Firuz Safarov, Deputy Director General of the Center of the Hydro Meteorological Service of the Republic of Uzbekistan, noted that "at present, the prompt delivery of hydro meteorological information to the population and increasing the potential of industry leaders is an urgent issue."

At the meeting, experts shared the results of a sociological study of awareness of the risks and threats of climate change in the Fergana Valley among managers and mid-level specialists. The study revealed insufficient awareness of managers and specialists of environmental agencies about the links between the risks of climate instability, socio-economic development and appropriate adaptation measures in the Fergana Valley (20 percent of respondents confirmed that they are aware of the risks of climate change), the press service of the UNDP office in Uzbekistan reports.

In addition, it was noted that this region is the most densely populated in the country and is particularly susceptible to the effects of climate change, due to the significant load and intensity of consumption of natural resources.

The participants of the event stressed that the adoption of systemic measures to mitigate and adapt to the effects of climate change in the Fergana Valley is of paramount importance. It is noteworthy that 92% of respondents who took part in the survey said that climate change has a negative impact on human health, especially on the standard of living of women.

The participants of the event (30-35% women) exchanged views and experiences on new joint approaches, ideas and initiatives for adaptation and mitigation of climate change in the Fergana Valley. At the end of the event, a joint Action Plan was developed to increase the understanding and awareness of decision makers and mid-level sectoral specialists about possible risks and threats caused by climate change.