Morning breaks in the village Durmon, a quiet hamlet in the Bukhara region of southern Uzbekistan. There is no bustle of a big city. The only sounds are of chirping of birds and the humming of peaceful nature. This is the setting for an ordinary day in the life of Gulhayo Khaydarova, a 35-year-old native of Durmon. She begins her work even before the sun rises, like her grandmothers and great-grandmothers used to do before her. Sweep the yard; milk the cow; feed the chickens: this is Gulhayo’s to-do list for the morning. She then cooks breakfast and sends the children, two boys, off to school. After the children leave, it's time to turn to her other job. Though she would never have guessed it before, Gulhayo has been in beekeeping for many years now, and the natural honey she produces is famous throughout the village. In the Khaydarov family, the traditions and secrets of beekeeping are passed down from generation to generation. Her father-in-law, Ravshan, knows this business inside and out. It used to be that Gulhayo would watch from a safe distance while her father-in-law and her husband worked. She was too afraid to even approach the bees. Then one day, interest arose. She smiles remembering how her head spun with excitement the first time she put on a protective suit and opened the bee box on her own. Today Gulhayo is an experienced beekeeper. She first cleans the hives and then inspects them for any symptoms of diseases or pest infestations. In this field, it is important to check the hives regularly because early detection improves the chances of keeping the bees healthy. When examining bee colonies, she can see with a naked eye the presence and state of a queen in the hive. She can tell whether the transplanted queen has been accepted by the bees or whether the colony is at risk of illness. She knows if there is enough food in the frame and whether the bees are healthy. Gulhayo has been following this daily routine for 14 years. One day like any other, employees of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) came to Gulhayo's house, accompanied by government representatives. After a socioeconomic survey conducted by the project team, the Khaydarov family was selected to participate in the FAO project, Central Asian Desert Initiative (CADI­). Last winter the Khaydarovs suffered great losses — a significant part of the bee colonies could not endure the severe weather conditions and died from the cold.  Winter is always a risk for bees. Even the most experienced beekeepers can lose dozens of hives over the winter. To compensate for their losses over the winter, FAO provided the family with modern beekeeping equipment, such as honey extractors, and 20 new hives. With this support, the Khaydarov family has been able to expand their apiary and create about 40 new bee colonies. In addition to the increased production, this modern equipment has accelerated the process of obtaining honey and the additional honey extractors mean that three people can work at once. Increased production means better income and providing a more sustainable livelihood for the household. Gulhayo is glad that she can contribute to the family budget. With the first profits, she bought new school supplies and school clothes for her children. Her additional free time meant she also had moments to help her sons with their homework. The CADI project conserves and ensures the sustainable use of temperate deserts, like those in Uzbekistan, which are unique ecosystems of global importance. Funded by the German government, the project was implemented by FAO, the University of Greifswald and the Michael Succow Foundation in Kazakhstan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan. The same equipment that the Khaydarov family received was also given to other households in the area. And along with beekeeping equipment, local households received other livelihood support, such as sewing machines, lockers, wool processing equipment, milk separators, as well as seeds and seedlings of drought-resistant crops. In addition, during its implementation, the CADI project organized an extensive training programme on growing crops, developing various crafts, creating nurseries in greenhouses, processing milk and other animal products and developing beekeeping. At these Farmer Field Schools, Gulhayo learned best practices of effective modern processes for the production of honey and other bee products. Longtime beekeepers now combine traditional methods of honey production with modern expertise, and increased apiculture production provides households with additional sustainable income. Most importantly, the project ensures that both women and men equally benefit from the training and equipment. It is dinner time and Gulhayo’s family gathers to dine at one large table. Among the dishes on the table, honey takes a special place. Ecological, natural, obtained by their own labor. Gulhayo pours tea in traditional Uzbek cups called piala and hands them out to her family members. Tomorrow will be a new day, full of chores. But for now, Gulhayo rests with her mug of tea in her cozy world, a rural life surrounded by the beauty of nature and the sweet sound of bees.

