Regional Activities

Lead organization: United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) Participating countries: Over 160 countries, including all Central Asian states and the Russian Federation Instrument: National Action Plans (NAPs), mandated by Article 9 of the UNCCD Purpose: Implementing the Convention at the national level National Action Plans (NAPs) are key policy and planning documents developed by countries to combat desertification, land degradation, and the effects of drought under the framework of the UNCCD. These plans provide country-specific strategies for restoring degraded land, enhancing land productivity, and building resilience to climate change. NAPs serve as a platform for aligning national efforts with global objectives, particularly the goal of achieving Land Degradation Neutrality (LDN), as outlined in SDG Target 15.3. They promote cross-sectoral coordination, community engagement, knowledge-based planning, and integration of land degradation issues into national development agendas. Key Objectives of NAPs: Prevent and reduce land degradation and desertification Restore degraded ecosystems and improve soil fertility Strengthen sustainable land and water management practices Promote climate change adaptation in land-based sectors Support achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), especially SDG 15.3 Core Components: Prioritization of vulnerable ecosystems and regions Afforestation, erosion control, drought resilience, sustainable agriculture Integration with other international environmental agreements (UNFCCC

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.

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: 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.

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: 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.

Coordinating organization: Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) Established: 2002 Members: Over 500 members including governments, international organizations, NGOs, academic institutions, and the private sector Scope: Global, including Central Asia (e.g., Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan) The Mountain Partnership is a voluntary alliance facilitated by FAO that works to promote sustainable development in mountain regions and improve the livelihoods of mountain peoples. Mountains provide essential ecosystem services, including biodiversity, freshwater, and climate regulation, but mountain communities often face challenges such as poverty, land degradation, and vulnerability to climate change. The Partnership serves as a platform for dialogue, knowledge exchange, and joint action. It actively engages with mountain regions in Central Asia, where communities rely on fragile ecosystems and traditional livelihoods, and where there is growing demand for integrated approaches to development. Main Activities Sharing best practices and technical knowledge related to sustainable mountain development Implementing joint projects on climate adaptation, agrobiodiversity, and mountain product value chains Coordinating advocacy campaigns such as International Mountain Day (11 December) Facilitating inclusive policy dialogues and regional collaboration Relevance to Central Asia In Central Asia, where mountain ranges such as the Tien Shan and Pamirs dominate the landscape, the Mountain Partnership helps mobilize support

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