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 natural wealth but faces risks associated with land degradation;
Hybrid model (Uzbekistan), which combines elements of both approaches.
Recognizing these differences enabled the formulation of individual strategies to combat land degradation and manage migration in each country. A crucial stage of the research was identifying the main causes of land degradation, including overgrazing, inefficient irrigation systems, climate change, and increasing human-induced pressures.
To address these challenges, specific recommendations were developed, including: implementation of innovative agricultural technologies, restoration of degraded lands,creation of "green jobs" aimed at reducing forced migration and increasing the investment attractiveness of rural areas.
The study's final outcome was the development of a new project concept focused on sustainable land use, migration management, and mitigating the risks of land degradation in Central Asia. The findings laid a solid foundation for further initiatives aimed at developing agriculture, adapting to climate change, and building sustainable economic models in the region.
