The initiative was implemented within the framework of the Green Aral Sea program. Its mechanism was extremely simple: a like, comment or repost under publications was equivalent to planting one sapling of a saxaul, which allowed to involve a wide audience in the environmental agenda, according to the Dunyo news agency.
As a result of the campaign, about 1,300 user actions were recorded, reflecting a high level of interest and participation. At the same time, as the UNDP clarified, the planting material was funded in advance, since the main goal of the campaign was to raise awareness. As a result, all 1,500 seedlings will be planted on the dried-up bottom of the Aral Sea.
Financial support was provided by Tashkent International School, which financed the purchase of seedlings. Their disembarkation is planned for the winter period. Thus, the digital activity of users is transformed into practical measures to restore ecosystems - strengthening the soil, reducing erosion and supporting local communities.
After reaching the target, the campaign was continued in the format of additional fundraising through the platform. Every.org. About $900 has already been raised, which will allow for the planting of about 900 more trees. The harvest continues, and every dollar ensures the planting of one seedling. You can support the project until April 30th.
Since 2022, the UNDP, together with its partners, has planted about 925,000 saplings of saxaul. At the same time, significant territories remain vulnerable, which determines the need for further expansion of such initiatives.
"The Aral Sea crisis remains one of the key climate issues. On International Earth Day, we demonstrate the power of partnership: by joining forces, we can achieve concrete results," said Akiko Fujii, UNDP Resident Representative in Uzbekistan.
"It is important for our school to form environmental responsibility through practical actions. Green Aral Sea's support allows us to translate engagement into real climate outcomes," said Bill Kralovets, Director of Tashkent International School.
The campaign aims to increase public participation in solving environmental problems in the Aral Sea region and demonstrates how digital tools can work to achieve sustainable results.
