"We, in Uzbekistan, clearly realize that it is hardly possible in practice to save the Aral Sea in the full sense of the word, but we simply have to implement a well thought-out plan of measures, in every respect, to create normal conditions for people living there, necessary for their healthy way of life. This is our duty," Islam Karimov said.

The Uzbek president also proposed measures to deal with consequences of the Aral Sea’s receding. Particularly, he mentioned measures such as setting up local reservoirs at the Aral Sea’s dry seabed, supplying water to delta reservoirs to reduce dust and salt storms, restoring biodiversity and creating a green protective zone.