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: 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: 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