Uzbekistan Honours Dr. Tarifa Al Zaabi with ‘Protector of Nature’ Medal for Environmental Leadership

The Government of the Republic of Uzbekistan has awarded Dr. Tarifa Ajeef Al Zaabi, Director General of the International Center for Biosaline Agriculture (ICBA), the prestigious "Tabiat Himoyachisi" (Protector of Nature) medal. The honour was presented in recognition of her outstanding contributions to environmental sustainability, scientific cooperation, and the promotion of climate-resilient agriculture in dry and saline regions.

The award was officially presented by H.E. Aziz Abdukhakimov, Uzbekistan’s Minister of Ecology, Environmental Protection and Climate Change, during a formal ceremony held at the Eco Expo Central Asia 2025 in the capital, Tashkent.

Dr. Al Zaabi expressed her gratitude during the ceremony, saying:
"This recognition is a shared honour with the scientists, researchers, and teams at ICBA, and our valued partners in Uzbekistan. I am deeply thankful to the Government of Uzbekistan for this generous recognition, and to the UAE Government for its ongoing support. It’s a testament to what we can achieve through science, trust, and long-term cooperation. At ICBA, we are committed to turning knowledge into impact — by restoring productivity, enhancing resilience, and empowering communities to face environmental and climate challenges."

A National Honour for Environmental Impact

Established under Uzbekistan’s Cabinet of Ministers Resolution No. 443, the "Protector of Nature" medal is a national award given to individuals demonstrating exceptional leadership in ecosystem restoration, scientific innovation, and sustainable use of natural resources.

Dr. Al Zaabi was recognised for her leadership of ICBA's collaborative initiatives across Uzbekistan. Under her direction, the center and its local partners have:

• Introduced salt- and drought-tolerant crop varieties;

• Improved irrigation systems;

• Applied advanced water and soil management techniques suited to local conditions;

• Trained hundreds of agricultural professionals and extension workers, including women and youth;

• Established field trials and early warning systems to promote evidence-based decision-making.

Regional Leadership and Strategic Vision

In addition to her global role, Dr. Al Zaabi oversees ICBA’s regional office in Central Asia, strengthening the center’s presence and strategic partnerships across the region. Since becoming Director General in 2022, she has guided ICBA’s programs towards greater regional integration and long-term sustainability.

Her strategic vision focuses on building national capacities, enhancing institutional partnerships, and connecting scientific research with policy-making. This integrated approach is helping accelerate the adoption of climate-smart agricultural practices in resource-constrained environments.

Through this work, ICBA continues to serve as a trusted regional hub for innovation, transforming environmental challenges into opportunities for growth and resilience.