In the latest issue of Apparel Insider, researcher Veronica Bates Kassatly, urges apparel brands in Uzbekistan to prioritize restoration of the Aral sea. She refuses to believe that the country’s cotton sector is responsible for the destruction of Aral Sea. According to Kassatly’s analysis, cotton is not the thirstiest crop in the Aral region. Moreover, the Aral Sea has continued to shrink since the end of the Soviet era – during which an aggressive policy of agricultural expansion was pursued.

She urges brands to support the development of Uzbekistan’s infrastructure as this would be a more powerful and effective message of sustainability and intent to make amends for the global impact of fast fashion, than anything that the present system can provide.