Regional Activities

One of the most successful and significant projects in the field of ecology and social policy was the " Study on land degradation, climate change and migration nexus in Central Asia" implemented under the auspices of the UNCCD. The study provided a comprehensive analysis of the impact of land degradation on migration processes in the region, identifying key environmental and socio-economic factors driving forced migration and mapping "hotspots" of land degradation. Based on the collected data, solutions for sustainable natural resource management were proposed, along with strategic recommendations for Central Asian countries, contributing to the achievement of the UN Sustainable Development Goal 15.3 (SDG 15.3). The study confirmed that land degradation and water scarcity not only have a negative impact on the environment but also act as powerful triggers of forced migration, particularly among rural populations. As part of the project, a scientific platform for international cooperation was established, offering new approaches to sustainable land management (SLM) and climate change adaptation. An analysis of socio-economic processes made it possible to identify three economic development models in the region: Labor-exporting model (Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan), where land degradation drives large-scale migration as people seek employment abroad; Resource-based model (Kazakhstan, Turkmenistan), which relies on

Implementation period: 2024–2028 Organizers: Ministry of Agriculture of Kazakhstan, World Bank Partners: NGOs, technical experts, conservation agencies This project aims to enhance land and climate resilience in Kazakhstan’s rural areas by integrating sustainable agroforestry practices with improved rangeland management systems. It focuses on restoring degraded lands through nature-based solutions that combine tree planting, pasture rotation, and biodiversity protection. Target regions include arid and semi-arid zones vulnerable to desertification and land degradation. The project promotes policy innovations, institutional capacity-building, and field-level demonstrations to scale up resilient land use practices. Expected outcomes Demonstration sites for agroforestry piloted in multiple regions. Practical manuals and standards created to guide implementation at the farm level. Policy reform support provided to improve pasture leasing, carrying capacity planning, and enforcement. Farmer awareness increased on the benefits of trees for soil health, water retention, and climate moderation. Women and youth engagement in land stewardship and restoration projects strengthened.

Implementation period: 2023–2027 Organizers: FAO, Ministry of Ecology of Kazakhstan Partners: GEF, local authorities, research institutions This project is part of the global FOLUR (Food Systems, Land Use and Restoration) initiative and focuses on integrating ecosystem conservation with resilient agricultural practices in one of Kazakhstan’s most productive farming areas. The region is also home to important steppe and wetland ecosystems that are under pressure from climate change and intensive land use. The project promotes landscape-level approaches that balance agricultural output with the protection of biodiversity and ecosystem services. Key interventions include nature-based solutions, agroecological innovations, and policy support for sustainable land governance. Expected outcomes Agroecological techniques applied on over 20,000 hectares of demonstration sites Landscape-level land use plans developed and incorporated into regional strategies Increased farmer incomes through eco-friendly production and access to green markets Stronger coordination between agriculture and environmental agencies Contributions to Land Degradation Neutrality (LDN), climate adaptation, and biodiversity conservation targets

Country: Turkmenistan Implementation period: Underway / from 2023 (subject to official confirmation) Initiators & Donors: Global Environment Facility (GEF), United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) Partners: Ministry of Environmental Protection of Turkmenistan, local authorities, scientific institutions This project focuses on restoring degraded rangelands and establishing green shelterbelts in arid and semi-arid landscapes of Turkmenistan. The country is facing growing challenges of land degradation, desertification, and biodiversity loss, exacerbated by climate change and overgrazing. The initiative adopts nature-based solutions to improve ecosystem health, strengthen rural livelihoods, and enhance landscape resilience to climate impacts. Project Objectives: Restore degraded natural rangelands Establish green protective belts to combat erosion and desertification Increase productivity and ecological stability of dryland ecosystems Support traditional sustainable land-use systems Build local capacity for sustainable land and resource management Expected Outcomes: Enhanced biodiversity and improved land condition Better soil moisture retention and reduced erosion risks Strengthened food and environmental security in rural areas Wider adoption of sustainable rangeland and agroforestry practices Contribution to SDGs, particularly SDG 15 (Life on Land) and SDG 13 (Climate Action)

Implementation period: 2022–2026 Organizers: GIZ, национальные лесные агентства Partners: Местные НПО, научные учреждения, международные доноры The FRIENDS project promotes cross-border collaboration and institutional capacity building in forest restoration, ecological connectivity, and sustainable land management across Central Asia. It covers Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan, with a focus on climate adaptation, land degradation prevention, and biodiversity conservation. Key priorities include establishing ecological corridors to reconnect fragmented landscapes, developing regional strategies for reforestation, and enhancing local ownership through community-based approaches. FRIENDS aligns with global goals under the UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration and the Bonn Challenge. Outcomes Training modules on reforestation, ecological connectivity, monitoring, and forest governance were developed and deployed in all five countries. Pilot forest restoration projects implemented, including tree planting, slope rehabilitation, and creation of green zones. A regional knowledge-sharing platform was launched, hosting exchanges, study tours, field schools, and joint research programs. Women's and youth involvement supported through micro-grants and tailored training activities. Digital technologies such as drones, GIS tools, and mobile apps introduced for planning and monitoring. Fostered cross-sector dialogue between forestry and agriculture agencies to integrate forest landscapes into wider land-use frameworks.

