ICBA concludes participation at Eco Expo Central Asia 2025
The 'Defender of Nature' badge was awarded to Dr. Tarifa Al Zaabi, Director General of ICBA, by the Government of Uzbekistan for her outstanding contributions to environmental sustainability and her leadership in advancing climate-resilient agriculture.
ICBA showcased scientific leadership and regional collaboration at Central Asia's leading environmental forum.
Dubai, UAE: The International Center for Biosaline Agriculture (ICBA) concluded a high impact and strategically coordinated presence at Eco Expo Central Asia 2025 in Tashkent, Uzbekistan. As the region's foremost platform for environmental innovation, the expo brought together government leaders, scientists, and development institutions to advance collaborative climate action and sustainable solutions for fragile environments.
As part of the broader recognition of ICBA's contributions, the government of Uzbekistan awarded Dr. Al Zaabi, Director General of ICBA, the 'Tabiat Himoyachisi' (Defender of Nature) badge of honor which was established by Resolution No. 443 of the Cabinet of Ministers of Uzbekistan. The badge is a national honor awarded to individuals who have demonstrated exceptional leadership in ecological restoration, scientific innovation, and the responsible use of natural resources.
The distinction was conferred by His Excellency Aziz Abdukhakimov, Minister of Ecology, Environmental Protection and Climate Change, acknowledging her leadership in environmental sustainability and climate-resilient agriculture
During the Eco Expo event, ICBA's enaged in several high-level seminars organized in collaboration with the Ministries of Ecology of Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan and the International Innovation Center for the Aral Sea (IICAS) . The center focused through his participation on Reimagining Resilience via Biosaline Nexuses for a Climate-Smart Central Asia where professional regional experts in science and policy discussed how biosaline nexuses—integrated systems combining salt-tolerant crops, non-traditional water sources, clean energy, and circular bioeconomy practices—can contribute to land restoration, food security, and resilience in saline-affected regions.
Moreover, ICBA presented its success story in Karakalpakstan, highlighting how South–South cooperation, supported by the Abu Dhabi Fund for Development (ADFD), has enabled rehabilitation in salt-affected areas through the deployment of stress-tolerant crops, improved water infrastructure, and institutional capacity-building.
Throughout the three-day exhibition, ICBA hosted a dedicated booth in collaboration with IICAS, showcasing field-tested innovations in biosaline agriculture, remote sensing, salinity mapping, and sustainable land and water management. The booth served as a platform for knowledge exchange with policymakers, researchers, and regional development partners working to address climate challenges in arid and saline environments. ICBA received second place in the 'Best Pavilion' category, in recognition of the booth's scientific content, innovative design, and success in fostering regional engagement.
Eco Expo Central Asia is a catalyst for action,' said Dr. Tarifa Al Zaabi, Director General of ICBA. 'Our participation is part of a broader effort to translate science into real-world solutions that benefit communities facing climate and resource pressures. We look forward to expanding regional collaborations, supporting national strategies, and scaling innovations that can secure the future of agriculture in saline and arid environments.'
ICBA's presence at Eco Expo Central Asia 2025 reaffirmed its role as a trusted knowledge partner and scientific leader in sustainable agriculture. Through innovation, capacity-building, and regional collaboration, the center continues to support countries in navigating climate-related risks and enhancing resilience in resource-constrained environments.
