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: 2019 – 2021 Country: Uzbekistan Donor: European Union Implementing partner: Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH National partners: Ministry of Water Resources of the Republic of Uzbekistan, Ministry of Public Education, academic and civil society institutions The UzWaterAware project was launched to raise public awareness and support informed dialogue on water use and water-related challenges in Uzbekistan. It aimed to promote sustainable attitudes toward water, strengthen the understanding of water conservation, and involve youth, educators, media, and decision-makers in joint action. Uzbekistan, like many countries in Central Asia, experiences seasonal water variability and depends on shared water resources. Addressing water-related issues through education, communication, and cooperation was a central element of the project. Results Thousands of students, educators, and local residents engaged in project activities Improved environmental awareness and water literacy among youth Strengthened cooperation between government institutions, civil society, and the media Established foundation for continued outreach and education on sustainable water use

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: 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

Implementation period: 2003–2009 Organizers: International Crane Foundation (ICF), UNEP/GEF Partners: Environmental agencies in Russia, China, Iran, Kazakhstan The Siberian Crane Wetland Project was a multinational initiative aimed at conserving critical wetland sites along the migratory flyway of the endangered Siberian crane (Grus leucogeranus). The species’ migration spans over 5,000 km from breeding grounds in northern Russia to wintering areas in Iran and eastern China. The project focused on integrating habitat protection with transboundary cooperation, community engagement, and institutional strengthening. Key components included wetland inventories, development of site management plans, environmental education, regional knowledge exchange, and enhanced monitoring frameworks under the Convention on Migratory Species (CMS). Outcomes Inventoried and mapped more than 16 priority wetlands across the flyway. Developed long-term management plans for protected areas such as Kunovat Reserve (Russia), Naurzum and Korgalzhyn (Kazakhstan), Poyang Lake (China), and Fereydoon Kenar (Iran). Launched education campaigns in over 20 communities and schools to raise awareness about cranes and wetland conservation. Established a flyway-scale satellite tracking system and ecological monitoring programs for Siberian crane populations. Strengthened international coordination and capacity-building, including cross-country workshops and conservation training. Served as a model initiative under the Ramsar Convention and CMS for migratory species protection and habitat conservation.