, economic, and long-term,” he added.

South Korea sees Uzbekistan not just as a technical partner, but as a cultural ally. The goodwill and trust between the two nations were evident in the delegation’s emphasis on expanding into environmental media, climate storytelling, and knowledge exchange.

China’s Infrastructure Approach: Water Resilience in Bukhara

While South Korea focused on reforestation and agriculture, China brought a different but equally vital piece of the climate puzzle: water infrastructure.

Representatives from Tianjin Worlds Valve Co., Ltd outlined two major projects underway in Uzbekistan’s Bukhara region. These involve supplying large-diameter valves for state-owned pump stations that are central to modernising Uzbekistan’s aging irrigation systems.

“These are essential for managing water more efficiently in a changing climate,” said Sandy Zhang, a project engineer for the company.

The new infrastructure is expected to significantly reduce water waste, support agricultural resilience, and help prepare Uzbekistan for more frequent and intense drought conditions—challenges already making headlines across Central Asia.

The projects also represent a blend of industrial development and climate adaptation, showing that economic modernisation and environmental sustainability do not have to be at odds.

A New Climate Consensus for Central Asia

While the technologies and partnerships showcased at Eco Expo Central Asia varied—from pipelines to pistachios—they pointed toward a clear regional consensus: climate action must be cooperative, not competitive.

Each country brings unique strengths: Kazakhstan is leading on policy and innovation; Uzbekistan is proving open to diverse partnerships; and international actors like South Korea and China are delivering tools, training, and infrastructure support.

And while geopolitical divisions often dominate regional politics, the climate crisis is proving to be a unifying force.

Looking Ahead

The expo made one thing clear: the seeds of change have been planted. Whether it’s Kazakhstan’s green startup accelerator, South Korea’s climate-smart orchards, or China’s irrigation modernisation, these shared solutions are beginning to take root.

As Kalkamanov aptly put it, the time for passive pledges is over.

“We need action, not ambition. And we need it together.”

Meta Description:
At Eco Expo Central Asia 2025, countries shift from climate pledges to partnerships—from pipelines to pistachios—highlighting practical cooperation to build regional resilience.