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Earthquake

After Afghan Quake, UNHCR Preps Relief Supplies at Uzbek Border

The border city of Termez, Uzbekistan, is becoming a logistics hub for some international efforts to provide aid to Afghanistan after an earthquake there killed more than 1,400 people and destroyed at least 5,400 homes. The United Nations refugee agency said on Tuesday it was drawing on its resources within Afghanistan and in the region after a 6.0 magnitude quake struck near the eastern Afghan city of Jalalabad on Sunday. It said health services in Afghanistan are “overwhelmed” and that the lack of basic infrastructure in hard-hit areas was complicating rescue efforts. “UNHCR is deploying prepositioned essential relief items from stockpiles in Kabul, including tents, blankets and solar lamps,” the agency said. “We are also assessing our emergency stockpiles in the region, including in Termez, Uzbekistan, to meet further needs.” Uzbekistan expressed condolences to Afghanistan and said it was ready to help. “We stand in solidarity with the brotherly people of Afghanistan during this difficult time and reaffirm our readiness to provide all possible assistance in overcoming the consequences of this tragic natural disaster,” Foreign Minister Bakhtiyor Saidov said. After several earthquakes hit the Herat area in western Afghanistan in 2023, UNHCR sent tents and other essential items to affected families from the agency’s warehouse in Termez in an effort coordinated with the Uzbek government. The British Red Cross said more than 2,000 people died in the Herat quakes. Termez, which is about 575 kilometers by road from Jalalabad, lies on the Amu Darya River that separates Uzbekistan from Afghanistan. Soviet forces deployed in the city during the war in Afghanistan in the 1980s, and NATO-led forces also used it as a logistics hub during efforts to help the Afghan government establish security after the fall of the Taliban in 2001. The Taliban returned to power in 2021. Hamdullah Fitrat, a Taliban spokesman, said on X on Tuesday that the death toll from the Jalalabad area quake had risen to 1,411, and that at least 3,124 people had been injured and 5,412 houses were destroyed. “Rescue operations continue across all affected areas today. In locations where helicopters could not land, dozens of commando forces were air-dropped to pull the injured from the rubble and move them to safer ground,” he said. The spokesman also said that “several countries have announced assistance, part of which has already been delivered to emergency relief committees for distribution to earthquake victims.” Britain, India, and China are among a number of countries that have pledged or offered aid to Afghanistan to help it cope with the disaster. Besides Uzbekistan, other Central Asian countries have sent aid to Afghanistan after past deadly quakes there.

Earthquake

Afghanistan Appeals for Quake Relief; Central Asia Likely to Help

Uzbekistan and Tajikistan, which border Afghanistan, have often taken the lead among Central Asian countries in providing relief to Afghan communities after deadly earthquakes. Once again, Afghanistan is desperately in need after a 6.0 magnitude earthquake killed at least 800 people and injured many more in the eastern part of the country late Sunday. The Taliban government has appealed for international aid to help survivors of the quake as Afghanistan struggles with other problems, including the legacy of decades of war, a cut-off of U.S. aid for medical and other services under the administration of President Donald Trump, and the return of many Afghan citizens who were expelled from neighboring Pakistan and Iran. The death toll is likely to rise because some villages that were hit by the quake are in mountainous areas that are difficult to reach, and bad weather has hindered rescue efforts. There was devastation across four eastern provinces in Afghanistan, including Nangarhar and Kunar, according to the United Nations. The U.S. Geological Survey said the epicenter of the earthquake was 27 kilometers east-northeast of the Afghan city of Jalalabad, which is Nangarhar’s provincial capital and lies near the border with Pakistan. President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev of Kazakhstan “expressed deep condolences to the leadership of Afghanistan in connection with the numerous human casualties as a result of the earthquake in that country,” the presidency said on Telegram. Uzbekistan and Tajikistan have provided humanitarian aid to Afghanistan after past earthquakes, including in 2022 and 2023, and have also helped with logistics as the United Nations and non-governmental groups transported relief supplies across their borders. Turkmenistan, which also shares a border with Afghanistan, has had involvement in such efforts as well. Central Asian countries have been building relations with Afghanistan in recent months, seeking to diversify trade routes while remaining concerned about security threats and other obstacles to stability. The Trans-Afghan Corridor construction project, for example, would provide easier access to Indian Ocean ports for regional countries. It would constitute a core railway that runs from Termez, southern Uzbekistan through Kabul, Afghanistan, and onward to Peshawar, Pakistan. Some Central Asian countries have expressed concern about human rights in Afghanistan, including the treatment of women and girls, but have not made the issue a centerpiece of their growing ties with the Taliban.

