In Central Asian countries, natural resource management is strongly centralized, which requires creating additional opportunities for involving the private sector and local people in the dialogue on the sustainable use of these resources taking into account economic, social and environmental aspects.

At the regional level, starting from 2017, Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH (German Federal Enterprise for International Cooperation) has been providing expert support in the development of the Regional Environmental Program for Sustainable Development in Central Asia (REPSD CA), important for all five countries. Together with other international partners, such as the United Nations Environment Program, GIZ supported technical meetings, meetings of national working groups and the regional working group (1st: December 2018 in Almaty; 2nd April 2019 in Tashkent; 3rd April 2019 in Almaty).

The meetings helped to reveal the national priorities of each of the countries participating in the Interstate Commission on Sustainable Development (ICSD). Only those topics that were of interest to two or more countries were submitted for discussion by the regional working group in order to ensure the regional nature of meetings. Numerous remote and personal discussions made it was possible to reach a consensus of the parties and to prepare draft REPSD CA, which was adopted in October 2019.

The regional cooperation of the GIZ Program with the ICSD Scientific Information Center was established in January 2016. The Program team assisted in the development of a systematic organizational process to strengthen the overall management and role of the ICSD among the founding countries; the capacity of ICSD bodies; the information policy and the workflow system, mechanisms and tools of external and internal communication; providing technical assistance to SIC branches according to their needs.

At the national level, the GIZ Regional Program team provides support to national organizations in the implementation of private afforestation approaches. In accordance with the Forest Code [1, 6], private forestry is formed by artificial plantations of various purposes, nurseries and plantations created at the expense of individuals and non-state legal entities. The private afforestation approach aims to reduce the burden on natural forests and meet the growing demand for wood for industrial and energy purposes.

Due to close cooperation at different levels, the Program participates in joint development of guidelines for state support mechanisms for increasing the forest area through the use of private funds for afforestation. Work is also underway on implementation of these principles in the political dialogue on large-scale private investment in the forest sector.

In Central Asian countries, natural resource management is strongly centralized, which requires creating additional opportunities for involving the private sector and local people in the dialogue on the sustainable use of these resources taking into account economic, social and environmental aspects.

At the regional level, starting from 2017, Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH (German Federal Enterprise for International Cooperation)has been providing expert support in the development of the Regional Environmental Program for Sustainable Development in Central Asia (REPSD CA), important for all five countries. Together with other international partners, such as the United Nations Environment Program, GIZ supported technical meetings, meetings of national working groups and the regional working group (1st: December 2018 in Almaty; 2nd April 2019 in Tashkent; 3rd April 2019 in Almaty).

The meetings helped to reveal the national priorities of each of the countries participating in the Interstate Commission on Sustainable Development (ICSD). Only those topics that were of interest to two or more countries were submitted for discussion by the regional working group in order to ensure the regional nature of meetings. Numerous remote and personal discussions made it was possible to reach a consensus of the parties and to prepare draft REPSD CA, which was adopted in October 2019.

The regional cooperation of the GIZ Program with the ICSD Scientific Information Center was established in January 2016. The Program team assisted in the development of a systematic organizational process to strengthen the overall management and role of the ICSD among the founding countries; the capacity of ICSD bodies; the information policy and the workflow system, mechanisms and tools of external and internal communication; providing technical assistance to SIC branches according to their needs.

To support the dialogue at the national and local levels, the Program provided support to SAEPF in forestry sector reform piloting. The reform is based on the principles of decentralization and partnership between the public, private sectors and local communities. The piloting process is coordinated by the Consultative Coordinating Council (CCC), which consists of representatives of various government agencies, development partner organizations and civil society. Piloting process, the results achieved, problems and solutions are discussed at CCC meetings. CCC fosters dialogue among stakeholders.

We also contributed to raising awareness of key partners, such as the SAEPF, the Ministry of Economy, the Ministry of Agriculture, Food Industry and Land Reclamation, the Hydrometeorology Agency under the Ministry of Emergencies of the Kyrgyz Republic (Kyrgyzhydromet), the National Statistics Committee, the Department of Water Resources, KyrgyzGiprozem, I. Razzakov Kyrgyz State Technical University on measurement, reporting and verification (MRV) and climate reporting in international conventions.

This resulted in a Memorandum of Understanding being signed by 12 government institutions in order to comply with national spatial data standards.

The SAEPF Consultative Coordinating Council (CCC) is called upon to direct and coordinate efforts to pilot the reform. It consists of representatives of various government agencies, development partner organizations and civil society. During the piloting period, the Council held 19 meetings to discuss the piloting process, the results, problems, and solutions. CCC helps strengthen dialogue between stakeholders from various sectors of the economy in order to discuss issues related to sustainable forest management.

In Central Asian countries, natural resource management is strongly centralized, which requires creating additional opportunities for involving the private sector and local people in the dialogue on the sustainable use of these resources taking into account economic, social and environmental aspects.

Starting from 2017, Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH (German Federal Enterprise for International Cooperation) has been providing expert support in the development of the Regional Environmental Program for Sustainable Development in Central Asia (REPSD CA), Besides expert support, the Program supported technical meetings, meetings of national working groups and the regional working group (1st: December 2018 in Almaty; 2nd April 2019 in Tashkent; 3rd April 2019 in Almaty). GIZ with other international partners (United Nations Environment Program, CAREC) is actively involved in this process.

The meetings helped to reveal the national priorities of each of the countries participating in the Interstate Commission on Sustainable Development (ICSD). Only those topics that were of interest to two or more countries were submitted for discussion by the regional working group in order to ensure the regional nature of meetings. Numerous remote and personal discussions made it was possible to reach a consensus of the parties and to prepare draft REPSD CA, which was adopted in October 2019.

