Dr. Tarifa Alzaabi Awarded Uzbekistan’s “Defender of Nature” Badge for Environmental Leadership

The Government of Uzbekistan has awarded Dr. Tarifa Ajeif Alzaabi, Director General of the International Center for Biosaline Agriculture (ICBA), the prestigious “Tabiat Himoyachisi” (Defender of Nature) badge of honor. The recognition highlights Dr. Tarifa’s outstanding contributions to environmental sustainability, scientific cooperation, and the advancement of sustainable agriculture in fragile ecosystems.

The badge was formally presented by His Excellency Aziz Abdukhakimov, Minister of Ecology, Environmental Protection and Climate Change of the Republic of Uzbekistan, during a ceremonial event held at Eco Expo Central Asia 2025 in Tashkent.

Dr. Tarifa Alzaabi, Director General of ICBA stated, “This recognition is both an honor and a responsibility that I proudly share with ICBA’s dedicated scientists, researchers, and field teams, as well as our valued partners in Uzbekistan. I sincerely thank the Government of Uzbekistan for this gesture of trust and appreciation, and I also extend my gratitude to the Government of the United Arab Emirates for its continued support. Together, we are turning science into action, supporting communities, restoring productivity, and advancing sustainable solutions where they are most urgently needed.”

Established by Resolution No. 443 of the Cabinet of Ministers of Uzbekistan, the “Defender of Nature” badge is a national honor awarded to individuals who have demonstrated exceptional leadership in ecological restoration, scientific innovation, and the responsible use of natural resources.

Dr. Alzaabi was recognized for her leadership in advancing ICBA’s collaborative initiatives across Uzbekistan, which aim to enhance agricultural productivity and ecological resilience in regions affected by salinity, water scarcity, and land degradation. Under her direction, ICBA and its national partners have introduced climate-resilient crop varieties, optimized irrigation

systems, and implemented soil and water management innovations tailored to local conditions. The center has also supported the training of hundreds of agricultural professionals and extension workers, including women and youth, and helped establish field demonstration sites and early-warning systems to support evidence-based decision-making.

In addition to her global role, Dr. Alzaabi also oversees ICBA’s Central Asia Regional Office, further strengthening the center’s presence and partnerships in the region.

Since assuming the role of Director General in 2022, Dr. Alzaabi has steered ICBA’s research-for-development portfolio toward deeper regional integration and long-term sustainability. Her strategic approach emphasizes building national capacities, institutional partnerships, and science-policy linkages to accelerate the adoption of climate-smart agricultural practices in resource-constrained environments. Through this work, ICBA continues to serve as a trusted regional platform for transforming environmental challenges into opportunities for innovation and growth.