Sandstorm Haze Lingers in Central Asia Despite Pollution Control Efforts

Sandstorm haze continues to affect communities in Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan, despite the end of a significant pollution episode. This persistent issue is linked to the shrinking of the Aral Sea, which has transformed into the expanding desert known as Aralkum.

Since the 1960s, the Aral Sea has drastically diminished as a result of Soviet-era water diversions for cotton cultivation. The resulting desertification has left the lakebed covered with a toxic mix of salt and pesticide runoff. When winds pick up, this toxic particulate matter is carried into surrounding areas, causing severe health issues and damaging agricultural lands.

Efforts to mitigate this environmental disaster include afforestation projects spearheaded by the Uzbekistan Forestry Agency. The goal is to plant forests covering 150,000 to 200,000 hectares by 2024, using desert-tolerant plants such as saxaul, saltwort, ephedra, and tamarisk. These plants help stabilize the soil and reduce the movement of sand.

The persistence of sandstorm haze in Central Asia has significant implications for the environment, health, and economy of the region. If left unchecked, it could lead to further desertification, increased respiratory diseases, and damage to agricultural lands, affecting the livelihoods of millions of people in the long run.

To date, over 1.7 million hectares of forest have been established on the Uzbekistan side of the Aral Sea. The Forestry Agency has prepared more than 190 metric tons of seeds for sowing. Each saxaul shrub can stop 2.4 metric tons of moving sand and release 0.8 metric tons of oxygen annually while absorbing 1.1 metric tons of carbon dioxide.

Local communities are heavily impacted by the ongoing sandstorms. High incidences of respiratory diseases, anemia, cancer, and digestive issues are reported. The probability of an Uzbek citizen dying prematurely from cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, chronic respiratory diseases, or cancer is alarmingly high.

Kazakhstan is also tackling the problem with its own afforestation initiatives. The country aims to plant saxaul trees on 275,000 hectares of the dried lakebed by 2025. These efforts not only help combat desertification but also provide employment opportunities for local residents, who are involved in seed collection and planting.

However, challenges remain. Low precipitation in Karakalpakstan affects the survival rate of saplings. The planting period typically occurs during the wet season from December through February, and the success of these efforts depends heavily on annual rainfall.

The issue of sand and particle storms is not confined to Central Asia. The United Nations and Iran have called for international cooperation to address these storms, which are exacerbated by climate change. An International Conference on Combating Sand and Atmospheric Storms was held in Tehran, where UN Chief Antonio Guterres emphasized, "Cooperation is key. I urge you to use your time in Tehran to build partnerships, increase cooperation, and commit to practical action. "

Despite these efforts, sandstorm haze continues to pose a significant threat to health and agriculture in Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan. The ongoing afforestation projects offer a glimmer of hope, but the success of these initiatives will depend on sustained international cooperation and favorable climatic conditions.

Key Takeaways

• Sandstorm haze persists in Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan due to Aral Sea's shrinking.
• Afforestation projects aim to plant 150,000-200,000 hectares of desert-tolerant plants.
• Over 1.7 million hectares of forest established on Uzbekistan side of Aral Sea.
• Sandstorms cause severe health issues, damage agricultural lands, and affect millions.
• International cooperation and favorable climate conditions crucial for afforestation success.