The regional cooperation of the GIZ Program with the ICSD Scientific Information Center was established in January 2016. The Program team assisted in the development of a systematic organizational process to strengthen the overall management and role of the ICSD among the founding countries; the capacity of ICSD bodies; the information policy and the workflow system, mechanisms and tools of external and internal communication; providing technical assistance to SIC branches according to their needs.

At the national level, the GIZ Program promotes dialogue among various stakeholders and improves the legal framework. Specifically, the Program carried out a pasture management institutional analysis, which reflects the institutional and legal structure and distribution of roles and responsibilities in the pasture management system of Tajikistan. The document also suggests potential entry points for future donor-funded activities that could strengthen the institutional framework for sustainable pasture management in Tajikistan.

The GIZ Program assisted in the development of the Law on Pasture and related regulations. The new law was developed in 2018 and approved by the government in 2019. Besides a number of regulations were developed such as the Regulation on the Machlis Commission on Pasture Regulation and Use , the Regulation on Definition of an Authorized Body for State Administration and Use of Pastures and the Charter for pasture users.

In Central Asian countries, natural resource management is strongly centralized, which requires creating additional opportunities for involving the private sector and local people in the dialogue on the sustainable use of these resources taking into account economic, social and environmental aspects.

At the regional level, starting from 2017, Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH (German Federal Enterprise for International Cooperation) has been providing expert support in the development of the Regional Environmental Program for Sustainable Development in Central Asia (REPSD CA), important for all five countries. Together with other international partners, such as the United Nations Environment Program, GIZ supported technical meetings, meetings of national working groups and the regional working group (1st: December 2018 in Almaty; 2nd April 2019 in Tashkent; 3rd April 2019 in Almaty).

The meetings helped to reveal the national priorities of each of the countries participating in the Interstate Commission on Sustainable Development (ICSD). Only those topics that were of interest to two or more countries were submitted for discussion by the regional working group in order to ensure the regional nature of meetings. Numerous remote and personal discussions made it was possible to reach a consensus of the parties and to prepare draft REPSD CA, which was adopted in October 2019.

Региональное сотрудничество программы GIZ с Научно-информационным центром МКУР было положено в январе 2016 г. Команда программы оказывала содействие  в The regional cooperation of the GIZ Program with the ICSD Scientific Information Center was established in January 2016. The Program team assisted in the development of a systematiс organizational process to strengthen the overall management and role of the ICSD among the founding countries; the capacity of ICSD bodies; the information policy and the workflow system, mechanisms and tools of external and internal communication; providing technical assistance to SIC branches according to their needs..

In 2016-2017, at the request of the Regional Program, SIC ICSD prepared a situational analysis of climate change in Turkmenistan.

When designing projects and regulations to the Law on Pastures, the Program team together with the international expert Dr. Sarah Robinson and local experts held regular meetings with members of the working group on improving pasture legislation in Ashgabat (the most recent meeting was held in March 2019). There were also field meetings and consultations with all stakeholder: local authorities, private cattle herders, the local community in the Dyanev district of the Lebap region and the Baharly district of the Akhal region (the most recent meeting was held in June 2018).

In Central Asian countries, natural resource management is strongly centralized, which requires creating additional opportunities for involving the private sector and local people in the dialogue on the sustainable use of these resources taking into account economic, social and environmental aspects.

At the regional level, starting from 2017, Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH (German Federal Enterprise for International Cooperation) has been providing expert support in the development of the Regional Environmental Program for Sustainable Development in Central Asia (REPSD CA), important for all five countries. Together with other international partners, such as the United Nations Environment Program, GIZ supported technical meetings, meetings of national working groups and the regional working group (1st: December 2018 in Almaty; 2nd April 2019 in Tashkent; 3rd April 2019 in Almaty).

The meetings helped to reveal the national priorities of each of the countries participating in the Interstate Commission on Sustainable Development (ICSD). Only those topics that were of interest to two or more countries were submitted for discussion by the regional working group in order to ensure the regional nature of meetings. Numerous remote and personal discussions made it was possible to reach a consensus of the parties and to prepare draft REPSD CA, which was adopted in October 2019.

The regional cooperation of the GIZ Program with the ICSD Scientific Information Center was established in January 2016. The Program team assisted in the development of a systematic organizational process to strengthen the overall management and role of the ICSD among the founding countries; the capacity of ICSD bodies; the information policy and the workflow system, mechanisms and tools of external and internal communication; providing technical assistance to SIC branches according to their needs.

In 2015, with the technical support of Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH (German Federal Enterprise for International Cooperation), a feasibility study was carried out on measures for private afforestation. This resulted in a joint decision by GIZ and the Committee on Forestry and Wildlife (CFW) of the Ministry of Ecology, Geology and Natural Resources on a pilot project as the basis for developing an effective mechanism of state co-financing of private afforestation.

In 2016, fast-growing tree species were planted in (6) six small experimental sites in three regions of the country – Almaty, Akmola and Zhambyl. Along with monitoring and data collection, GIZ experts supported the development of a regulatory framework governing private investment in afforestation.

Based on relevant international experience and consultations with national stakeholders (top-down approach), the GIZ Regional Program supports the development of a common strategy and recommendations on the concept of private afforestation, including an effective state support program. Pilot activities in different regions of the country ensure the accumulation of practical experience and data (bottom-up approach).

The pilot phase revealed that the establishment of plantations of fast-growing tree species, such as poplar is feasible in different regions of Kazakhstan. The country has the necessary conditions in place for the successful implementation of such initiatives – the availability of land, suppliers capable of providing quality services with the necessary experience and expert knowledge, landowners who demonstrate interest in such initiatives and forest nurseries as suppliers of planting material.

In Kyrgyzstan, forests are located in mountain ranges at altitudes from 700 to 3600 m above sea level, occupying ​​only 5.61% of the country’s total area. According to the Forest Code, all forest resources are valuable and protected by the state. However, existing forests are reduced due to negative economic conditions and demographic growth.

