Energy

Water Resources

Climate-Induced Disasters

Agriculture

Health

INTRODUCTION

The Central Asian region is already facing the impact of climate change, which poses a real threat to food, water and energy security, public health and impede the achievement of the countries' sustainable development goals.

The countries of Central Asia are among the most vulnerable to climate change. Climate change affects the well-being of more than 70 million people, mostly living in rural areas of the Central Asian region. Given that agriculture is a key sector of the economy, the impact of climate change poses a serious threat to the region's food security and resilience. Building resilience to the increasing impact of climate change, such as melting glaciers and drought, is a top priority in reducing poverty and increasing prosperity in the region.¹

In Central Asia, the fastest rise in average annual temperature occurs near the Caspian Sea. In the Aral Sea region and the southern desert regions of Central Asia - in the south of Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan - precipitation has decreased by more than 5 percent in a decade.

Given the characteristic features of the region, vulnerability to climate change manifests itself in the form of an increase in the intensity of melting of glaciers and snowfields in the highlands of Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan, a change in water supply, an increasing frequency of natural disasters and an increased degree of aridity. All these risks can cause enormous damage to economic stability and food security in Central Asia.

All Central Asian countries are parties to the Paris Agreement and integrate climate issues into government programs and strategies. Climate change mitigation issues are reflected in Nationally Determined Contributions.

The World Bank report “Climate Change Adaptation in Central Asia” (2009) notes that average temperatures in the region have already increased by 0.5 ° C; by 2030-2050, the temperature is projected to increase by 1.6-2.6 ° C. The cumulative effects of climate change and the almost complete depletion of the resources of the Aral Sea exacerbate the problem of water scarcity. Higher temperatures lead to earlier melting of snow, resulting in the peak flow of water in rivers in the spring, and during the irrigation season it is reduced by almost 25%. So far, the volumes of runoff are increasing due to the rapid melting of glaciers. However, according to forecasts, after the Central Asian region reaches peak indicators of water consumption by about 2050, the situation will change, and the volume of runoff will sharply decrease.²

Climate change will have implications for all sectors of the economy that are decisive for economic growth and development of the region, including, not least, for energy, agriculture and disaster risk management systems (in Tajikistan and the Kyrgyz Republic, the costs of mitigation of the consequences of natural disasters caused by meteorological events is estimated at 1% of GDP per year), which are also important in a transboundary context. Adaptation will become not one of the possible development options for the region, but a necessity (CAWEP).³

¹ http://www.caiag.kg/ru/novosti/327-dushanbe-ru
² http://pubdocs.worldbank.org/en/864641567759267834/CAWEP-Brochure-2019-ru.pdf
³ http://pubdocs.worldbank.org/en/864641567759267834/CAWEP-Brochure-2019-ru.pdf

Energy

introduction

Central Asia is rich in energy resources. Downstream Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan have significant oil, gas and coal reserves, as well as significant wind and solar power generation potential, as well as grounds for expanding regional energy cooperation. The upstream countries Tajikistan and the Kyrgyz Republic have significant, but not fully utilized, hydropower potential. The availability of such diverse energy systems implies the ability to meet the seasonal electricity needs of all countries in the most economical and environmentally friendly way: with maximum use of inexpensive hydropower in the summer and reliable sources of thermal energy in the winter, when the cold climate limits hydropower production. At the same time, countries can build capacity to develop sources of wind and solar energy in the future.⁴

⁴ http://pubdocs.worldbank.org/en/864641567759267834/CAWEP-Brochure-2019-ru.pdf

Situational Analysis in...

Kazakhstan Kyrgyzstan Tajikistan Turkmenistan Uzbekistan

Kazakhstan

Introduction

Kazakhstan has about 0.5% of the world's balance reserves of mineral fuel, which amounts to 30 billion tons of fuel equivalent, of which coal accounts for 80%, oil and gas condensate - 13%, and natural and associated gas - 7%. The installed electric capacity of Kazakhstan power plants is about 18 GW (thermal power plants - 87.5%, hydraulic power plants - 12.4%). Kazakhstan has a well-developed district heating infrastructure. The installed electric capacity of CHPs is more than 6,700 MW (38% of the capacity of all power plants in the country). At the same time, they cover about 40% of heat consumption and about 46% of power consumption in Kazakhstan. Kazakhstan's energy sector is mainly focused on the use of hydrocarbon fuel. Only about 12% of electricity is generated by hydroelectric power plants, and 87% by thermal power plants.

