Results of the Joint Work of the “Central Asia–Russia” Interregional Group Presented at COP17

On 26 August 2026, the event “Central Asia–Russia: Regional Experience and Joint Solutions for Sustainable Land Management” was held at the Russian Pavilion on the margins of the 17th Session of the Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD COP17) in Ulaanbaatar. The event was organized by the Russian Federation and the UNCCD Interregional Group “Central Asia–Russia.”

The event brought together representatives of the Interregional Group’s member countries, the UNCCD secretariat, and the scientific and expert communities. Discussions focused on shared regional challenges related to land degradation, desertification, drought, water scarcity and climate change, as well as practical opportunities to strengthen cooperation between Central Asian countries and the Russian Federation.

During the first panel discussion, country representatives shared their national experience in sustainable land management, monitoring and restoration of degraded land, pasture management, development of early warning systems, and the application of modern digital and scientific approaches.

Particular attention was given to the need to move from the exchange of experience towards the development and implementation of joint regional programmes and practical projects.

A central part of the event was the presentation of the results of the Interregional Group’s joint work. The following publications and studies were presented:

• the Global Land Outlook thematic report on Central Asia;

• the Practical Guide to Land Degradation Neutrality Assessment in Central Asia;

• a study on the development of carbon farming approaches.

These works consolidate regional experience and offer scientifically grounded, practice-oriented approaches to land assessment, sustainable land use and restoration.

Participants emphasized the importance of harmonizing data and methodological approaches, advancing joint research, sharing knowledge and technologies, strengthening professional capacities and mobilizing financing for the implementation of projects on the ground.

Proposals for further cooperation included closer interaction between relevant national authorities and organizations, professional exchanges among specialists, the preparation of joint regional projects, and the continued development of scientific and educational cooperation.

The UNCCD Interregional Group “Central Asia–Russia” will continue promoting the practical application of accumulated regional experience and developing joint solutions for sustainable land management and restoration, guided by the priorities of its participating countries.