To preserve and restore forest areas, since 2015, the State Agency on Environment Protection and Forestry of the Kyrgyz Republic (SAEPF), with the support of the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH (German Federal Enterprise for International Cooperation) Regional Program, has been piloting the forest sector reform.

The piloting is aimed at testing and adapting innovative methods in forestry management, in six, and subsequently (2017) in 20 pilot forestry enterprises. These new methods provide for the involvement of the local population and LSG bodies in management and decision-making.

It is expected that the reform will result in an increase in forest cover, the development of forest environmental functions and economic benefits for both the local population and the state.

The main tasks of piloting:

• Analyze and assess the current situation in the forest sector of the Kyrgyz Republic;
• Develop proposals for improving forestry and related legislation;
• Test and implement new approaches in forestry financial management by enabling experimental forestry enterprises to distribute and use funds to finance sustainable forest management and personnel;
• Study possibilities of introducing modern methods in forestry management by separating the economic, control and regulatory functions;
• Explore possibilities of introducing new approaches to pilot forestry enterprise management, including those based on the principles of public-private partnership in accordance with the legislation of the Kyrgyz Republic;
• Introduce the principles of a green economy in pilot forestry enterprises;
• Determination of the main directions, methods and terms of the forest reform.

Piloting approaches:

• in agreement with the authorized state body for environmental protection, forestry and hunting, using budget funds (including special ones) in accordance with the objectives of the reform; this also applies to funds released during the reform process in the manner established by the legislation of the Kyrgyz Republics;
• optimizing the forestry internal structure to adapt to sustainable forest management in the region, including a review of the staffing table, functional responsibilities and the personnel management process;
• effectively managing state property of the pilot forest enterprises to achieve sustainable forest management in the manner prescribed by the legislation of the Kyrgyz Republic;

• determining the amount of monetary allowance to employees of pilot forestry enterprises based on the labor participation rate (LPR) and personal labor contribution of employees in accordance with the legislation Kyrgyz Republic;
• channeling resources, including monetary ones, to areas that most successfully ensure the effectiveness of pilot forest enterprises in the manner prescribed by the legislation of the Kyrgyz Republic;
• using income to cover the costs of providing services and maintaining forestry facilities, silvicultural and forestry activities according to the legislation of the Kyrgyz Republic;
• transferring certain silvicultural and forestry operations to entities, including on the basis of public-private partnership in accordance with the legislation of the Kyrgyz Republic;
• organizing and providing tourist and recreational services according to the legislation of the Kyrgyz Republic;
• in agreement with the authorized state body for environmental protection, forestry and hunting, approving plans for the financial and economic activities of entities operating in pilot forestry enterprises.

The Joint Forest Management (JFM) approach allows local people to participate in the management and restoration of degraded forests with obvious benefits for both the local population and forestry enterprises. Local forest users sign land lease agreement with state forestry enterprises (leskhozes) for 20 years with an option to extend. This enables them to use forest products in exchange for afforestation of degraded areas. Besides, the local population and leskhozes are involved in forest planning and management and the respective monitoring activities.

The Program team also supports planting fast-growing tree species on common lands near settlements. Such species can be used for logging, thus preventing deforestation of nearby areas. One of the demonstration plots is located near the settlement of Gazza equipped with pipelines for seedling irrigation.

In addition to that, to reduce the felling of trees for heating purposes, local residents were trained in energy-saving technologies in window and door insulation and house construction.

Another effective approach to reforestation of degraded areas was the introduction of a financial incentives for the population.

The centerpiece of the approach design is the establishment of deposit accounts for forest users, which are replenished with funds intended for the purchase of the necessary planting or other materials. This is called the Saving Book Approach (SBA). Forest users together with their local leskhoz develop an action plan that stipulates the amount that will be available to them if they meet the objectives of the previous year. As the income from the forest plot grows, annual revenues from SBA decrease. The SBA implementation term varies depending on the specific conditions of the forest area and species. SBA has made an invaluable contribution to reforestation in Tajikistan.

Besides efforts at the national level (legal framework, policies, monitoring systems, new

approaches, etc.), GIZ also provides technical support at the institutional level to improve forest management, implement integrated land management, strengthen the capacity of using digital technology, etc.

The Program also supports private sector participation in the sustainable management of natural resources and the introduction of market-based approaches. For this, various technologies have been developed to increase the efficiency of the use of natural resources, such as forests and water. These technologies are adapted to local conditions at the household and community level and standardized for further use.

Independence gained by the Central Asian countries – Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan – after the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991 caused serious land management issues aggravated by the economic, social, and environmental crisis. The historical development of irrigation projects, proliferation of livestock on pastures and the re-profiling of agricultural land in the steppe during communism have made land degradation a critical issue in the region that threatens the current and future livelihoods of the rural population.

Turkmenistan plans to pilot the Law on Pastures and develop important regulatory documents. The country also works on improving the legal framework of the forest sector. Some new regulatory documents are now being coordinated with the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment Protection of Turkmenistan.

3. The Law promotes the environmentally sustainable use of rangelands on the basis of high mobility (movement) of livestock, which reduces the load on pastures and prevents their degradation. For this, the Law contains provisions on pasture rotation, moving livestock outside the designated pasture lands, and even distribution of livestock across pastures. In addition to that, the environmentally sustainable use of pastures is supported by the provision on paid use of pastures and short-term lease agreement based on pasture management plans.
4. The Law lays down important elements targeting adaptation to climate change. The specific articles of the Law are discussed below;
5. Finally, the Law on Pastures was developed in full accordance with the Turkmenistan Land Code which provides the legal framework for the control, management and distribution of pasture lands, as well as the legal regime for pasture use, the rights and obligations of land (pasture) users, etc.

