Regional Activities

Country: Turkmenistan Implementation period: Underway / from 2023 (subject to official confirmation) Initiators & Donors: Global Environment Facility (GEF), United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) Partners: Ministry of Environmental Protection of Turkmenistan, local authorities, scientific institutions This project focuses on restoring degraded rangelands and establishing green shelterbelts in arid and semi-arid landscapes of Turkmenistan. The country is facing growing challenges of land degradation, desertification, and biodiversity loss, exacerbated by climate change and overgrazing. The initiative adopts nature-based solutions to improve ecosystem health, strengthen rural livelihoods, and enhance landscape resilience to climate impacts. Project Objectives: Restore degraded natural rangelands Establish green protective belts to combat erosion and desertification Increase productivity and ecological stability of dryland ecosystems Support traditional sustainable land-use systems Build local capacity for sustainable land and resource management Expected Outcomes: Enhanced biodiversity and improved land condition Better soil moisture retention and reduced erosion risks Strengthened food and environmental security in rural areas Wider adoption of sustainable rangeland and agroforestry practices Contribution to SDGs, particularly SDG 15 (Life on Land) and SDG 13 (Climate Action)

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

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.

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