Regional Activities

Implementation period: 2016 – 2023 Participating countries: Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan (regional scope) Project coordinator: Regional Environmental Centre for Central Asia (CAREC) Funding: International Development Association (IDA) / The World Bank Partners: National ministries of environment, agriculture and hydrometeorology, NGOs, academic and research institutions CAMP4ASB is a regional initiative designed to enhance climate resilience and sustainable resource management across the Aral Sea Basin, one of the regions most severely affected by environmental and climatic degradation. The program is part of the broader Regional Climate Adaptation Strategy for Central Asia. With rising temperatures, declining water availability, and land degradation, the Aral Sea Basin faces urgent challenges that threaten food security, water resources, and rural livelihoods. Key Results Over 100 pilot projects implemented in rural areas of the three countries. 3,000+ individuals trained, including farmers, experts, and local officials. National climate adaptation plans developed and aligned with regional priorities. Climate risk assessment and monitoring systems launched. Regional climate knowledge platform established and regularly updated. Enhanced regional cooperation and policy harmonization on climate resilience. Regional Significance CAMP4ASB has become a cornerstone of the regional climate policy landscape in Central Asia, bringing together national governments, researchers, and communities. The program laid the foundation for climate-informed

Implementation period: 2015 – 2020 Participating countries: Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan Partners and donors: Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ), European Union The WISDOM project aimed to improve integrated water resources management in the Aral Sea Basin by developing advanced tools for data collection, analysis, and decision-making. The project focused on building a modern, geospatially-enabled water information system that supports sustainable development and climate adaptation in a region severely affected by water scarcity and environmental degradation. The Aral Sea Basin is characterized by complex hydrological dynamics, transboundary water management challenges, and increasing pressure from agriculture and population growth. The WISDOM project addressed these issues through the use of innovative technologies and capacity-building at institutional and local levels. Results Launch of a comprehensive water information platform accessible to stakeholders and policymakers Increased accuracy and timeliness of water flow forecasts and irrigation planning Improved cooperation between hydrometeorological services and water authorities across the region Enhanced knowledge and technical skills of specialists in GIS and water modeling The WISDOM project contributed to long-term water sustainability in the Aral Sea Basin by promoting data-driven and transparent approaches to managing one of Central Asia’s most valuable and vulnerable resources.

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: 2006 – 2011 Participating countries: Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan Coordinating partners: International Center for Agricultural Research in the Dry Areas (ICARDA), Asian Development Bank (ADB), UNDP, IFAD, and national governments Donors and partners: Global Environment Facility (GEF), international development organizations, regional institutions The Central Asian Countries Initiative for Land Management (CACILM) was launched as a regional response to widespread land degradation and desertification affecting the environment, economy, and livelihoods across Central Asia. The initiative aimed to promote sustainable land management (SLM) at national and regional levels through policy reforms, investments, and knowledge sharing. CACILM was implemented as a 10-year multi-phase program, with the first phase carried out from 2006 to 2011. The initiative laid the foundation for long-term cooperation in combating land degradation and supporting rural development. Outcomes of the initiative: Establishment of national SLM strategies in five countries Launch of dozens of demonstration projects on soil restoration, rangeland rehabilitation, and erosion control Improved policy integration and multi-sectoral coordination on land use Strengthened regional cooperation in addressing land degradation and desertification CACILM served as a pioneering initiative in the region and became a model for integrated, cross-border approaches to sustainable land use. It also provided the groundwork

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.

Established: 1998 Participating countries: Afghanistan, Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan Coordinators: UNECE and UNESCAP SPECA is a United Nations initiative aimed at strengthening regional cooperation and supporting inclusive and sustainable economic development in Central Asia. The programme serves as a platform for dialogue, joint projects, and knowledge exchange in areas such as trade, digitalization, connectivity, sustainable transport, innovation, statistics, and water-energy cooperation. Key areas of work Water-Energy Nexus and environment Digitalization and innovation Trade facilitation and transport Gender and inclusive economic participation Regional statistics and data systems Impact Improved regional coordination in key economic sectors Enhanced capacity of national institutions Stronger linkages between SPECA countries through regional platforms