Uzbekistan is a poorly forested country. Yet, forest ecosystems play an important economical and environmental role. The forest ecosystems have a great effect on the climate, the availability of clean water, clean air, protects agricultural land, provides places for comfortable living and recreation, and preserves the diversity of wildlife. Currently, the state forest fund of Uzbekistan is 11 million hectares, the forested area is only 3.5 million hectares, of which 12 percent are mountain forests, 7 percent of the valley / plain forest and 81 percent are deserts.

One of main challenges is the effective management of forestry, including involving the local population in maintaining and increasing the area of ​​local walnut and fruit tree such as pistachio, hazelnut and almond. In close cooperation with national and local partners, the Program seeks to involve local residents in joint forest management, restoration of forest ecosystems, conservation of biodiversity and improvement of the well-being of the local population through effective forest management.

The Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH (German Federal Enterprise for International Cooperation) Program team, together with the State Forestry Committee of the Republic of Uzbekistan, helped design a joint forest management model. It includes creating sea buckthorn and wild rose plantations in the state forest fund. This will create an additional source of income for local resident and a source of raw materials for the pharmaceutical industry.

The Program provides support to the State Forestry Committee in introducing a new approach to joint forest management on five demonstration plots in Bobotog and Gissar forestry enterprises, Surkhardarya region. The plots mainly have a combination of natural species and pistachio trees aged 60-70 years. The proper care for these trees (pruning, sanitary cleaning, grafting) increases the productivity of trees leading to the appearance of varietal and economically valuable crops. Combined planting of pistachios and almonds, and some medical plants, such as Ferula and saffron, is also practiced.

The joint forest management approach helps to involve local residents in the management of natural resources and make them more responsible about their economic activities. At the same time, efforts are made to reduce land degradation due to overgrazing.

Earlier, since 2012, the program had worked on pasture management. Thus, residents of the Farish district, where the program piloted new approaches, were trained in effective pasture management planning. To reduce pasture overload, people were offered opportunities to use alternative sources to generate income.

Raising awareness on sustainable land management is always crucial. In this regard, the Regional Program holds seminars, mini-lectures, press tours for representatives of the media. Specifically, journalists from Kyrgyzstan visited Georgia and produced video materials on agroforestry on various lands, the cultivation of new tree varieties in nurseries, and nature reserve management. A separate video material was dedicated to environmental education in two secondary schools that introduced modern teaching methods were introduced and classes are mostly conducted outdoors. All videos were later demonstrated by the Kyrgyz National Public Television and Radio Broadcasting Corporation.

Another joint press tour was organized in Khorezm region and Karakalpakstan in Uzbekistan, where Kyrgyz and Uzbek journalists learned about growing fruit trees on saline soils and modern agricultural technologies. The participants also visited the biosphere and tugai forests, where the project to preserve ecosystems in the Lower Amu Darya is being implemented. After the study tour, the journalists prepared materials on intensive gardening, which were demonstrated in Kyrgyzstan and published in newspapers in Uzbekistan.

As for environmental education and training, the Program in cooperation with the American University of Central Asia supported the development of a curriculum for students who could possible work in the field of land use in the future. In collaboration with the Kyrgyz National Television and Radio Broadcasting Corporation, the Program prepared interactive television broadcasts “Eco?Logical” that help build a sense of responsibility for the protection and preservation of natural resources in children and adolescents. The Roza Otunbayeva Foundation, together with the BIOM environmental movement, distributed these children’s programs to schools in Kyrgyzstan.

When it comes to sustainable use of land resources, important elements are the successful testing and implementation of new integrated approaches aimed at preserving and restoring ecosystems, increasing population incomes, and improving the existing resource management system. The reform processes are accompanied by knowledge and skill development, capacity building for both decision-makers and the public. The Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH (German Federal Enterprise for International Cooperation) Programme regularly invites experts and organizes trainings and seminars for local partners and local residents, field visits and study tours within the Central Asian region and abroad.

In Tajikistan, the Programme supported innovations in advanced training for forestry sector employees. In particular, the Programme developed different types of manuals and training

programs that contribute to improving the quality of national education in public services, the local governance system and creating a reserve of forestry personnel. These training programs contribute to the adaptation of the education system to the requirements of the labor market in order to prepare a sufficient number of specialists who are able to carry out all forestry operations related to reforestation, care, conservation and protection. Since the integrated approach to land use in Tajikistan is based on the using the JFM approach, an appropriate training module on “Integrated Forest Management” has been developed. This module is used for training both forest users and trainers.

Exchange visits are also part of the partner and expert training. Knowledge sharing events are available here.

Since 2009, the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH Program has been supporting knowledge exchange on sustainable land management both between different sectors and at different levels, including local, national and regional.

Within the framework of activities in Turkmenistan, the Regional Program, at the request of the national partner, holds narrow technical seminars. To increase the capacity of employees of the Turkmen Hydrometeorological Service, the Program organized a climate forecasting training in September 2018 and a training on climate modeling in October 2019.

Specialists of the Land Resources Service were trained in conducting geobotanical research (October 2017) attended by experts from Mongolia and Kazakhstan.

The Program also organizes study tours on sustainable pasture management to foreign countries for Turkmen partners.

In May 2018, a government delegation involved in the development of new pasture law visited the French Pyrenees to learn about the current pasture management system.

The delegation consisted of nine representatives of the Parliament, the Ministry of Agriculture and Water Resources, the heads of the Land Resources Service offices of Ahala and Maryi veloyats, GIZ consultants, lawyers and land use experts. .

Also, in March 2019, the Program specialists and experts were invited to the Scientific and Methodological Center for Sustainable Development Goals to deliver a lecture for students from various regions of Turkmenistan on the activities of the Program to achieve the SDGs. This made it possible to introduce the concept of integrated land management approaches (ILUMA) to a wide audience. The presentation was based on specific examples of sustainable pasture management as provided for by the Law of on Pastures of Turkmenistan.