This year, UNOPS is actively participating in marking this important day by showcasing its commitment to environmental preservation through various initiatives and projects in Uzbekistan.  Through the assessment mission commenced within the project to enhance Uzbekistan’s resilience to the COVID-19 pandemic and other epidemics by equipping and refurbishing the national laboratory system, UNOPS not only aimed to gather valuable insights but also utilized this opportunity to showcase their actions aligned with environmental protection. This article highlights the initiatives undertaken by UNOPS in Uzbekistan, demonstrating their commitment to creating a greener future. Sustainable Lab Design for a Greener Future In the concept stage of projects, UNOPS places great importance on sustainable lab design, which forms the foundation for future developments. By embracing eco-friendly concepts, UNOPS reduces the carbon footprint of lab facilities: renewable energy sources such as solar panels result in reduced energy usage and emissions; low-energy lighting and energy-efficient lab equipment further contribute to a sustainable approach without compromising performance. Furthermore, UNOPS ensures healthy indoor air quality by incorporating natural ventilation systems, minimizing the need for energy-intensive air conditioning. ‘Intelligent building automation’ systems play a crucial role in optimizing energy usage by regulating temperature, lighting, and ventilation based on occupancy, without compromising the labs' functionality. This approach not only reduces environmental impact but also inspires others to adopt similar measures, fostering a more sustainable and efficient environment for lab staff. In addition, recognizing the global water shortage crisis, UNOPS has been actively advocating for water conservation solutions, including low-flow faucets, greywater systems (redirecting wastewater), and rainwater harvesting to reduce water usage. Procurement with Sustainability in Mind The procurement aspect of the mission aligns with UNOPS' commitment to sustainable procurement. UNOPS considers environmental factors when selecting medical equipment for the laboratories. This includes assessing the energy efficiency of the equipment, the materials used, and the disposal methods. UNOPS also prioritizes suppliers that provide sustainable and environmentally friendly products.  In addition, to ensure long-term sustainability and efficiency in the intervention, UNOPS recommends a comprehensive procurement process that extends beyond transactional activities. By including related services focused on enhancing the sustainability of projects, optimizing financial resources, and improving local capacities, UNOPS aims to maximize the positive impact on the environment and the community. These services encompass protocols for entry, installation, commissioning, training, and reception of procured technology, fostering a holistic approach to sustainable development. UNOPS also promotes the use of sustainable materials in its procurement activities, such as sustainable material selection, utilizing recycled or repurposed materials with a low carbon footprint, which further contributes to eco-conscious lab design. Therefore, UNOPS encourages suppliers to provide information on the environmental attributes of their products, such as certifications for sustainable sourcing or eco-labels. Balancing Safety and Sustainability: Single use Labware  Aligning with our commitment towards sustainability and environmental protection, UNOPS recommends the transition from reusable labware to single use alternatives. This shift may not appear sustainable at first glance, however, manual reprocessing of reusable labware demands planning, conscious execution, and diligent risk control to ensure the well-being of personnel throughout the entire process. It entails a series of steps, including initial cleaning, neutralization, rinsing, disinfection, and sterilization, which, unfortunately, consumes significant amounts of water and chemicals and generates a substantial environmental footprint. In addition, it puts the safety of personnel at risk. By embracing single-use labware, laboratories can significantly reduce their chemical and water consumption that minimize environmental impact, and safeguard the well-being of personnel. Therefore, UNOPS emphasizes the importance of making informed decisions during the feasibility study, considering the balance between contamination risks and environmental protection. By incorporating environmentally friendly measures, such as promoting efficient water usage, advocating for sustainable labware choices, prioritizing green procurement, and embracing sustainable lab design, UNOPS demonstrates not only its dedication to the protection of the environment but also paves the way for a greener future, where sustainability and efficiency go hand in hand. And today, marking World Environment Day, UNOPS reaffirms its dedication to protecting the environment through its initiatives in Uzbekistan.
