The workshop was opened with welcome addresses presented by Otabek Mahkamov, Deputy Minister of the Ministry of Higher Education, Science and Innovations of the Republic of Uzbekistan, as well as Prof. Dr Bakhadir Mirzaev (TIIAME), Prof. Dr . Dilfuza Egamberdieva (TIIAME), Zokir Rakhimov (Ministry of Ecology, Environmental Protection & Climate Change of Uzbekistan), and Prof. Dr Dietrich Darr (Rhine-Waal University of Applied Sciences, Germany). During the event, participants engaged in structured discussions reviewing the overall research agenda and progress and existing constraints of the project. Additionally, respective working groups comprising of scientific experts, industry partners, and international organizations discussed opportunities for mutual contribution to collectively achieve sustainable development in Central Asia through the adoption of innovative agroforestry systems. Further project funding opportunities were highlighted by Dr Peter Liebelt from CASIB. 

With the support of local partners, the research group from Germany and Central Asia visited several agroforestry sites and corresponding value chains in the Fergana Valley region of Uzbekistan after the completion of the workshop. The participants gained first hand insight into the operations and processes of fruit and nut production, including apples, apricots, peach, and grapes. Lastly, the team visited an organic farming facility as an example for contemporary agroforestry practice in the Fergana Valley region for papaya, kiwi, olives, lavender and the production of medicinal plants. The excursion allowed the group to identify experimental sites for further research to foster sustainable land management within the scope of agroforestry practices in Central Asia. 

For further information on the project, visit the project website.