In 2015, 76 power plants of various forms of ownership produced electricity in Kazakhstan. The total installed capacity of power plants in Kazakhstan is 21,307.2 MW, and the available capacity is 17,500.1 MW. In 2015, Kazakhstan produced 90,976.6 million kWh. Power generation in 2016 increased by 3.6% to 94076.5 million kWh. Production and consumption of energy resources in Kazakhstan are mainly due to the combustion of mineral fuels, particularly coal. Plans to expand coal and oil production indicate that dependence on traditional energy sources will continue. Meanwhile, work is underway to modernize coal-fired power plants, which will help reduce greenhouse gas emissions. By 2020, the small hydro, wind, and solar power are expected to account for 3% of the country's total electricity generation. As of August 2017, their share is 1%¹.

International commitments

Multilateral cooperation in industry and energy is carried out through the EAEU and CIS.

The Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) defines key areas of cooperation for the medium term and includes innovative modernization and production of machinery and equipment for the fuel and energy complex.²

National legislation

The Law of the Republic of Kazakhstan "On energy saving"
The Law of the Republic of Kazakhstan "On Electric Power Industry"
The Law of the Republic of Kazakhstan "On support of renewable energy sources use"
The Law of the Republic of Kazakhstan "On making amendments and addenda to some legislative acts of the Republic of Kazakhstan on energy saving and energy efficiency"
The Law of the Republic of Kazakhstan "On making amendments and addenda to some legislative acts of the Republic of Kazakhstan on the issues of electric power industry"
The Law of the Republic of Kazakhstan "On making amendments and addenda to some legislative acts of the Republic of Kazakhstan on support of renewable energy sources and electric power industry"
The Law of the Republic of Kazakhstan "On making amendments and addenda to some legislative acts of the Republic of Kazakhstan on electric power industry, energy saving and energy efficiency, subsoil use, local state administration, state border, housing and communal services and science"

National regulatory programs

The Electric Power Development Program is of a conceptual nature and is designed as part of the strategy implementing the development program of the Republic of Kazakhstan until 2030³. The electric power industry, being one of the basic industries, plays an important role in the economic and social sphere of any state. Therefore, the electric power complex is defined as one of the priority sectors of the economy of the Republic of Kazakhstan and is considered as a dynamically balanced system of energy - economy - nature - society with sustainable development of electric power industry based on new highly efficient technologies and constant reduction of energy intensity of the gross domestic product (GDP) of the country.

State authorities in charge of this area

The Ministry of Energy of the Republic of Kazakhstan⁴ formulates and implements state policy, coordinates the management process in the areas of oil and gas, oil and gas chemical industry, transportation of hydrocarbons, uranium mining, state regulation of oil products, gas and gas supply, main pipeline, electric power, heat supply, in terms of combined heat and power plants and boilers that produce heat energy in the district heating, nuclear power and nuclear energy.

The Department of Renewable Energy of the Ministry of Energy of the Republic of Kazakhstan⁵ is engaged in the formation and implementation of state policy in the development of renewable energy sources. The Department develops proposals for the formation of state policy in the field of renewable energy sources support, carries out management and inter-sectoral coordination in the field of renewable energy sources support, develops and coordinates normative legal acts in the field of renewable energy sources support, makes proposals for improvement of state standards in the field of renewable energy sources use.

Sources

¹ http://sustainable.eep.kz/upload/RUS_Saulet_Report_12-2017_RUS.pdf
² http://gkpen.kg/index.php/komitet/inter
³ http://adilet.zan.kz/rus/docs/P990000384_
⁴ https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/energo?lang=ru
⁵ https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/energo/about/structure/departments/leadership/4910/1?lang=ru

Kyrgyzstan

Introduction

The energy sector is one of the most significant sectors of the Kyrgyz economy and plays an important role in the country's economic development. Kyrgyzstan possesses sufficient reserves of fuel and energy resources.

