Regional Activities

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.

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