Termez is being prepared to counter sand and dust storms
A consultation meeting was held in Tashkent dedicated to increasing the resilience of Termez to sand and dust storms and the associated air pollution. The event was organized by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and the National Committee for Ecology and Climate Change. The meeting took place within the framework of a project to strengthen the resilience of communities and the healthcare system of Termez to sand and dust storms and […]
Termez is being prepared to counter sand and dust storms
A consultative meeting was held in Tashkent dedicated to increasing the resilience of Termez to sand and dust storms and the associated air pollution. The event was organized by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and the National Committee for Ecology and Climate Change.
The meeting took place within the framework of a project to strengthen the resilience of communities and the healthcare system of Termez to sand and dust storms and air pollution using nature-based solutions. The project is being implemented from April 2026 to March 2027 with financial support from Japan.
Experts emphasized that sand and dust storms can sharply increase the concentration of fine particulate matter PM10 and PM2.5. The air quality in Termez is also affected by the heating season, transport, agriculture, and small industrial enterprises.
As part of the project, it is planned to combine satellite and ground-based data, study the sources and seasonality of pollution, and conduct practical training for national specialists. On this basis, a prototype of an early warning system with risk thresholds and a "traffic light" information system will be created.
In addition, a national plan for monitoring sand and dust storms will be prepared, including an estimate of the necessary costs. The document will define the requirements for ground-based, high-altitude, and satellite observations, data quality, and cooperation between responsible organizations.
A special emphasis will be placed on nature-based measures — ecosystem restoration, greening, soil stabilization, and dust reduction. Experts will also study the possibilities of attracting international financing to implement similar measures in other vulnerable regions of Uzbekistan.
The participants agreed to continue technical cooperation and coordination between international organizations, government agencies, and local authorities. The approaches being developed in Termez can subsequently be used for data sharing and joint forecasting of sand and dust storms in other regions of the country.