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Web Release
18 hours ago
- Web Release
ICBA Concludes Participation at Eco Expo Central Asia 2025
The International Center for Biosaline Agriculture (ICBA) concluded a high impact and strategically coordinated presence at Eco Expo Central Asia 2025 in Tashkent, Uzbekistan. As the region's foremost platform for environmental innovation, the expo brought together government leaders, scientists, and development institutions to advance collaborative climate action and sustainable solutions for fragile environments. As part of the broader recognition of ICBA's contributions, the government of Uzbekistan awarded Dr. Al Zaabi, Director General of ICBA, the 'Tabiat Himoyachisi' (Defender of Nature) badge of honor which was established by Resolution No. 443 of the Cabinet of Ministers of Uzbekistan. The badge is a national honor awarded to individuals who have demonstrated exceptional leadership in ecological restoration, scientific innovation, and the responsible use of natural resources. The distinction was conferred by His Excellency Aziz Abdukhakimov, Minister of Ecology, Environmental Protection and Climate Change, acknowledging her leadership in environmental sustainability and climate-resilient agriculture During the Eco Expo event, ICBA's enaged in several high-level seminars organized in collaboration with the Ministries of Ecology of Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan and the International Innovation Center for the Aral Sea (IICAS) . The center focused through his participation on Reimagining Resilience via Biosaline Nexuses for a Climate-Smart Central Asia where professional regional experts in science and policy discussed how biosaline nexuses—integrated systems combining salt-tolerant crops, non-traditional water sources, clean energy, and circular bioeconomy practices—can contribute to land restoration, food security, and resilience in saline-affected regions. Moreover, ICBA presented its success story in Karakalpakstan, highlighting how South–South cooperation, supported by the Abu Dhabi Fund for Development (ADFD), has enabled rehabilitation in salt-affected areas through the deployment of stress-tolerant crops, improved water infrastructure, and institutional capacity-building. Throughout the three-day exhibition, ICBA hosted a dedicated booth in collaboration with IICAS, showcasing field-tested innovations in biosaline agriculture, remote sensing, salinity mapping, and sustainable land and water management. The booth served as a platform for knowledge exchange with policymakers, researchers, and regional development partners working to address climate challenges in arid and saline environments. ICBA received second place in the 'Best Pavilion' category, in recognition of the booth's scientific content, innovative design, and success in fostering regional engagement. Eco Expo Central Asia is a catalyst for action,' said Dr. Tarifa Al Zaabi, Director General of ICBA. 'Our participation is part of a broader effort to translate science into real-world solutions that benefit communities facing climate and resource pressures. We look forward to expanding regional collaborations, supporting national strategies, and scaling innovations that can secure the future of agriculture in saline and arid environments.' ICBA's presence at Eco Expo Central Asia 2025 reaffirmed its role as a trusted knowledge partner and scientific leader in sustainable agriculture. Through innovation, capacity-building, and regional collaboration, the center continues to support countries in navigating climate-related risks and enhancing resilience in resource-constrained environments.
Zawya
20 hours ago
- Zawya
ICBA concludes participation at Eco Expo Central Asia 2025
The 'Defender of Nature' badge was awarded to Dr. Tarifa Al Zaabi, Director General of ICBA, by the Government of Uzbekistan for her outstanding contributions to environmental sustainability and her leadership in advancing climate-resilient agriculture. ICBA showcased scientific leadership and regional collaboration at Central Asia's leading environmental forum. Dubai, UAE: The International Center for Biosaline Agriculture (ICBA) concluded a high impact and strategically coordinated presence at Eco Expo Central Asia 2025 in Tashkent, Uzbekistan. As the region's foremost platform for environmental innovation, the expo brought together government leaders, scientists, and development institutions to advance collaborative climate action and sustainable solutions for fragile environments. As part of the broader recognition of ICBA's contributions, the government of Uzbekistan awarded Dr. Al Zaabi, Director General of ICBA, the 'Tabiat Himoyachisi' (Defender of Nature) badge of honor which was established by Resolution No. 443 of the Cabinet of Ministers of Uzbekistan. The badge is a national honor awarded to individuals who have demonstrated exceptional leadership in ecological restoration, scientific innovation, and the responsible use of natural resources. The distinction was conferred by His Excellency Aziz Abdukhakimov, Minister of Ecology, Environmental Protection and Climate Change, acknowledging her leadership in environmental sustainability and climate-resilient agriculture During the Eco Expo event, ICBA's enaged in several high-level seminars organized in collaboration with the Ministries of Ecology of Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan and the International Innovation Center for the Aral Sea (IICAS) . The center focused through his participation on Reimagining Resilience via Biosaline Nexuses for a Climate-Smart Central Asia where professional regional experts in science and policy discussed how biosaline nexuses—integrated systems combining salt-tolerant crops, non-traditional water sources, clean energy, and circular bioeconomy practices—can contribute to land restoration, food security, and resilience in saline-affected regions. Moreover, ICBA presented its success story in Karakalpakstan, highlighting how South–South cooperation, supported by the Abu Dhabi Fund for Development (ADFD), has enabled rehabilitation in salt-affected areas through the deployment of stress-tolerant crops, improved water infrastructure, and institutional capacity-building. Throughout the three-day exhibition, ICBA hosted a dedicated booth in collaboration with IICAS, showcasing field-tested innovations in biosaline agriculture, remote sensing, salinity mapping, and sustainable land and water management. The booth served as a platform for knowledge exchange with policymakers, researchers, and regional development partners working to address climate challenges in arid and saline environments. ICBA received second place in the 'Best Pavilion' category, in recognition of the booth's scientific content, innovative design, and success in fostering regional engagement. Eco Expo Central Asia is a catalyst for action,' said Dr. Tarifa Al Zaabi, Director General of ICBA. 'Our participation is part of a broader effort to translate science into real-world solutions that benefit communities facing climate and resource pressures. We look forward to expanding regional collaborations, supporting national strategies, and scaling innovations that can secure the future of agriculture in saline and arid environments.' ICBA's presence at Eco Expo Central Asia 2025 reaffirmed its role as a trusted knowledge partner and scientific leader in sustainable agriculture. Through innovation, capacity-building, and regional collaboration, the center continues to support countries in navigating climate-related risks and enhancing resilience in resource-constrained environments.
