Regional Activities

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: Since 2020 – ongoing Organizers: Ministry of Agriculture of Kyrgyz Republic, Chinese forestry agencies Partners: GIZ, universities, private nurseries Focuses on joint development of tree nurseries and exchange of afforestation technologies. Outcomes Nurseries established and upgraded in Naryn and Issyk-Kul regions. Introduced drip irrigation, greenhouse propagation, and rapid sapling multiplication. Over 200 Kyrgyz professionals trained in Chinese nursery techniques. Expanded green coverage on degraded slopes and rangelands. Launched academic exchange and joint research initiatives between Kyrgyz and Chinese universities.

Full name: Ecosystem-based Disaster Risk Reduction (Eco-DRR) Lead organizations: United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), national governments Partners: UNEP, UNDRR, UNDP, national ministries, scientific institutions, local communities Geographical scope: Global, with projects in Central Asia, the Caucasus, South Asia, Africa, and Latin America Eco-DRR is a global initiative and approach that promotes the use of healthy ecosystems as natural buffers against disaster risks. By preserving and restoring forests, wetlands, grasslands, mangroves, and other critical ecosystems, Eco-DRR helps reduce communities’ vulnerability to natural hazards such as floods, droughts, landslides, dust storms, and soil erosion. The approach combines nature-based solutions with climate adaptation, sustainable land management, and rural development strategies to enhance resilience at all levels. Objectives: Reduce disaster risks through ecosystem conservation and restoration Support local communities in implementing nature-based solutions Strengthen resilience of agriculture, infrastructure, and livelihoods Integrate ecosystem-based approaches into national and regional policies Contribute to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals, especially SDG 13 (Climate Action) and SDG 15 (Life on Land) Key Activities: Forest and wetland restoration to mitigate flood risks Rangeland rehabilitation and watershed management Community training on sustainable land use and eco-solutions Policy development that incorporates Eco-DRR principles GIS-based risk

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: Since 2019 – ongoing Organizers: Ministry of Ecology and Environment of China, UNCCD Partners: Central Asian countries, international environmental networks The Green Silk Road Partnership promotes sustainable land use and cross-border collaboration in the framework of China’s Belt and Road Initiative. It focuses on combating land degradation, promoting ecosystem restoration, and facilitating international exchange of best practices in land and resource management. Central Asia is a key region of implementation with active technical and institutional engagement. Outcomes Joint land restoration projects launched in Xinjiang, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, and Tajikistan. High-level regional conferences held, including on the margins of the UNCCD COP. Delegation exchanges, field schools, and demonstration tours conducted. Joint technical guidance developed for sustainable land use in drylands.

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

Project title: Water-Energy-Food (WEF) Nexus Approach in Central Asia Implementation period: Ongoing since 2018 Region: Central Asia Partners: CAREC, GIZ, SDC, ESCAP, EC IFAS, national ministries and expert networks The Water-Energy-Food (WEF) Nexus approach aims to promote integrated and cross-sectoral planning to ensure the sustainable management of water, energy, and food resources. In Central Asia, where these sectors are strongly interlinked and depend on shared natural resources, this approach offers a framework for balancing competing demands and improving regional cooperation. Impact Improved understanding of interdependencies between water, energy, and agriculture Greater alignment of policies across sectors Enhanced cooperation among Central Asian countries on shared resource management

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.