Electricity production is carried out by hydroelectric power plants and 2 thermal stations of national importance, as well as 11 small hydroelectric power plants with various forms of ownership, the total installed capacity of which is 3784 MW, the available capacity is 3315 MW, 93% of the generated electricity is produced using water resources. The energy system of Kyrgyzstan provides the sectors of the economy and the population of the republic with electric energy and periodically during the growing season provides exports to other countries.

At the same time, an unfavorable feature, from the point of view of environmental protection, is that the republic is supplied with most of the energy resources it needs, including 66% of coal, 92% of gas, 89% of diesel fuel, 80% of motor gasoline, 70% of heating oil. fuel oil, 100% aviation kerosene.

In winter periods, in dry years, there is an insufficient accumulation of water reserves in the Toktogul reservoir and a shortage of electricity. With the aim of uninterrupted power supply to consumers, since 2014, Kyrgyzstan has begun to import electricity from neighboring republics.

The development of renewable energy sources (RES), in particular, small hydropower, is a priority area of activity of the Government of the Kyrgyz Republic, and in this direction, tasks have been set to increase the share of RES in the country's energy balance.¹

International obligations

Multilateral cooperation in the field of industry and energy is carried out through the EAEU and the CIS. Within the framework of the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU), key areas of cooperation for the medium term have been identified and include innovative modernization and production of machinery and equipment for the fuel and energy complex.²

National legislation

The Law of the Kyrgyz Republic "On Renewable Energy Sources";
The Law of the Kyrgyz Republic "On Energy Saving";
The Law of the Kyrgyz Republic "On Energy";
The Law of the Kyrgyz Republic "On Electric Power Industry";
The Law of the Kyrgyz Republic "On the Special Status of the Toktogul HPP Cascade";
The Law of the Kyrgyz Republic "On Oil and Gas";
The Law of the Kyrgyz Republic "On Coal"

National regulatory programs

In accordance with the adopted national Development Program of the Kyrgyz Republic for the period 2018-2022. "Unity, Trust, Creation" The Government of the Kyrgyz Republic aims at sustainable development of the energy sector and ensuring the country's energy security, providing the economy and population with reliable and modern energy supply and developing the country's export potential.

With the reconstruction and modernization of existing generating facilities, the planned increase in capacity by 2027 will amount to 702.68 MW. Reconstruction of the At-Bashinskaya and Uch-Kurgan hydroelectric power plants will be completed and the complete rehabilitation of the Toktogulskaya hydroelectric power station will be carried out. Also, new capacities will be put into operation - Kambar-Ata, the Verkhne-Naryn cascade, and the construction of the Suusamyr-Kokomerensky and Alabukinsky hydroelectric power stations will begin.

Projects for generating electricity from renewable energy sources (hereinafter referred to as RES) will be actively implemented, with the total installed capacity of renewable energy facilities reaching 400 MW by 2027, including at least 100 MW of electricity generation from renewable energy sources, except for small hydroelectric power plants.

The interregional project "СASA-1000" provides a practical transition to the stage of construction of facilities for power transmission lines of 500 kV, 477 km long, from the substation "Datka" to "Sughd-500" (Tajikistan).

Competent government authorities

The State Committee for Industry, Energy and Subsoil Use of the Kyrgyz Republic is the central executive body responsible for the development and implementation of state policy in the field of the fuel and energy complex.

The Energy Supervision Department of the State Inspectorate for Environmental and Technical Safety under the Government of the Kyrgyz Republic (hereinafter referred to as the State Ecological Technical Inspection) is an authorized state body exercising control and supervisory functions in the field of energy security and is a structural subdivision of the central office of the State Ecological Technical Inspection.³

Sources

¹ http://aarhus.kg/ru/natsionalnyj-doklad-o-sostoyanii-okruzhayushhej-sredy-2011-2014-goda
² http://gkpen.kg/index.php/komitet/inter
³ http://geti.gov.kg/upravleniya/upravlenie-energeticheskoj-bezopasnosti.html

Tajikistan

Introduction

In order to achieve sustainable socio-economic development and poverty reduction in Tajikistan, the development of efficient use of energy resources is crucial. The country has deposits of oil (over 100 million tons), gas (over 80 billion cubic meters) and of coal (4 billion tons, including 320 million tons of industrial reserves). However the production volumes and processing activities remain insignificant. A complex situation has developed in the energy sector: on the one hand, Tajikistan remains the leader in the production of environmentally friendly hydropower, on the other hand, to increase energy security, it is necessary to diversify energy sources through the involvement of coal-fired power stations. Although it is a necessary measure, this last option is environmentally harmful.