When it comes to sustainable use of land resources, important elements are the successful testing and implementation of new integrated approaches aimed at preserving and restoring ecosystems, increasing population incomes, and improving the existing resource management system. The reform processes are accompanied by knowledge and skill development, capacity building for both decision-makers and the public. The Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH) Program regularly invites experts and organizes trainings and seminars for local partners and local residents, field visits and study tours within the Central Asian region and abroad.

In Uzbekistan, leskhoz employees and local residents in Kashkadarya, Samarkand and Surkhandarya regions have completed training and increased their knowledge on joint forest management. Two pilot leskhozes have tested effective land use methods on the newly created mixed plantations of sea buckthorn and wild rose, which can be an additional source of income for local residents.

Residents of the Farish district were trained in effective pasture management planning. To reduce pasture overload, people were offered opportunities to use alternative sources to generate income.

In the spring of 2018, two workshops on improving pistachio farming were held for 60 forest users in two pilot forestry enterprises – Bobotog and Gissar. An expert from the Turkish Pistachio Institute shared the Turkish experience with methods of early grafting of trees in containers. Participants learned that a high yield of pistachios is possible only after grafting, while early grafting can only be done in greenhouse containers.

In December 2018, the Program with the support of the State Forestry Committee held a seminar on the involvement of the local population in forest management at the Gissar forestry enterprise. Local residents learned how to combine pistachios and medicinal plants to increase productivity.

In May 2019, ten foresters and forest users of the Bobotog forestry enterprise improved their skills in pruning and grafting pistachio trees in a pilot area. This prepared forest users for the next grafting season.

Raising awareness on sustainable land management of both small groups and wider population is always crucial. In this regard, the Regional Program holds seminars, mini-lectures, press tours for representatives of the media.

In October 2017, journalists from Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan visited the Karakalpak branch of the Makhmum Mirzaev Research Institute of Horticulture, Viticulture and Winemaking, and the Urgench State University. In these areas, Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH project “Sustainable Economic Development in Selected Regions of Uzbekistan”, implemented jointly with the Ministry of Agriculture and Water Resources of the Republic of Uzbekistan, supported approaches to combating land degradation through intensive landscaping on saline soils in Khorezm, Karakalpakstan and Surkhandarya. Journalists learned about growing fruit trees on saline soils and modern agricultural technologies. After the study tour, the journalists prepared materials on intensive gardening, which were demonstrated in Kyrgyzstan and published in newspapers in Uzbekistan.

According to the classification of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), all Central Asian countries have little forest land. Moreover, the existing forests are mostly degraded or undergoing intensive felling. Deforestation affects the living conditions of people and wildlife and threatens the stability and equilibrium of the region’s ecosystem. Thus, the integrated protection, conservation and sustainable use of forest resources is crucial, especially in the context of climate change.

We strive to support our government and local partners in all five countries of Central Asia in amending laws and regulations, and reforming relevant government agencies and other organizations of the forestry sector. Our work is based on the principles of sustainable development aimed at environmental stability and long-term socially equitable economic benefits.

Our experts help test new management approaches at the local level, and to scale up the results at the national level. The best practical experience is available for representatives of administrative bodies and state institutions as part of regional knowledge exchange. New sustainable forest management methods that take into account local needs are developed jointly with the population and local authorities. At the national level, we assist partner ministries in adapting new methods and support the related reforms.

Through advisory support to the Committee on Forestry and Wildlife of the Ministry of Agriculture, we contribute to efforts to develop mechanisms for state support of private afforestation.

A state afforestation strategy should be adopted in order to make strategic decisions in the sector and attract private investment. The strategy should be based on reliable and relevant data on available resources, such as data on the land available for afforestation, markets and existing forest resources. Program experts will support the collection and analysis of information for a long-term vision for the development of the private forest sector and large-scale afforestation in Kazakhstan.

In addition to meeting the demand for timber, large-scale private afforestation will increase the country’s forest cover and achieve targets for reducing greenhouse gas emissions. This can be used to attract international climate finance, which can give an initial impetus to large-scale afforestation measures.

These mechanisms are designed to stimulate investment in afforestation to create a private forest fund in the country. Six pilot plots were allocated for fast-growing tree species in Akmola, Almaty and Zhambyl regions. The technical data collected from these plots will serve as the basis for developing mechanisms f

Program experts help test new management approaches at the local level, and to scale up the results at the national level. The best practical experience is available for representatives of administrative bodies and state institutions as part of regional knowledge exchange. New sustainable forest management methods that take into account local needs are developed jointly with the population and local authorities. At the national level, we assist partner ministries in adapting new methods and support the related reforms.

We strive to support our government and local partners in all five countries of Central Asia in amending laws and regulations, and reforming relevant government agencies and other organizations of the forestry sector. Our work is based on the principles of sustainable development aimed at environmental stability and long-term socially equitable economic benefits.

In Kyrgyzstan, the State Agency on Environment Protection and Forestry (SAEPF) with our support, continues consolidating and mainstreaming new approaches to integrated forest management. These approaches imply involving the local population and local authorities in joint forest management. Testing has been conducted as part of the forestry sector reform piloting since 2015 in 20 experimental leskhozes. To coordinate piloting at the state level, a Consultative Coordinating Council has been created, which includes representatives of international and non-governmental organizations. Work is underway to amend the relevant laws and regulations.

Pasture User Unions (PUUs) have been established at the jamoat (rural municipality) level and includes representatives from several villages. This is an official organization that has articles, a legal registration, a seal and a bank account. Within PUUs, members can work together to solve current problems and plan future collaborations such as control of livestock grazing, monitoring of pasture conditions, rehabilitation of pasture corridors, monitoring of animal health, organizing livestock vaccination and, most importantly, protecting the interests of each PUU member to ensure safe access to pastures.