     

“I feel that it's not me who has changed more, but the people around me. In a positive way, of course”answered Elina when she was asked about how her life changed after her TV appearance in a popular TV show in Uzbekistan. "Be the change you wish to see in the world", once Mahatma Gandhi said, and changes can come from brave decisions, as the one made by Elina, disclosing her HIV status during the castings for the show. “I disclosed my status right at the casting because the project lasted for several months, and I needed to take medicine daily. I made the decision to be honest and mustered up the courage. I thought they wouldn't accept me, but I passed the casting" she explained. Elina is a second-year student in the Faculty of Agricultural Economics at Tashkent State Agrarian University in Uzbekistan. Having grown up in an orphanage she discovered her status as a child. She was the first child living with HIV in Uzbekistan to start antiretroviral (ARV) therapy in 2006 and the first child to be abandoned by her parents as a consequence of her status. Her childhood, due to the stigmatization faced by people living with HIV, was not easy.  “Children living with HIV, globally and in Uzbekistan, can be at higher risk of separation from their families and placement into alternative care. They are at risk of being abandoned by their parents due to stigma and discrimination prevailing in society, and thus some families place them into institutions simply because of their HIV status. Growing up in institutional care has a detrimental impact on children’s wellbeing and it adversely affects children’s health, development, and further reintegration into society” said Antonia Luedeke, Child Protection Chief at UNICEF Uzbekistan. Throughout the TV show, Elina shared her experiences of being an orphan and living with HIV. "When the TV episode aired, I started contemplating how people would perceive me, what they would say, and how they would react,” she recalled.  “Psychologists were working with us during the project, which made it easier for me to handle the pressure."  From the end of the show, Elina’s personal Instagram account saw an outstanding growth in followers, and she started receiving messages from people living with HIV, thanking for her support and bravery.   "I am grateful for the trust they place in me... As the TV show is watched in neighboring countries, I also get messages from people in Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan," Elina said. For Elina, the daycare center for children and families affected by HIV played a crucial role. It provided a safe haven, support, and guidance throughout her childhood and teenage years. First day-care center for children and families affected by HIV opened in 2008 in Tashkent: the center is one of the nine daycare centers opened in 8 regions of Uzbekistan. From that moment, more than 6000 HIV+ children got support through their journey as children first, and then as teenagers living with HIV. In many cases, children and adolescents living with HIV lack support from their families. “I have talked to several adolescents living with HIV and their mothers, and I have heard many stories of stigma and discrimination. Very often only the child and the mother know of the child’s HIV status. In one case the grandparents found out and they didn’t want the child and her parents to live in the same house anymore. In several other cases children felt discriminated against in schools once their HIV status became known to teachers and other children. Very often stigma and discrimination are closely linked to a lack of knowledge of what HIV and AIDS exactly are” said Antonia Luedeke, Child Protection Chief at UNICEF Uzbekistan. The daycare center of Tashkent opened a support group as soon as it was identified the need of supporting teenagers not only through professional consultations but also with the organization of masterclasses in different subjects, from languages to handicrafts. The objective of these activities is giving youngsters a set of skills that could be used in daily life, as the organization of handicraft masterclasses, that were aimed to provide them with helpful knowledge in order to reach economic independence. Thanks to these masterclasses, some girls decided to open their own little businesses: now, they started to teach the younger ones, establishing a spontaneous chain of solidarity aimed to help each other over time.   The success of these initiatives highlights the importance of creating more adolescent-friendly health and social protection services, accessible at community level and inclusive for the most vulnerable adolescents living with HIV. Elina keeps visiting the center, bringing children from the orphanage she grew up in, showing them the power of a community: she knows how being supportless feels, and she is aware that being among peers with shared experiences could change a lot in the sphere of self-perception. “I know how self-acceptance is important. Supporting people and enabling them to get the right information about HIV, makes me feel that I am doing the right thing. I feel blessed and enriched” she said. Elina remains optimistic about changing societal attitudes towards HIV. She believes that with the right information and education, people can overcome their fears and stigmas. “The HIV epidemic in Uzbekistan continues to be a pressing issue, with thousands of new cases registered annually. However, Elina's story inspires hope and serves as a testament to the resilience and strength of individuals living with HIV. By sharing her journey, she raises awareness, fights stigma, and encourages others to join the cause of creating a more inclusive and accepting society.” – said Charos Maksudova, UNAIDS Country Director in Uzbekistan.  Written by Amal Santini and Dilnoza Sametdinova.

