Author: admin

In May 2025, the IWES team, with our project partners, Mr. Bruce Lankford and Mr Shavkat Kenjabaev, wrapped up a five-day scoping mission to Uzbekistan as part of the World Bank-funded CAWEP feasibility study on modernizing irrigation practices in Central Asia. The trip was a powerful blend of policy-level dialogue and hands-on field visits, bridging the gap between strategy and practice.

The week began in Tashkent, where we held constructive meetings with the Ministry of Water Resources and the Ministry of Agriculture of Uzbekistan. Both ministries acknowledged the limitations of the outdated 1987 irrigation-norm equations and expressed their interest in developing a digital, evidence-based alternative. The goal: a system that responds to real-time crop water needs under increasing scarcity.

Equipped with this mandate, the team travelled to Andijan, where we visited cotton fields using drip irrigation combined with mulch techniques that dramatically reduce water use to just 1,200 m³/ha per season. Local partners from the AIAA School of Irrigators showcased how this method also shortens traditional irrigation cycles from ten days to just one, while boosting yields by 14–17 centners per hectare.

Farmer interviews further confirmed the potential of modern systems — but also pointed to the need for regulatory reforms, improved technical support, and aligned tax policies to make efficiency gains sustainable.

Back in Tashkent, the team brought together key research and technical institutions including TIIAME NRU, SIC ICWC, FAO, and Uzbekcosmos. The collaboration aims to create a unified data pipeline, integrating satellite-based evapotranspiration mapping with on-farm sensors. This data-driven approach would enable performance-based water allocations and taxation, aligned with actual water consumption on farms.

The FAO pointed to their planned AquaCrop pilot as an ideal testbed for these updated norms, and Uzbekcosmos offered its mapping infrastructure to support this vision. Across the board, partners endorsed co-designed pilots and data transparency as the backbone of future-proof water management in Uzbekistan.

As Uzbekistan declares 2025 the Year of Environmental Protection and Green Economy, this mission reaffirmed that the path to a greener future begins with collaboration, open data, and scalable innovation.

We are pleased to announce the Uzbek-German Water Day, taking place on 18 November 2025 at the Embassy of the Republic of Uzbekistan in Berlin.

📍 Venue: Embassy of Uzbekistan, Perleberger Str. 62, 10559 Berlin
📆 Date: Tuesday, 18 November 2025

This special event will bring together policymakers, businesses, research institutions, and NGOs from both Uzbekistan and Germany to exchange knowledge and foster cooperation in the field of water resource management.

Key topics will include:

• Sustainable water management in urban and rural areas
• Agricultural irrigation systems
• Innovation and technology transfer
• Strengthening bilateral cooperation
• B2B networking opportunities

With high-level participation expected from ministries, international organizations, and private companies, the Uzbek-German Water Day promises to be a dynamic platform for dialogue, knowledge-sharing, and building partnerships.

Presentations, panel discussions, and thematic roundtables will offer space for in-depth conversations and real collaboration opportunities. At the moment, there is also the possibility to be directly involved in the organization of the event by sponsoring it. Of course, the sponsors will have more opportunities to advertise their products and services.

We especially welcome German companies interested in engaging with Uzbek partners and exploring business or project development potential in the region.

Last week, our IWES team had the honor of participating in the joint celebration of the first World Day for Glaciers and World Water Day 2025, which took place on March 20-21, 2025, at UNESCO Headquarters in Paris. This landmark event, organized as part of the International Year of Glaciers’ Preservation 2025, brought together leading experts, policymakers, and climate advocates to address the urgent challenges facing the global cryosphere and its impact on water security, ecosystems, and communities worldwide.

As part of our engagement in this prestigious event, IWES was proud to be both a participant and organizer of Side Event 3: “A Vanishing Mountain Cryosphere and Its Importance for the Water Cycle Under Climate Change.” This session, co-moderated by Ms. Anesa Sasivarevic, explored the critical role of glaciers in mitigating drought impacts, the importance of real-time monitoring tools like MODSNOW, and the latest scientific insights from regions such as the Andes, Central Asia, and South Asia.

