Ministry of Ecology, environmental protection and climate change of the Republic of Uzbekistan

The event took place on 3–4 October to mark the celebration of World Birdwatching Days. Participants included staff from the Research Institute of Environmental and Nature Protection Technologies under the Ministry of Ecology, representatives of the Aydar-Arnasay Lake System Administration, the Farish State Forestry and Hunting Enterprise, as well as members of the media.

During the tour, participants observed birds in their natural habitat, took a boat trip across the lakes, and learned about the ecological features and rich ornithological diversity of the Aydar-Arnasay Lake System. In addition, through open discussions and expert interviews, the ecotourism potential of the region was presented and widely highlighted.

For reference: the Aydar-Arnasay Lake System, located in the Jizzakh and Navoi regions of Uzbekistan, is included in the list of wetlands of international importance under the Ramsar Convention. Remarkably, this picturesque area with its unique landscapes lies in the heart of the desert — in the Arnasay lowland, between the Uch-Dasht steppe and the Kyzylkum Desert. The system includes Lakes Aydarkul, Tuzkan, and Eastern Arnasay, with a total area of about 4,000 square kilometers.

The Eastern Arnasay lakes are located southwest of the Chardarya Reservoir in the Jizzakh region. Until the 1950s, this area was home to a drying salt lake that appeared only in spring and disappeared with the onset of summer heat. Over time, the situation changed as collector-drainage waters from the cultivated lands of Uch-Dasht and floodwaters from the Chardarya Reservoir began flowing into the lowland. Gradually, the Arnasay depression filled with water, giving rise to Lake Aydarkul. In 1969, after the discharge of excess water from the Chardarya Reservoir, the Aydar-Arnasay Lake System and Lake Tuzkan were formed.

This scenic area has since become a favored habitat for fish and migratory birds.

The shores of the Arnasay lakes are covered with dense thickets of reeds, tamarisks, cattails, and turanga trees. Dozens of bird species — including gulls, herons, ducks and other waterfowl — can be seen nesting and feeding here.

Moreover, the Aydar-Arnasay Lake System is home to several rare bird species such as the great white and Dalmatian pelicans, greylag and white-fronted geese, ruddy shelduck, gadwall, red-headed pochard, common pochard, ferruginous duck, crested lark, northern shoveler, red-headed falcon, sparrowhawk, common kestrel, white-tailed eagle, black kite, tufted duck and many others.