This project helps mitigate "white storms" in the Aral Sea region of Uzbekistan by afforesting Aralkum desert. As winds blow over the salt-covered desert, they spread salt and dust across the region, harming local health and livelihoods. Together with region's communities, OISCA plants deep-rooted desert shrubs which hold loose soil, mitigating toxic storms. Simultaneously, OISCA trains residents to cultivate drought-resistant crops and medicinal herbs, contributing to local economic resilience.
The Aralkum desert emerged in place of the Aral Sea-formerly the world's 4th largest lake. The lake has shrunk by 90% since the 1960s due to unsustainable water extraction for cotton irrigation, leaving 6 million ha of salty lakebed exposed. Winds lift the salt and dust, forming "white storms" that harm local health and agriculture. Moreover, particles from Aralkum have been found in Antarctica, Greenland and other parts of the globe. Without action, storms will spread disruption beyond borders.
The project afforests the deserted lakebed with at least 200ha of native saxaul shrubs annually. Saxaul roots trap the soil, preventing toxic dust spread. Planting is carried out with the Agriculture University students and other local youth, alongside the Forestry Agency. This ensures transfer of know-how,builds grassroots capacities and local ownership. Project also provides training on cultivating drought-resistant cash crops and marketable medicinal herbs to create sustainable income sources
Annually,at least 100 youths will be trained in saxaul planting,building a base for locally-led afforestation. As we transfer our technology to the local Forestry Agency and Agriculture University, they can expand afforestation further. Moreover,at least 30 families will be trained in crop and herb cultivation annually. Ultimately,the project contributes to grassroots capacity-building, equipping Aral communities and institutions with skills for mitigating white storms and sustaining livelihoods
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