We extend our deepest gratitude Feruza Gafurova, and Anesa Sasivarevic for their invaluable contributions in making this side event a success. Their dedication and expertise were instrumental in fostering insightful discussions and strengthening collaborations for future climate adaptation and water management efforts.

The session featured esteemed speakers, including Prof. Francesca Pellicciotti, Bethan Davies, Dr. James McPhee, Dr. Owen King, Dr. Jeremy Ely, Dr. Dinara Ziganshina, Sophie Falkeis, and many others. Their contributions underscored the urgent need to bridge the gap between science, policy, and societal preparedness to address the rapid melting of glaciers and its far-reaching consequences.

As we reflect on this meaningful experience, IWES remains committed to advancing research, fostering global partnerships, and promoting sustainable water management solutions. We look forward to continuing these crucial discussions and working together toward a resilient and water-secure future.

Learn more: 🔗 UNESCO World Day for Glaciers 🔗 Side Event 3 Program

Glaciers are a cornerstone of our planet’s climate system and a crucial source of freshwater for billions of people. However, these vital ice reserves are disappearing at an alarming rate due to climate change, largely driven by human activities since the 19th century. Recognizing the urgent need to address this crisis, the United Nations together with the World Meteorological Organization, declared 2025 as the International Year of Glaciers’ Preservation (IYGP). This initiative aims to raise awareness about the critical role glaciers play in regulating global temperatures and providing essential hydrological, meteorological, and climate services to communities worldwide.

Mountain regions serve as the world’s water towers, sustaining countless ecosystems and livelihoods. The IYGP will foster global cooperation, scientific advancements, and policy actions to ensure that those relying on glacial meltwater receive the necessary support and services. To learn more about the IYGP initiatives, visit UN Glaciers. You can also find more materials about IYGP 2025 by following this link. A short video dedicated to this cause will also be released to amplify its message.

Here is the video that highlights the key elements of the UN Resolution that establishes the International Year of Glaciers’ Preservation 2025 and the World Day for Glaciers on 21 March from 2025 onwards.

 

IWES’s Commitment to Glacial Preservation

As part of the global efforts surrounding the International Year of Glaciers’ Preservation, Innovative Water and Environmental Solutions (IWES) is proud to contribute by organizing dedicated events and discussions. One such initiative was our virtual side event held on January 21, 2025, titled “Operational Cryosphere Monitoring Using MODSNOW in Central & South Asia.”

This event, hosted in collaboration with the GFZ Helmholtz Centre for Geosciences, World Meteorological Organization (WMO), and UNESCO, brought together leading experts and scientists to explore innovative solutions for cryosphere monitoring. Our discussions highlighted the importance of cutting-edge technology, such as MODSNOW, in enhancing hydrological forecasting and climate resilience. By actively participating in IYGP 2025, IWES reaffirms its commitment to ensuring that glacial monitoring remains a priority for both policymakers and scientists. More details about our event can be found here.

Spreading Awareness Through Film: The Last Glaciers: Journey to the Extreme

Beyond scientific advancements and policy discussions, raising awareness plays a crucial role in protecting glaciers. The Last Glaciers: Journey to the Extreme is an exemplary initiative that aligns with the goals of the International Year of Glaciers’ Preservation. This feature-length documentary takes viewers on a breathtaking yet sobering journey, showcasing the devastating impact of glacier loss on global populations.

The film highlights how the disappearance of glaciers will affect over a third of the world’s population, leading to severe consequences such as mass migration and water scarcity. These challenges are among the most pressing climate change-driven crises of our time, underscoring why IYGP 2025 is such a vital movement.