Conservation

Turkmenistan to Designate Bolshoy and Maly Balkhan Mountains as Protected Areas

The government of Turkmenistan has announced plans to designate the Bolshoy and Maly Balkhan mountain ranges as protected areas. A new nature reserve is currently being established, with its core zone centered on Bolshoy Balkhan and additional wildlife sanctuaries to be located on Maly Balkhan and the Yuzhny Ustyurt plateau. Ecosystem Under Pressure Concerns about preserving the unique Balkhan ecosystem date back to the 19th century. The first official discussions arose in 1832 following Grigory Karelin’s expedition to the Caspian Sea. By 1836, cartographers had documented the eastern Caspian coastline, the ancient Amu Darya riverbed, and the Bolshoy Balkhan ridge. Zoologists such as Mikhail Laptev (1920s-1930s) and Gheldy Shukurov (1940s) later highlighted the ecological value of this “mountain island in the desert,” a view supported by contemporary scientists who continue to stress its conservation importance. For decades, the slopes of the Balkhans have served as seasonal pastures for small livestock from May to October. This overgrazing has degraded natural ecosystems and reduced biodiversity. The new reserve aims to reverse this trend by limiting cattle grazing to foothills and surrounding pastures. The Natural Wealth of the Balkhans The Balkhan region features a striking mix of desert plains and mountain-steppe terrain. Its highest peak is Mount Arlan, which rises to 1,880 meters. The area is home to two species of amphibians, 28 species of reptiles, 174 species of birds, and 45 species of mammals. Among the most distinctive species is the gray monitor lizard, the region’s largest lizard, growing up to 1.5 meters in length. The Central Asian leopard once roamed these mountains but has since migrated to the Ustyurt Plateau. In its absence, populations of wolves and jackals have increased. Other rare animals found in the area include the Turkmen corsac fox, manul (Pallas’s cat), banded gerbil, rock marten, and Severtsov's jerboa. Maly Balkhan, with its unique topography and the renowned Chalsuv spring, famous for its distinctive taste, reaches a height of 780 meters. In earlier decades, saigas would migrate here from Kazakhstan during winter, though such migrations have not occurred in recent years. Part of a Broader Conservation Push The creation of the Balkhan Reserve is part of Turkmenistan’s National Forest Program (2021-2025). The initiative also includes preparations for establishing the Zengibaba Reserve in Dashoguz velayat and expanding the Amudarya State Reserve. Additional protected areas are planned for Lebap velayat, particularly on the Tallymerdzhen Plain, which is home to the rare sandpiper.

Agriculture

Kazakhstan Develops Water-Efficient Rice Variety to Combat Climate and Irrigation Challenges

The Ibrai Zhakhayev Kazakh Scientific Research Institute of Rice Growing is trialling a new moisture-saving rice variety in the Kyzylorda region. The variety, known as “Syr Sulu,” is designed to mature more quickly and use significantly less water compared to traditional strains. Syr Sulu matures within 105-110 days and offers high yields, up to 80-85 centners per hectare with proper agricultural practices. By comparison, Russian rice varieties typically cultivated in the Kyzylorda region require 120-125 days to reach maturity, resulting in higher water consumption. "The water situation in the southern regions of Kazakhstan makes it necessary to find and develop new ways to save water. Given global climate change, such crop varieties could become a compelling alternative to existing water-intensive varieties. The results of this research will have a positive impact on the development of agriculture and reduce water consumption in rice fields," said a representative of the Kazakh Rice Institute. Moisture Retention Innovations In parallel, the institute is working with the Ministry of Water Resources and Irrigation to continue trials of the Hungarian product Water Retainer, a soil treatment designed to preserve moisture. In 2025, the product is being tested on irrigated land in the Almaty, Zhambyl, Kyzylorda, Karaganda, Akmola, and Zhetysu regions. "The first stage of testing, in which four research institutes participated, showed that the product reduces the growing season of rice and achieves significant water savings. Traditionally, rice is watered for 90 days, but with the use of the preparation, 51 days are sufficient," said Lazzat Dzhusipova, Director of the Ministry's Department of Scientific and Innovative Technologies. Broader Water Challenges As previously reported by The Times of Central Asia, the Eurasian Development Bank (EDB) released a comprehensive assessment of Central Asia’s water and energy challenges in April 2025. The study found that much of the region’s water infrastructure is outdated and inefficient, leading to the loss of 40-55% of available water. The EDB estimates that, without urgent modernization, Central Asia could face an annual water deficit of 5-12 cubic kilometers by 2028.

