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: 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.

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: 2018 – 2023 Participating countries: Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan Lead agency: International Center for Agricultural Research in the Dry Areas (ICARDA) Funding: Global Environment Facility (GEF), United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), national governments, international and regional partners Main partners: UNDP, UNEP, ICARDA, national ministries of agriculture and environment, research institutes, academia, NGOs CACILM-2 is the second phase of the Central Asian Countries Initiative for Land Management (CACILM), building on the foundation of CACILM-I (2006–2011). The project focuses on achieving sustainable land management (SLM) and land degradation neutrality (LDN) across Central Asia, where up to 60% of land is affected by degradation. The region faces serious environmental challenges such as desertification, soil erosion, overgrazing, salinization, and water scarcity. CACILM-2 supports countries in adopting sustainable land use systems, improving agricultural productivity, and adapting to climate change. Key Results National LDN strategies developed in all five countries. Over 30 pilot sites demonstrated land rehabilitation techniques with local community involvement. More than 1000 experts, farmers, and officials trained in SLM practices. Established a regional coordination mechanism for land management. Developed multilingual training materials and technical guidance. Raised awareness of land degradation and solutions at national and regional levels. Regional Impact CACILM-2

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: 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: 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: 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

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