By watching and sharing The Last Glaciers: Journey to the Extreme, we can contribute to spreading the message of IYGP and inspiring action to safeguard these critical natural resources.

You can watch the film here.

Below, you will find a short video clip from the film. We hope you enjoy them and join us in our mission to protect glaciers for future generations.

 

Let’s work together to make the International Year of Glaciers’ Preservation a milestone for global awareness and action. Thank you for your support and commitment to our planet!

On February 25, 2025, IWES successfully conducted an online training session on the MODSNOW tool, engaging professionals from the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) and other interested participants. The session provided an in-depth understanding of MODSNOW’s capabilities in cryosphere and water resource monitoring, featuring presentations and a hands-on demonstration.

A special thanks to Mr. Saqib Hussain and Mr. Usman Ali from PMD for their initiative in organizing the training and for their keen interest in MODSNOW. Their efforts highlight the growing need for advanced snow monitoring tools in Pakistan.

As a next step, both parties have agreed to further develop cooperation in implementing MODSNOW in Pakistan, with the IWES team committed to providing continued support and services. We look forward to strengthening this collaboration to enhance hydrological forecasting and water resource management in the region.

For more information on MODSNOW and our services, feel free to contact us.

#MODSNOW #IWES #Hydrology #Cryosphere #RemoteSensing #Training #Pakistan #WaterResources

The year 2025 has been officially declared as the International Year of Glaciers Preservation, an initiative led by the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) and UNESCO. This global effort underscores the urgent need to safeguard glaciers, vital components of the Earth’s cryosphere, amidst the challenges of climate change.

As part of this significant initiative, Innovative Waters and Environmental Solutions (IWES) hosted a virtual side event on January 21, 2025, titled “Operational Cryosphere Monitoring Using MODSNOW in Central & South Asia”. This event was held in collaboration with WMO and UNESCO, bringing together experts and scientists to discuss innovative approaches for cryosphere monitoring and its role in hydrology and climate resilience.

The meeting focused on the operational use and scientific applications of the MODSNOW tool for cryosphere monitoring in Central and South Asia. Representatives from WMO, USAID, and regional hydrometeorological organizations welcomed participants and shared their thougths on its role in hydrological research and resilience-building efforts. Case studies from Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Nepal showcased MODSNOW’s practical applications, while discussions explored its potential for broader implementation across the region.

For Those Who Missed the Event

A recording of the session is available via the following link: https://drive.google.com/file/d/13gW37pTiyxru5VpAuEJ8I8leaqlSq_xm/view?usp=sharing. We encourage everyone to watch and learn about the critical role of glacier preservation and innovative tools like MODSNOW in addressing environmental challenges.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to all participants and collaborators for making this event a success. Let us work together toward preserving glaciers for a sustainable future.

On January 16, 2025, Innovative Water and Environmental Solutions (IWES), in collaboration with the German Water Partnership (GWP) and the Embassy of Uzbekistan in Berlin, organized a high-level meeting at the GWP Office in Berlin. The event brought together key stakeholders to strengthen bilateral cooperation between Uzbekistan and Germany in agriculture and water resource management. Participants emphasized the importance of addressing challenges in Uzbekistan in agriculture and water management and explored opportunities for joint efforts to promote innovation and resilience in these critical sectors.

Discussions during the meeting focused on leveraging German expertise to modernize Uzbekistan’s agriculture and water management practices. Participants highlighted the potential for technology transfer, joint pilot projects, and investments to introduce innovative solutions in Uzbekistan. Particular attention was given to improving water use efficiency and fostering capacity-building initiatives to share knowledge and best practices. As a tangible outcome, the sides agreed to initiate a pilot project in the Karakalpakstan region, demonstrating cutting-edge approaches to sustainable agriculture and water management.

The meeting concluded with the development of a roadmap to advance German-Uzbek cooperation in these fields. In their closing remarks, Mr. Akmaljon Kasimov, Mr. Abror Gafurov, and Mr. Boris Greifeneder reaffirmed their commitment to fostering innovation and sustainable development through this partnership, marking a significant milestone in strengthening ties between the two countries.