Excessive grazing, especially in pastures near villages, worsens the condition of the land. Land degradation reduces pasture productivity and poses a threat to food security and livelihoods of the rural population in Tajikistan. Despite the adoption of the Law on Pastures in 2013, the mechanisms of livestock grazing control are not yet widely practiced by local communities. The main reasons are the lack of relevant regulations and weak law enforcement. Consequently, sustainable pasture management planning is an essential tool to be used by pasture users.

According to the classification of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), all Central Asian countries have little forest land. Moreover, the existing forests are mostly degraded or undergoing intensive felling. Deforestation affects the living conditions of people and wildlife and threatens the stability and equilibrium of the region’s ecosystem. Thus, the integrated protection, conservation and sustainable use of forest resources is crucial, especially in the context of climate change.

We strive to support our government and local partners in all five countries of Central Asia in amending laws and regulations, and reforming relevant government agencies and other organizations of the forestry sector. Our work is based on the principles of sustainable development aimed at environmental stability and long-term socially equitable economic benefits.

To promote sustainable land use in Turkmenistan, the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH has been successfully collaborating with the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment Protection and its departments. One of the main areas at the national level is assistance in promoting sustainable pasture management and improving pasture and forest legislation. Specifically, GIZ has contributed to the development of the Law on Pastures and the Forest Code. Also, together with international and national experts, GIZ Program was involved in developing of relevant regulations which are currently under approval by the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment Protection.

Program experts help test new management approaches at the local level, and to scale up the results at the national level. The best practical experience is available for representatives of administrative bodies and state institutions as part of regional knowledge exchange. New sustainable forest management methods that take into account local needs are developed jointly with the population and local authorities. At the national level, we assist partner ministries in adapting new methods and support the related reforms.

The Regional Program of Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH strives to support government and local partners in all five countries of Central Asia in amending laws and regulations, and reforming relevant government agencies and other organizations of the forestry sector. Our work is based on the principles of sustainable development aimed at environmental stability and long-term socially equitable economic benefits.

In Uzbekistan, joint forest management approaches are piloted on three demonstration plots of Bobotog forestry enterprise, Surkhandarya region, planted with pistachio trees. Read more about piloting here.

Through GIZ support, leskhoz employees and local residents in Kashkadarya, Samarkand and Surkhandarya regions have increased their knowledge on joint forest management. Two pilot leskhozes have tested effective land management methods on the newly created mixed plantations of sea buckthorn and wild rose, which can be an additional source of income for local residents.

One of the important steps was the creation of the Regional Environmental Expert Network of Central Asia (GREEN Central Asia), which brings together organizations and independent experts from various sectors. GREEN CA aims to strengthen communication between specialists and their involvement in the development of various development projects and strategic planning processes in the Central Asian region. Their expertise helps implementing sustainable use of natural resources and the ideas of a green economy and low carbon development. The main element of the network is a consortium between Karaganda Ecological Museum and the NGO CAMP Alatoo (Kyrgyzstan).

In 2017, the Central Asian Regional Pasture Network became part of GREEN CA, created to facilitate the exchange of experience and knowledge in the field of pasture management in the region, China and Mongolia. The work of the Network contributes to the dissemination of successful models and approaches in all countries, as it includes both individual practitioners and representatives of organizations and projects. Specifically, in August 2014, the Program supported a study tour to Kyrgyzstan for representatives of government agencies and non-governmental organizations from Tajikistan and Turkmenistan. During the study tour, participants learned about the pasture management experience of Kyrgyzstan and developed joint recommendations for improvement in all three countries.

In 2014, Bishkek hosted the Practitioners’ Conference on Advancement of Sustainable Pasture Management in Central Asia. The purpose of this event for politicians and practitioners from Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan and international experts was to exchange experience and knowledge and join efforts to promote reforms in the pasture sector. Representatives of Kazakhstan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan had the opportunity to learn about international experience and the experience of their Kyrgyz and Tajik colleagues.

Conference participants were provided with innovative tools and approaches to managing grazing lands, as well as proven mechanisms and processes. The program of the event included a field visit to one of the pasture committees in Chui oblast.

Some of the Important outcomes of the conference were the exchange of experience and knowledge, discussion of further actions and documentation of best practices and approaches. In addition to that, the results of the conference, an overview of the situation in the countries of the Central Asian region, analysis, comments and recommendations were included in the brochure “Sustainable Pasture Management in Central Asia”.

Field visits in Central Asia and study tours abroad help the exchange of experience and continuous training of practitioners and decision makers. Specifically, over the course of several years, long-term and short-term exchange visits were organized between representatives of the forestry services of Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan.

Besides, the Program conducted regional events such as:

• Regional expert seminar “Regional Strategic Approach to Adaptation to Climate Change in the Mountainous Regions of Central Asia” (Almaty, Kazakhstan, 19-21 December 2016)
• International conference “Economics of Land Degradation in Central Asia” (Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, 28-29 November 2016)
• International round table “Sustainable Use and Conservation of Wild Animals in Tajikistan” (Dushanbe, Tajikistan, 2-3 November 2016)
• International Conference on Natural Capital for the Transition to a Green Economy (Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, 30 June – 1 July 2016)
• International Conference on Sustainable Wildlife Management in Central Asia: Practical Experience and Next Steps (September 1-3, 2015 Ashgabat, Turkmenistan)
• International Conference “Ecosystem-Based Approach to Adaptation to Climate Change in Central Asia” (Dushanbe, Tajikistan, 9 April 2015)

In 2014, Bishkek hosted the Practitioners’ Conference on Advancement of Sustainable Pasture Management in Central Asia. The purpose of this event for politicians and practitioners from Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan and international experts was to exchange experience and knowledge and join efforts to promote reforms in the pasture sector. Representatives of Kazakhstan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan had the opportunity to learn about international experience and the experience of their Kyrgyz and Tajik colleagues.

Conference participants were provided with innovative tools and approaches to managing grazing lands, as well as proven mechanisms and processes. The program of the event included a field visit to one of the pasture committees in Chui oblast. Some of the Important outcomes of the conference were the exchange of experience and knowledge, discussion of further actions and documentation of best practices and approaches.

