Regional Activities

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

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.

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: 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

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.

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

Implementation period: 2019 – 2030 Country: Russian Federation Coordinating body: Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment of the Russian Federation Established by: Presidential Decree No. 204 of May 7, 2018 Funding sources: Federal and regional budgets, extra-budgetary sources The National Project “Ecology” is a comprehensive federal initiative aimed at ensuring environmental sustainability and improving the quality of life for citizens in Russia. It was launched as part of Russia’s broader national goals and strategic development objectives. The project addresses long-standing environmental challenges and includes 11 subprograms (federal projects) focusing on clean air, water, forest restoration, biodiversity conservation, and waste management. Expected Outcomes: Increased environmental protection and sustainability Improved public health and living conditions Reduced human impact on natural ecosystems Strengthened environmental awareness and education

Implementation period: varies by country/program (typical pilot projects: 2015–present) Geographic scope: Central Asian countries (Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan) Partners: National ministries of agriculture and environment, local communities, research institutions, GIZ, IFAD, UNDP, World Bank, and other donors The Sustainable Pasture Management Project aims to promote the rational and long-term use of pasture resources in arid and semi-arid regions of Central Asia. With over 60 percent of the region's agricultural land consisting of pastures, their degradation threatens food security, rural livelihoods, and ecological stability. The project focuses on introducing environmentally sound grazing practices, improving pasture legislation, supporting local pasture user associations, and strengthening the institutional capacity for pasture governance. Expected outcomes: Improved productivity and resilience of pasture ecosystems. Reduced pressure on natural vegetation and water sources. Empowerment of local communities in resource governance. Strengthened legal and institutional frameworks for pasture use. Contribution to climate change adaptation and sustainable rural development. This project supports national priorities in land management, food security, and environmental sustainability, while also contributing to the achievement of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly in the areas of land degradation neutrality, biodiversity, and rural livelihoods.

Implementation period: Since 2000s – ongoing Organizers: Ministry of Natural Resources of Russia, Stepnoi Sanctuary Partners: NGOs, research institutes, local authorities Stepnoi Sanctuary, located in the Astrakhan region of southern Russia, is a federal-level protected area established to safeguard the fragile steppe ecosystems and conserve the critically endangered Saiga antelope (Saiga tatarica). Since the early 2000s, the project has focused on habitat preservation, anti-poaching patrols, species monitoring, and public environmental education. The sanctuary plays a crucial role in maintaining cross-border Saiga migration corridors with Kazakhstan. The initiative integrates science, enforcement, and local engagement to ensure long-term protection of the steppe biome. It is also aligned with international frameworks such as CMS (Convention on Migratory Species) and IUCN programs. Outcomes Saiga population stabilized and shows signs of recovery after dramatic declines in the 1990s. Implemented real-time GPS tracking and video surveillance for monitoring movements and habitat use. Built infrastructure for rangers, observation posts, and rapid-response units equipped with off-road vehicles. Regular anti-poaching operations carried out with support from police and community groups. Environmental education activities expanded, including school outreach, eco-tours, and awareness campaigns. Developed regional strategies for pasture management and biodiversity protection in collaboration with land users.