We are delighted to share that Innovative Water & Environmental Solutions (IWES) participated in the Berlin Science Week 2024 event, “Climate Resilience in Central Asia: Tradition Meets Innovation.” Held at the Technical University of Berlin (TU Berlin) and accessible online, this one-day event brought together experts and innovators to discuss solutions for Central Asia’s unique climate challenges.

The event featured a range of sessions, each emphasizing practical, research-backed methods for building climate resilience in Central Asia: Transboundary Climate Cooperation, Low-Carbon Architecture and Traditional Design, and Climate Change Impacts on Indoor Environments.

Our founder and lead scientist, Dr. Abror Gafurov, contributed to the panel discussion on integrating traditional knowledge with modern climate science, joining distinguished panelists Prof. Dip. Ing. Eike Roswag-Klinge and Prof. Dr. Martin Welp. This engaging panel explored methods of climate adaptation and mitigation, particularly in the areas of water management and sustainable design, with a special focus on balancing traditional approaches with cutting-edge technology to address the climate needs of Central Asia.

We extend our gratitude to the organizers for this inspiring event, which underscored the power of combining traditional knowledge with scientific innovation. A special thanks to Dr. Bonu Azizova for organizing and inviting us to participate in such a valuable symposium.

For more information about the science week, please visit the official webpage of Berlin Science Week.

In a recent milestone for our team, Dr. Abror Gafurov, the founder and lead scientist of Innovative Water & Environmental Solutions (IWES), attended the SAPPHIRE Project’s annual workshop held from October 28 to November 1, 2024, at the scenic Layner Resort in the Tashkent region of Uzbekistan. Dr. Gafurov participated in person, while other team members joined online to contribute to the discussions and activities remotely.

The workshop, organized by Hydrosolutions GmbH and supported by the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC), focused on enhancing the hydrological monitoring capabilities of Central Asian countries. The SAPPHIRE project aims to strengthen regional capacity for high-frequency data processing, improve water resource management, and reduce the risks posed by hydrological extremes. Through its collaborative approach, the project connects national meteorological and hydrological services with academic and public sector experts to develop efficient workflows for digital hydrology, particularly using the iEasyHydro tool.

Dr. Gafurov actively engaged in discussions about advancing the MODSNOW model and provided insights into modeling methods that enhance flood forecasting and snow monitoring—key issues in managing water resources across Central Asia. His contributions underscore IWES’s ongoing commitment to innovation in hydrology and sustainable water management.

This annual gathering provided an invaluable opportunity for IWES to collaborate with regional stakeholders and exchange knowledge on water resource sustainability and risk reduction strategies, furthering the shared goal of building a resilient future for Central Asian communities.

On September 24, 2024, members of our IWES team had the privilege of attending an insightful Breakfast hosted and invited by the Berlin Chamber of Industry and Commerce (IHK Berlin). The event presented Bettina Stark-Watzinger, the Federal Minister of Education and Research, and focused on critical discussions surrounding education policy, Germany’s innovative potential, and strategies to enhance the country’s global standing in the competition for talent and innovation.

The event provided a platform for policymakers, scientists, and innovators to exchange ideas on fostering stronger educational frameworks and boosting innovation in Germany. Our team engaged in meaningful dialogue on how education and research initiatives can support industries, including the environmental and water management sectors, in meeting future challenges.

At IWES, we are deeply committed to innovation and sustainability, and this event reinforced the importance of strong educational policies and research to drive progress. We look forward to applying these insights to our ongoing projects and partnerships, ensuring that we remain at the forefront of climate change adaptation and environmental solutions.

We extend our gratitude to IHK Berlin for organizing this inspiring event and look forward to further discussions on strengthening Germany’s innovative capacity in the global arena.