Ecosystem-based adaptation to climate change: Kazakhstan

The ecosystems in high mountainous regions of Central Asia are characterized by a unique diversity of flora and fauna. They provide local population with clean water, pasture, forest products, protect against floods and landslides, maintain soil fertility. However, the consequences of climate change coupled with unwise land use damage fragile mountain ecosystems and reduce their regeneration ability.
Therefore, people living in rural areas and directly depending on natural resources must adapt to adverse impacts of climate change. This can be done through a set of measures, known in the world practice as ecosystem-based adaptation (EbA) approach. Thanks to it, people can continue to use nature without harming the environment.

We are committed to helping national partner organizations in Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan to test successful EbA approach and climate adaptation strategies, and integrate them into national policies. Our efforts are intended to promote a common understanding of advantages created by this EbA approach; broadening and strengthening of intra- and inter-sectoral collaboration and cooperation between the countries; and supporting the planning efforts of international development partners.

Together with local communities, we are launching innovative processes of adaptation planning for climate change, during which we develop and test cost-effective strategies and appropriate measures. These include the efficient use of nature while maintaining and developing the ecosystem services provided to rural populations

Typical elements in planning the ecosystem approach are the introduction of alternative sources of income and the sustainable management of forest, land and water resources. In this context, a strong emphasis is placed on human capacity building.

Training sessions and seminars, and the study of successful international experience with the help of international experts help local authorities, specialists of public sector institutions, and the local population to become familiar with the features of decision-making under conditions of a changing climate and to adapt these features to the local environment.

In Kazakhstan, we have supported the capacity building of national partner organizations to help them implement adaptation measures.

In doing this, we follow the principles of the EbA approach and the “green economy”. To this purpose, an adaptation strategy will be developed for one of the priority sectors of the economy, which then will become an example for the preparation of strategic documents at the national level.

Based on the tested methods of economic activity in rural areas, we will promote the use of this knowledge by all three countries in the development of their national policies.

For more detailed information about the EbA project, please, follow the link.