Another tool to facilitate the exchange of experience is the development of an ICSD information policy and document management system. The ICSD decision approved the introduction of a modern and convenient online tool – K-Link. In order to pilot the tool, the SIC head office in Ashgabat and its branch in Kazakhstan were provided with a k-box that allows storing files in electronic form and regulating access to the organization’s database. The Regional Program held introductory workshops for SIC ICSD employees in Ashgabat (2018) on the tool. Later that year, SIC ICSD in Ashgabat and its branch in Kazakhstan decided to open to each other access to the organization’s internal documents through mutual authorization of access to the k-box of each country.

Since 2009, the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH Program has been supporting knowledge exchange on sustainable land management both between different sectors and at different levels, including local, national and regional.

One of the important steps was the creation of the Regional Environmental Expert Network of Central Asia (GREEN Central Asia), which brings together organizations and independent experts from various sectors. GREEN CA aims to strengthen communication between specialists and their involvement in the development of various development projects and strategic planning processes in the Central Asian region. Their expertise helps implementing sustainable use of natural resources and the ideas of a green economy and low carbon development. The main element of the network is a consortium between Karaganda Ecological Museum and the NGO CAMP Alatoo (Kyrgyzstan).

In 2017, the Central Asian Regional Pasture Network became part of GREEN CA, created to facilitate the exchange of experience and knowledge in the field of pasture management in the region, China and Mongolia. The work of the Network contributes to the dissemination of successful models and approaches in all countries, as it includes both individual practitioners and representatives of organizations and projects. Specifically, in August 2014, the Program supported a study tour to Kyrgyzstan for representatives of government agencies and non-governmental organizations from Tajikistan and Turkmenistan. During the study tour, participants learned about the pasture management experience of Kyrgyzstan and developed joint recommendations for improvement in all three countries.

In 2014, Bishkek hosted the Practitioners’ Conference on Advancement of Sustainable Pasture Management in Central Asia. The purpose of this event for politicians and practitioners from Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan and international experts was to exchange experience and knowledge and join efforts to promote reforms in the pasture sector. Representatives of Kazakhstan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan had the opportunity to learn about international experience and the experience of their Kyrgyz and Tajik colleagues.

Conference participants were provided with innovative tools and approaches to managing grazing lands, as well as proven mechanisms and processes. The program of the event included a field visit to one of the pasture committees in Chui oblast.

Some of the Important outcomes of the conference were the exchange of experience and knowledge, discussion of further actions and documentation of best practices and approaches. In addition to that, the results of the conference, an overview of the situation in the countries of the Central Asian region, analysis, comments and recommendations were included in the brochure “Sustainable Pasture Management in Central Asia”.

Field visits in Central Asia and study tours abroad help the exchange of experience and continuous training of practitioners and decision makers. Specifically, over the course of several years, long-term and short-term exchange visits were organized between representatives of the forestry services of Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan. Specialists learned about the features and advantages of various natural resource management systems and established long-term cooperation.

At the national level, a Coordinating Consultative Council (CCC) also contributes to the dissemination of practical experience of projects implemented in the forestry sector with the support of various development partners. The results of CCC meetings are published in the quarterly newsletter.

ince 2009, the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH Program has been supporting knowledge exchange on sustainable land management both between different sectors and at different levels, including local, national and regional.

One of the important steps was the creation of the Regional Environmental Expert Network of Central Asia (GREEN Central Asia), which brings together organizations and independent experts from various sectors. GREEN CA aims to strengthen communication between specialists and their involvement in the development of various development projects and strategic planning processes in the Central Asian region. Their expertise helps implementing sustainable use of natural resources and the ideas of a green economy and low carbon development. The main element of the network is a consortium between Karaganda Ecological Museum and the NGO CAMP Alatoo (Kyrgyzstan).

In 2017, the Central Asian Regional Pasture Network became part of GREEN CA, created to facilitate the exchange of experience and knowledge in the field of pasture management in the region, China and Mongolia. The work of the Network contributes to the dissemination of successful models and approaches in all countries, as it includes both individual practitioners and representatives of organizations and projects.

Specifically, in August 2014, the Program supported a study tour to Kyrgyzstan for representatives of government agencies and non-governmental organizations from Tajikistan and Turkmenistan. During the study tour, participants learned about the pasture management experience of Kyrgyzstan and developed joint recommendations for improvement in all three countries.

In 2014, Bishkek hosted the Practitioners’ Conference on Advancement of Sustainable Pasture Management in Central Asia. The purpose of this event for politicians and practitioners from Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan and international experts was to exchange experience and knowledge and join efforts to promote reforms in the pasture sector. Representatives of Kazakhstan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan had the opportunity to learn about international experience and the experience of their Kyrgyz and Tajik colleagues.

Conference participants were provided with innovative tools and approaches to managing grazing lands, as well as proven mechanisms and processes. The program of the event included a field visit to one of the pasture committees in Chui oblast.

Some of the Important outcomes of the conference were the exchange of experience and knowledge, discussion of further actions and documentation of best practices and approaches. In addition to that, the results of the conference, an overview of the situation in the countries of the Central Asian region, analysis, comments and recommendations were included in the brochure “Sustainable Pasture Management in Central Asia”.

Field visits in Central Asia and study tours abroad help the exchange of experience and continuous training of practitioners and decision makers. Specifically, over the course of several years, long-term and short-term exchange visits were organized between representatives of the forestry services of Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan. Specialists learned about the features and advantages of various natural resource management systems and established long-term cooperation.

Since 2009, the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH Program has been supporting knowledge exchange on sustainable land management both between different sectors and at different levels, including local, national and regional.

