This is arguably the most important session at this weekend’s Aral Culture Summit in Nukus. Great to see Oscar Fraser Turner of Project Amu Darya on the panel.

A 12 km walk today along the Doslyk & Majyab Canals in Nukus, both of which are fed by the #RiverOxus.

Uzbekistan & Afghanistan appear to have reached a vital agreement on water sharing for the Amu Darya. It’s critical to have this in place before the completion of the Kosh Tepa canal. afintl.com/en/202505012564

🌱On our #AralSea expeditions, Sayyora discovered the power of the black goji plant. Now she’s transforming that research into green jobs—growing 500 seedlings & creating sustainable cultivation methods for youth in remote communities. #MondayMotivation🔗 go.undp.org/UWm

Hoping to see this in person in August!

Another phase of #OxusExpedition starts tomorrow! Stay tuned ☺️

There’s an article about the Amu Darya in The Telegraph which suggests 🇹🇲 should pay 🇺🇿 for water. No: the principle of equitable & reasonable utilisation gives all riparian states an equal right to use a shared watercourse in an equitable manner. telegraphindia.com/opinion/the-de…

It feels great to be back on the road today, now driving north from Nukus to the Aral Sea. I stopped in the former port city of Moynaq for lunch: the ships are still in the harbour but their sailing days are long gone. #oxusexpedition

A very hot day crossing the Aralkum, the world’s newest desert, which has formed in the former seabed of the Aral Sea. #OxusExpedition

#YurtLife overlooking the Aral Sea

Larking about in the Aralkum, the world’s newest desert.

This jetty leads from the beach into the Aral Sea. Early in the morning it is incredibly peaceful. The water is so enticing. #oxusexpedition

Bucket list experience unlocked! Swimming in the Aral Sea. #OxusExpedition

Markus Hauser Royal Society for Asian Affairs Royal Geographical Society (with IBG) Tajik-British Chamber of Commerce The British-Kazakh Society "Oxus, forgetting ... his high mountain-cradle in Pamere, A foil'd circuitous wanderer—till at last The long'd-for dash of waves is heard, and wide His luminous home of waters opens, bright And tranquil, from whose floor the new-bathed stars Emerge, and shine upon the Aral Sea."

All across the Ustyurt Plateau, but particularly close to the Aral Sea, there are nomadic cemeteries, reminders that communities did once live here, hunting and fishing in the marshes around the sea.

June 17 – World day to combat desertification and drought Read more:gov.uz/en/eco/news/vi…

The Aral Sea's days are numbered. If you dream of seeing it -- or even swimming in it -- go now, before it's gone. I wrote about it for The Travel Magazine. Recreate my trip wtih Aral Sea Discoveries. thetravelmagazine.net/5-reasons-to-v…

What lies at the end of the Oxus? And is this the end of the road for the oxus_expedition? oxusexpedition.com/blog/journeys-…

Forget an infinity pool filled with rose petals… THIS is the bath of a lifetime! oxusexpedition.com/blog/bath-of-a…

Six bridges cross the Panj which marks the border between the two countries. They were constructed by the Aga Khan Foundation to help improve connectivity and economic opportunities between these historically linked regions #Tajikistan Royal Society for Asian Affairs rsaa.org.uk/blog/from-osh-…