Regional networks of experts can help coordinate and focus discussion of vital topics while aggregating demand at policymaking levels. Therefore, the Central Asia Regional environmental expert network was created with support from the SLU-CA programme. It will boost sustainable natural resource use by bringing together experts from different fields and deploying their knowledge to promote the green economy and low-carbon development in the countries. The main principles of this platform will be regionality and fact-based decision making. This will enable to work together and to use different geographical and interdisciplinary experience as well as methodological knowledge. Development of new tools and measures to ensure the sustainable development of various sectors of the economy, including industry, energy, transport, agriculture will be an important direction.
A kick-off workshop of the expert network featured more than 30 participants, including independent experts and representatives of different organizations from Central Asia such as GWP CACENA*, ACTED*, CREEED*, Kyrgyz-Russian Slavic University, CAIAG*, ACBK*, Kazakh-German University, Green Salvation Ecological Society (Kazakhstan), Green Bridge Company (Kazakhstan), Kazakhstan Chamber of Environmental Auditors, “Biosphere Kazakhstan” Company, Public Association “Human Health Institute” (Kazakhstan) as well as NGO “Youth Ecological Centre of Tajikistan”, NGO CAMP Kuhiston* (Tajikistan), and NGO KRASS* from Uzbekistan.
Participants worked on identifying a common vision, strategic outlook and thematic focus of the network.Ecomuseum* and PF CAMP Alatoo* were identified as carrier organizations.
*Abbreviations/Explanation:
GWP CACENA– the Regional Water Partnership Network for the Countries of Caucasus and Central Asia.
ACTED – Since 1993 the French NGO ACTED has been committed to immediate humanitarian relief to support those in urgent need and protect people’s dignity, while co-creating longer term opportunities for sustainable growth and fulfilling people’s potential.
CREEED – Centre for Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Development (Kyrgyzstan).
CAIAG – Central Asian Institute of Applied Geosciences (Kyrgyzstan).
ACBK – Association for the Conservation of Biodiversity of Kazakhstan.
NGO CAMP Kuhiston – a non-profit and non-governmental organization promoting sustainable development in the mountain regions of Tajikistan. NGO KRASS – non-governmental organisation “Khorezm Rural Advisory Support Service” (UZB).
Ecomuseum – Public association Karaganda Regional Ecological Museum (Kazakhstan).
PF CAMP Alatoo – a public foundation promotes sustainable development of mountain regions in Central Asia and makes a significant contribution to improving the life of local communities.