Implementation period: 2021–2025 Organizers: UNDP, Ministry of Ecology of Kazakhstan Partners: GEF, local governments, research centers This project tackles severe land degradation and pasture depletion in the arid and semi-arid landscapes of southern Kazakhstan. Its goal is to promote sustainable land management (SLM) practices and nature-based solutions that support long-term productivity, ecological restoration, and rural resilience. The initiative also contributes to Kazakhstan’s national targets under the UN Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) and SDG 15.3 on Land Degradation Neutrality (LDN). Through a combination of policy support, field demonstrations, and capacity-building, the project is working to build local ownership of land stewardship and ensure the ecological and economic viability of dryland communities. Outcomes (as of 2024) Land degradation assessments and GIS-based mapping conducted in priority regions. Over 15,000 hectares of rangeland restored using sustainable grazing, erosion control, and revegetation techniques. Local land use strategies adopted to implement LDN principles at the community level. More than 500 farmers and technical staff trained, including women and youth, in sustainable pasture and soil management. Innovative technologies introduced, such as soil moisture sensors, pasture monitoring via drones, and digital land cadastres. Pilot demonstration sites established to showcase best practices for upscaling. Cross-sectoral dialogue strengthened among

Sustainable Development of Northern and Arctic Settlements in Russia Organization: United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat) Geographic scope: Russian Arctic and Siberian regions Partners: UNEP, scientific institutions, regional governments, municipalities Implementation period: Since 2021 (pilot initiatives launched in selected regions) The UN-Habitat project in Russia's Arctic and Siberian regions supports sustainable, inclusive, and climate-resilient development in remote northern settlements. These areas face extreme weather conditions, growing climate-related risks, infrastructure limitations, and demographic shifts. The project aims to improve the quality of life for local communities through the development of resilient infrastructure, energy-efficient housing, digital and nature-based solutions, and the protection of the cultural heritage of Indigenous peoples. Project Objectives Strengthen resilience of Arctic and Siberian settlements to climate change Promote affordable and energy-efficient infrastructure and housing Support Indigenous communities and traditional ways of living Improve urban planning through data collection and spatial analysis Enhance local governance and community participation Key Components Pilot initiatives for climate-adaptive urban design and planning Model housing solutions tailored to northern climatic conditions Green mobility and sustainable utilities Use of digital tools for monitoring and urban resilience Capacity building and peer learning for local governments

Implementation period: Since 2021 – ongoing Initiated by: President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Lead institutions: State Committee on Ecology and Environmental Protection, Ministry of Agriculture, Ministry of Water Resources, local authorities (hokimiyats), educational institutions, NGOs, youth organizations The Yashil Makon project (“Green Space” in Uzbek) is a nationwide afforestation and green development campaign launched in response to growing environmental challenges in Uzbekistan, including land degradation, desertification, air pollution, and climate change. Initiated by the President in 2021, the program’s central goal is to plant 1 billion trees and shrubs across the country over several years, with an annual target of 200 million trees. The campaign encompasses cities, rural areas, degraded lands, and ecologically vulnerable zones. Expected Results Development of climate-resilient and liveable urban environments Reduced air pollution and improved public health Increased biodiversity and restoration of ecological balance Stronger public engagement in environmental protection Support for the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), especially SDG 13 (climate action) and SDG 15 (life on land) Long-term institutional capacity for ecological stewardship in Uzbekistan

Период реализации: 2021 – 2026 Страны-участницы: Казахстан, Кыргызстан, Таджикистан, Узбекистан Координатор проекта: Всемирный банк Финансирование: Программа сотрудничества в области лесного сектора ЕС – Всемирный банк (EU-WB Forest Partnership) Партнеры: национальные агентства лесного хозяйства, министерства экологии и природных ресурсов, Региональный экологический центр Центральной Азии (РЭЦЦА), научные учреждения, неправительственные организации Проект RESILAND CA+ направлен на снижение уязвимости экосистем и населения Центральной Азии к последствиям изменения климата за счёт восстановления деградированных ландшафтов, устойчивого управления лесами и укрепления институционального потенциала в сфере природных ресурсов. Проект реализуется в рамках более широкой инициативы RESILAND, охватывающей Восточную Европу и Центральную Азию. Большая часть территории Центральной Азии подвержена засухам, эрозии, деградации почв и водной нестабильности. Восстановление лесов и устойчивое управление земельными ресурсами рассматриваются как ключевые инструменты в снижении климатических рисков, защите биоразнообразия и укреплении устойчивости сельского населения. Проект включает в себя как региональные меры, так и национальные пилотные программы, адаптированные к особенностям каждой страны-участницы. Проект RESILAND CA+ вносит вклад в достижение Целей устойчивого развития (ЦУР), в частности в области борьбы с изменением климата, сохранения экосистем суши, обеспечения устойчивого землепользования и повышения адаптивного потенциала уязвимых групп населения. Он также способствует выполнению обязательств стран региона в рамках Парижского соглашения и других международных экологических соглашений.

Implementation period: Since 2020 – ongoing Organizers: Ministry of Agriculture of Kyrgyz Republic, Chinese forestry agencies Partners: GIZ, universities, private nurseries Focuses on joint development of tree nurseries and exchange of afforestation technologies. Outcomes Nurseries established and upgraded in Naryn and Issyk-Kul regions. Introduced drip irrigation, greenhouse propagation, and rapid sapling multiplication. Over 200 Kyrgyz professionals trained in Chinese nursery techniques. Expanded green coverage on degraded slopes and rangelands. Launched academic exchange and joint research initiatives between Kyrgyz and Chinese universities.