Ziynegul's eyes light up as she carefully flips through her family album. "That's me," she says, "I think I was 8 years old, and I was playing with my dolls, fixing their hair." Little did she know that a childhood pastime would one day lead her to become a successful business owner in Bozatau district in northwestern Uzbekistan. The region, located in the northern part of the Republic of Karakalpakstan, which was once thriving due to the Aral Sea's role in its economy and infrastructure, has since faced a multitude of problems with the sea drying up.   Ziynegul is one of the winners of a business fair funded under the joint programme of UNDP, UNFPA and FAO with the financial support of the UN Multi-Partner Trust Fund for Human Security for the Aral Sea region. With this support, Ziynegul has been able to turn her childhood passion into a thriving business that not only supports her family but also creates opportunities for other women in her district.   In March 2022, Ziynegul, along with 300 other women from the Bozatau, Kungrad, and Muynak districts, was trained in entrepreneurial skills by UNFPA trainers. At the end of the trainings, Ziynegul's business plan for beauty salon services received seed funding of USD 3,390. UNDP donated equipment and accessories for her salon, allowing her to expand and improve the range of services provided, attract more customers, and hire additional staff. Today the salon provides a variety of services such as make-up, pedicures, manicures, and hairdressing,  serving 10 to 12 clients a day, and employing six women, with plans to expand even further.  “These were very interesting and productive trainings that helped me, and many women gain confidence, master essential business and planning skills such as business development, family budgeting, business idea evaluation and implementation, marketing and time management methods.  I made many friends, and what is important, we constantly supported and still support each other, sharing experience and advice,” says Ziynegul.  “Fifteen years ago, I first started working in a beauty salon as an apprentice. It was very difficult, because required items and equipments were not easily available and I didn’t have the skills and knowledge it takes. It didn't always work out the way I wanted. There were moments when I wanted to quit everything, but I did not give up and continued to work hard on myself” recalls Ziynegul.  These days Ziynegul is thinking of expanding her business and is currently looking for a new building, where in addition to a beauty salon services she could offer rental services for wedding dresses. She has also trained 22 young girls in hairdressing and makeup and aims to train more of girls in her district, giving them new hopes.   Ziynegul’s story is one of resilience, determination, and support. Leading a thriving business, she also finds courage from having a supportive husband and family, whose livelihoods have also improved. For Ziynegul now, the sky is the limit.  About the Multi-Partner Human Security Trust Fund for the Aral Sea Region in Uzbekistan: The fund was established under the auspices of the United Nations in late 2018 and provides an integrated platform for national and international cooperation to meet the environmental and socio-economic needs of communities living in the Aral Sea region, as well as enhancing joint efforts to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals.  Since its establishment, the Trust has worked to address food, environmental, social, economic and health security issues. As of January 2023, seven joint programs worth US$13.5 million have been funded to improve the lives of over 247,000 people, including youth, women, and the elderly. Thanks to generous support of Governments of Uzbekistan, Norway, Finland, Republic of Korea, Germany, European Union, and Alwaleed Philanthropies of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.  Written by the UN Information Office in Tashkent with editorial support from the Development Coordination Office.  To learn more about the UN's work in Uzbekistan, please visit uzbekistan.un.org.