Zawya
03-06-2025
- Zawya
ICBA concludes participation at Emirates Agriculture Conference and Exhibition 2025
Dubai, UAE – The International Center for Biosaline Agriculture (ICBA) concluded its participation at the Emirates Agriculture Conference and Exhibition 2025, held from 28 to 31 May at the ADNEC Centre in Al Ain. Held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President of the UAE, Deputy Prime Minister, and Chairman of the Presidential Court, the event served as a national platform to highlight agricultural research, foster collaboration across sectors, and advance sustainable solutions for food and water security—reinforcing ICBA's leadership in science and innovation for arid and saline environments. ICBA's booth, attracted wide interest from visitors, including government officials, high-level dignitaries, international partners, as well as researchers, students, and private sector representatives. Under the theme 'From the UAE to the World: 25 Years of Innovation in Resilient Agriculture,' ICBA presented a comprehensive overview of its core research areas, including water and soil management, digital agriculture, and the development of climate-resilient crops. The exhibit featured scientific publications, interactive displays of field projects, and visual presentations of ICBA's successful experiences with farmers, women, and youth across the region. ICBA also showcased samples from its gene bank, featuring drought-, heat-, and salt-tolerant seed varieties, along with food products developed from locally adapted crops such as Emirati quinoa, millet, and sorghum—offering practical solutions to enhance food security in arid and saline environments. 'At ICBA, our mission is to harness science and innovation to address the complex agricultural challenges facing saline and resource-constrained environments,' said Dr. Tarifa Alzaabi, Director General of ICBA. 'Participating in the Emirates Agriculture Conference and Exhibition provided an important platform to share our scientific insights, engage with partners, and reinforce the role of research in driving sustainable transformation. We are committed to developing climate-resilient solutions that advance food and water security, support national priorities, and empower farmers, women, and youth to thrive in the face of environmental change.' As part of the conference's central agenda, Dr. Tarifa Alzaabi, Director General of ICBA, participated in a high-level panel discussion titled 'The Role of International Organisations in Advancing a Sustainable Food Security Ecosystem'. The session explored collaborative pathways for improving food system resilience through science and innovation. In her intervention, Dr. Alzaabi emphasized ICBA's mandate to generate evidence-based, climate-smart solutions that are adapted to the needs of resource-constrained environments. Dr. Tarifa outlined how ICBA leverages its scientific expertise, strategic partnerships, and regional knowledge to support agricultural transformation in alignment with national and global sustainability goals. A highlight of ICBA's participation was the renewal of cooperation agreement with the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB), reinforcing a long-standing partnership focused on promoting sustainable agricultural development in marginal environments. Equally notable was the signing of a new MoU with Aspire, aimed at advancing innovation in sustainable agriculture for saline and arid regions. This collaboration will support the development of AI-powered tools for smart irrigation, climate-resilient farming systems, and renewable energy integration, positioning the UAE at the forefront of agricultural technology and climate adaptation. ICBA also concluded its public engagement activities with a well-attended workshopintroducing visitors, particularly youth and families, to the ecological importance of native species, biodiversity, and the role of healthy soils in sustaining agricultural productivity. This reflects the Center's role in promoting hands-on activities and community dialogue, as well as its continued commitment to environmental awareness and community education. As it marks 25 years of impact, ICBA continues to advance its mission by developing innovative agricultural practices tailored to the realities of saline and arid regions. Through its research programs, capacity-building efforts, and strategic collaborations, ICBA remains a key contributor to building resilient, inclusive, and sustainable food systems.