Air Quality

South Korea to Support Air Quality Improvement in Kyrgyzstan

The Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) has launched a major initiative to improve air quality in Kyrgyzstan, with a particular focus on the capital, Bishkek. On August 20, Bishkek hosted the signing ceremony for the Record of Discussions between KOICA and the Ministry of Natural Resources, Ecology, and Technical Supervision, marking the official start of the Air Quality Improvement Project in the Kyrgyz Republic. The event was attended by Kim Kwang-jae, Ambassador of the Republic of Korea to the Kyrgyz Republic; Meder Mashiev, Minister of Natural Resources, Ecology, and Technical Supervision; and Lim So Yeon, KOICA Country Director in Kyrgyzstan. According to KOICA, the project will run through 2028 with a budget of $10 million. It aims to enhance Kyrgyzstan’s capacity to respond to climate change and improve urban air quality. Air pollution is a persistent challenge in Bishkek, home to over one million residents. The situation worsens during winter when widespread coal use for heating sharply increases harmful emissions. Bishkek frequently ranks among the world’s top 10 most polluted cities on IQAir’s global air quality index. Key components of the project include: Phased implementation of air pollution mitigation measures in Bishkek Development of a “Comprehensive Air Quality Management Plan for 2028-2038” Pilot introduction of green heating systems (heat pumps) in public educational institutions The project plans to install heat pumps in approximately 30 schools and kindergartens in the Chui region, which includes Bishkek. This initiative is expected to benefit an estimated 2.3 million residents by creating a healthier and more comfortable environment. At the launch event, Ambassador Kim highlighted the urgency of the initiative: “The issue of air quality is of particular concern in Bishkek, and it is important to address it. We look forward to the successful implementation of the project and continued collaboration with the Ministry.” KOICA Country Director Lim added: “We hope these efforts will lead to tangible results in combating climate change and improving public health, serving as an important example of international cooperation.” Minister Mashiev expressed gratitude to KOICA, which has operated in Kyrgyzstan for over a decade: “We highly value our cooperation with the government of the Republic of Korea and intend to continue developing our relations.” South Korean involvement in environmental initiatives in Kyrgyzstan has expanded in recent months. Efforts include promoting eco-friendly transport and reducing emissions in major urban centers. The Public-Private Partnership Center under the National Investment Agency of Kyrgyzstan, together with OJSC Chakan HPP and South Korea’s BLUE NETWORKS CO., LTD., a company specializing in EV charging infrastructure, has agreed to establish a local manufacturing facility and roll out a nationwide EV charging network. In June, Kyrgyzstan’s Ministry of Economy and Commerce also signed a memorandum of understanding with South Korean firms EVSIS, NGS, and the Korea Automobile Environment Association to develop EV charging infrastructure in Bishkek.

Nature Reserves

Kazakhstan Establishes New Nature Reserve in Zhambyl Region

The Merke Regional Nature Park has been established in Kazakhstan's southern Zhambyl region. Granted the status of a protected natural area, the park aims to preserve the unique ecosystems of the foothill and mountain zones of the Western Tien Shan. Covering 86,632 hectares, Merke is home to rare and endemic species, including snow leopards, argali sheep, Indian porcupines, and Turkestan lynxes. The park also opens avenues for developing ecotourism, environmental education, and inclusive community engagement in sustainable land use. Future plans include infrastructure development, job creation, and the implementation of scientific and educational programs. Its establishment was made possible through strong collaboration among government bodies, scientific institutions, local communities, and international partners, including the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). “UNDP supports Kazakhstan’s efforts to expand its protected area system and strengthen environmental policy at the regional level. Merke Park is a strong example of how local initiatives contribute to global biodiversity goals and climate resilience,” said Katarzyna Wawiernia, UNDP Resident Representative in Kazakhstan. As part of ongoing cooperation between Kazakhstan and the UNDP, ten new specially protected natural areas have already been created nationwide, including the Akzhayik, Altyn-Dala, and Ile-Balkhash nature reserves, as well as the Buyratau, Zhongar Alatau, and Tarbagatai national parks. Additionally, six existing protected areas have been expanded. For the first time, Kazakhstan has also established the Kapshagay-Balkhash and Yrgyz-Torgay-Zhylanshyk ecological corridors, spanning 2.9 million hectares, to safeguard the migration routes of rare animal species.