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EU and UNEP Support Local Communities in Leading Own Nature-Based Actions for Climate Resilience and Social Cohesion in Central Asia

11.03.2026 Press and information team of the Delegation to KYRGYZSTAN

Under the EU-funded regional initiative “Facilitating region-specific approaches to addressing climate and environment-related risks for peace and socioeconomic stability in Central Asia,” eight local civil society organizations were selected in August 2025, through a competitive call for proposals, to support implementation of community led efforts. Building on this, beneficiary communities in Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan identified and prioritized 17 locally led adaptation measures through comprehensive community consultations held from October to December 2025.

Mountains and valley
© UNEP/2025

Developed  in dialogue with local authorities and community groups, the measures respond to interconnected climate, environmental and socioeconomic related challenges across the Ferghana Valley—a climate hotspot facing increasing drought and heat, water scarcity, land degradation, biodiversity loss, and growing risks from extreme events such as floods and dust storms. These environmental pressures are also linked to socioeconomic stress, including competition over land and water, reduced agricultural productivity, limited employment opportunities, and pressures driving involuntary migration and family strain.

A portfolio centred on nature-based solutions

The measures prioritise ecosystem restoration and sustainable natural resource management as pathways to both climate resilience and social cohesion and stability.

The portfolio includes:

  • 6 measures focusing on agroforestry, green infrastructure and ecosystem restoration, including shelterbelts, protective forest belts, eco-parks, nurseries and restoration of degraded landscapes;
  • 6 measures on climate-resilient water resources management, including watershed restoration, rehabilitation of irrigation canals through vegetative stabilization, community reservoirs with nature-based buffer zones, water harvesting systems, and participatory water governance mechanisms;
  • 4 measures promoting climate-smart agriculture and nature-based livelihoods, including restoration of degraded lands, drought-resistant crops, pollinator support through beekeeping, vermicomposting, and climate-resilient greenhouse production;
  • 1 measure dedicated to pasture and rangeland restoration, including vegetation recovery and ecosystem-based water retention solutions.

All projects integrate participatory approaches and local governance mechanisms to ensure transparent and equitable resource management.

Expected impact: reducing tensions, strengthening resilience

The initiatives are designed to reduce tensions linked to scarce land and water resources, arising from climate change, while strengthening livelihoods, and enhancing trust and cooperation between communities and local stakeholders. By restoring ecosystems — from watersheds and canals to orchards, pastures and protective forest belts — the measures aim to enhance soil moisture retention, stabilize slopes, reduce erosion, protect water quality, improve microclimates, and increase biodiversity. At the same time, they create employment opportunities, support women- and youth-led initiatives, and strengthen community cooperation through Hashar (traditional community collective work), as well as community dialogue around shared natural resources.

Following validation of the consolidated list, local civil society organisations engaged in the Partnership will now move into the implementation phase.

Partnership Background

The EU and UNEP established a partnership in 2017 to strengthen the capacity of countries and partners to identify environment and climate-related risks for peace and stability at global, national and community levels, and to develop nature-based solutions to respond to these challenges. Now in its second phase (2022–2027), the Partnership expands across multiple regions, including Central Asia, where it focuses on the Ferghana Valley, home to millions of people who depend on irrigated agriculture and livestock for their livelihoods and who are increasingly affected by climate change and water scarcity.

This regional initiative is fully funded by the European Union, with technical assistance from the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), and is implemented by the Scientific Information Centre of the Interstate Commission for Water Coordination (SIC ICWC) as the regional implementing partner. Implementation is carried out in close coordination with the European Union Delegation to the Kyrgyz Republic, the European Union Delegation to the Republic of Uzbekistan, and the European Union Delegation to the Republic of Tajikistan.