Sand and Dust Storms (SDS) Management in Central Asia (2020–2030)

Sand and dust storm

Organizer: United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD)
Participating Countries: Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan
Partners: CAREC, national ministries, scientific institutions
Key Documents:

  • Regional Mid-Term Strategy for SDS Management (2021–2030)

  • National SDS Assessment Reports (2020–2021)

Background

Central Asia is increasingly affected by sand and dust storms (SDS), which pose threats to public health, agriculture, transport, and regional ecosystems. The main drivers include land degradation, desertification, climate change, and unsustainable land use.

Objective

To develop a coordinated, evidence-based regional approach to reducing SDS risks and enhancing the resilience of ecosystems and communities across the region.

Core Components:

1. Regional Strategy (2021–2030)

Developed with UNCCD and CAREC. It aims to:

  • Establish SDS monitoring and early warning systems

  • Restore degraded pastures and drylands

  • Promote shelterbelt planting and vegetation cover

  • Enhance transboundary cooperation

  • Integrate SDS into national environmental and climate policies

2. National Reports (2020–2021)

Each country developed a detailed national SDS profile, covering:

  • Sources, frequency, and severity of SDS

  • Risk mapping using GIS and satellite data

  • Socio-economic vulnerability assessments

  • Legislative and ecological response measures

  • Public awareness and capacity-building recommendations

Country Examples

  • Kazakhstan: Developed a National Action Plan (2021–2024) including risk zoning, restoration strategies, and legal reforms.

  • Uzbekistan: Focus on afforestation of Aral Sea drylands and sustainable irrigation.

  • Turkmenistan & Tajikistan: Emphasis on agroforestry and vegetation management.

  • Kyrgyzstan: Community-based erosion control and pasture rehabilitation in mountain zones.

Expected Outcomes

  • Reduction of SDS intensity and frequency through better land management

  • Improved adaptive capacity and early warning systems

  • Regional coordination platform for SDS response

  • Strengthened science-policy interface and knowledge exchange

  • Support for SDG 13 (Climate Action) and SDG 15 (Life on Land)

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