One of the important steps was the creation of the Regional Environmental Expert Network of Central Asia (GREEN Central Asia), which brings together organizations and independent experts from various sectors. GREEN CA aims to strengthen communication between specialists and their involvement in the development of various development projects and strategic planning processes in the Central Asian region. Their expertise helps implementing sustainable use of natural resources and the ideas of a green economy and low carbon development. The main element of the network is a consortium between Karaganda Ecological Museum and the NGO CAMP Alatoo (Kyrgyzstan).

In 2017, the Central Asian Regional Pasture Network became part of GREEN CA, created to facilitate the exchange of experience and knowledge in the field of pasture management in the region, China and Mongolia. The work of the Network contributes to the dissemination of successful models and approaches in all countries, as it includes both individual practitioners and representatives of organizations and projects.

In 2014, Bishkek hosted the Practitioners’ Conference on Advancement of Sustainable Pasture Management in Central Asia. The purpose of this event for politicians and practitioners from Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan and international experts was to exchange experience and knowledge and join efforts to promote reforms in the pasture sector. Representatives of Kazakhstan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan had the opportunity to learn about international experience and the experience of their Kyrgyz and Tajik colleagues.

Conference participants were provided with innovative tools and approaches to managing grazing lands, as well as proven mechanisms and processes.

The program of the event included a field visit to one of the pasture committees in Chui oblast. Some of the Important outcomes of the conference were the exchange of experience and knowledge, discussion of further actions and documentation of best practices and approaches. In addition to that, the results of the conference, an overview of the situation in the countries of the Central Asian region, analysis, comments and recommendations were included in the brochure “Sustainable Pasture Management in Central Asia”.

SIC ICSD employees actively participate and contribute to the events organized by the Program in Turkmenistan. In particular, the head of the ICSD Secretariat Mr. Batyr Mammadov made a presentation during the seminar for journalists “Climate Change and Pastures in Turkmenistan” (Ashgabat, February 2019) on the impact of climate change on desert pasture productivity, and his colleague Mr. Kurban Allaberdiev shared with journalists the climate policy pursued by the country and told about the progress in revising the National Climate Change Strategy of Turkmenistan.

Another tool to facilitate the exchange of experience is the development of an ICSD information policy and document management system. The ICSD decision approved the introduction of a modern and convenient online tool – K-Link. In order to pilot the tool, the SIC head office in Ashgabat and its branch in Kazakhstan were provided with a k-box that allows storing files in electronic form and regulating access to the organization’s database. The Regional Program held introductory workshops for SIC ICSD employees in Ashgabat (2018) on the tool. Later that year, SIC ICSD in Ashgabat and its branch in Kazakhstan decided to open to each other access to the organization’s internal documents through mutual authorization of access to the k-box of each country.

Another example is a technical seminar on enhancing the forecasting capacity of employees of the Turkmen Hydrometeorological Service (September 2018). The event was held by a

Program expert and employees of the Kyrgyz Hydrometeorological Service. The exchange of experience and knowledge between hydrometeorological services of the two countries lasted for two days.

In May 2018, a government delegation involved in the development of new pasture law visited the French Pyrenees to learn about the current pasture management system.

Since 2009, the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH Program has been supporting knowledge exchange on sustainable land management both between different sectors and at different levels, including local, national and regional.

One of the important steps was the creation of the Regional Environmental Expert Network of Central Asia (GREEN Central Asia), which brings together organizations and independent experts from various sectors. GREEN CA aims to strengthen communication between specialists and their involvement in the development of various development projects and strategic planning processes in the Central Asian region. Their expertise helps implementing sustainable use of natural resources and the ideas of a green economy and low carbon development. The main element of the network is a consortium between Karaganda Ecological Museum and the NGO CAMP Alatoo (Kyrgyzstan).

In 2017, the Central Asian Regional Pasture Network became part of GREEN CA, created to facilitate the exchange of experience and knowledge in the field of pasture management in the region, China and Mongolia. The work of the Network contributes to the dissemination of successful models and approaches in all countries, as it includes both individual practitioners and representatives of organizations and projects. Specifically, in August 2014, the Program supported a study tour to Kyrgyzstan for representatives of government agencies and non-governmental organizations from Tajikistan and Turkmenistan. During the study tour, participants learned about the pasture management experience of Kyrgyzstan and developed joint recommendations for improvement in all three countries.

In 2014, Bishkek hosted the Practitioners’ Conference on Advancement of Sustainable Pasture Management in Central Asia. The purpose of this event for politicians and practitioners from Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan and international experts was to exchange experience and knowledge and join efforts to promote reforms in the pasture sector. Representatives of Kazakhstan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan had the opportunity to learn about international experience and the experience of their Kyrgyz and Tajik colleagues.

Conference participants were provided with innovative tools and approaches to managing grazing lands, as well as proven mechanisms and processes. The program of the event included a field visit to one of the pasture committees in Chui oblast.

Some of the Important outcomes of the conference were the exchange of experience and knowledge, discussion of further actions and documentation of best practices and approaches. In addition to that, the results of the conference, an overview of the situation in the countries of the Central Asian region, analysis, comments and recommendations were included in the brochure “Sustainable Pasture Management in Central Asia”.

Field visits in Central Asia and study tours abroad help the exchange of experience and continuous training of practitioners and decision makers. In particular, at the end of January 2017, the Program organized a visit of the State Complex delegation to the Republic of Turkey was to study the experience of pistachio growing. This resulted in a memorandum of understanding between the forest departments of the Republic of Uzbekistan and Turkey. Also, a specialist in pistachio growing from the Turkish Institute of Pistachio Growing was invited to conduct a training workshop on methods for caring for pistachio forests in the Surkhandarya region.

In 2017, together with the program of the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA), the Program organized a study tour of the Uzbek delegation to the Republic of Korea on the cultivation, collection and processing of medicinal. Representatives of various Uzbek departments, ministries, and farming associations also traveled to Bishkek to learn about pasture management practices. The study tour was organized by the Program with the support of the UNDP land management project.