The main and promising source of energy for Tajikistan is water. Hydropower is the base of the country's electric power industry. The potential of hydropower resources is estimated at 527 billion kWh per year, including an economically efficient (technical) potential of over 317 billion kWh per year. Less than 4-5% of this potential is currently being used. Hydropower resources are renewable, and thus do not emit direct greenhouse gases and are highly profitable.

Despite these opportunities, Tajikistan's energy sector is extremely vulnerable to the effects of climate change. Since about 98% of the country's electricity is generated by hydropower plants located in river basins fed by melted glacier and snow water, the energy sector is highly dependent on hydrology and is therefore subject to risks from climate change.

International obligations

Tajikistan ratified the Energy Charter Treaty (ECT) and the Energy Charter Protocol on Energy Efficiency and Related Logical Aspects on June 17, 1997. The ECT entered into force in April 1998.

National legislation

Law of the Republic of Tajikistan "On Energy"
Law of the Republic of Tajikistan "On the safety of hydraulic structures"
Law of the Republic of Tajikistan "On the use of renewable energy sources"
Law of the Republic of Tajikistan "On Oil and Gas"
Law of the Republic of Tajikistan "On Energy Saving and Energy Efficiency"¹

National regulatory programs

In order to develop and use renewable energy sources on the territory of the Republic of Tajikistan and to increase the power supply of the population of remote and high mountainous regions, , the Government of the Republic of Tajikistan adopted Resolution No. 795 of December 30, 2015 on the "Program for the development of renewable energy sources and the construction of small hydropower plants for 2016-2020.". It permits toincrease the economic and energy efficiency of small hydropower plants and to create conditions for the operational maintenance of existing small power plants, including their repair, as well as the possible production of equipment for SHPP in Tajikistan.According to this Program, 64 small hydropower plants with a total installed capacity of 5 to 10,000 kW are to be built by 2020.²

Competent government authorities

The Ministry of Energy and Water Resources of the Republic of Tajikistan is the main executive body for the implementation of a unified state policy and regulation in the fuel and energy sector and in the field of water resources, as well as for the development of renewable energy sources and of hydropower. Therefore, this actor is involved in the process of addressing climate change issues by acting as the Designated National Authority for Clean Development Mechanism projects under the Kyoto Protocol. It is also directly involved in the process of comprehensive implementation of the concept of adaptation of national legislation regulating the energy and water sectors.³

Sources

¹ https://www.mewr.tj/?page_id=868
² https://www.mewr.tj/?page_id=585
³ https://www.mewr.tj/?page_id=2

Turkmenistan

Introduction

Turkmenistan has the largest proven gas reserves among former Soviet republics excluding the Russian Federation. Its gas resources are estimated at 22,900 billion cubic meters. (Second National Communication of Turkmenistan to the UNFCCC, 2010.) The energy sector accounts for a significant share (87% in 2004) of the country's total greenhouse gas emissions. Emissions are distributed within the sector as follows: oil and natural gas (51.8%), public energy (19.4%), electricity (15.4%), residential and municipal power (5.3%), and transportation (4.5%). Turkmenistan consumes 3,933 kg of oil equivalent per capita, making its level of per capita energy consumption significantly higher than that of the Kyrgyz Republic, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan, although slightly lower than Kazakhstan. Given the country’s vast energy resources, national energy policies and climate change measures focus on mitigating environmental impacts. In this regard, the main challenge is to find incentives to improve energy efficiency and scale up the use of renewable energy sources, especially in the face of the energy sector’s generous subsidies. Reducing subsidies and including renewable energy sources in its energy mix will not only reduce greenhouse gas emissions but will also help reduce volatility and risks across the energy sector of Turkmenistan.¹

In terms of general emissions, the country’s main sources of greenhouse gas emissions are oil and gas firms, the industries of energy, agriculture, and transportation, as well as housing and communal services. The largest volumes of emissions are generated by fuel combustion as well as the production, transportation, and storage of oil and gas. The country’s past increase in greenhouse gas emissions has been attributed primarily to increases in energy consumption. At the same time, due to technological innovation, the intensity of greenhouse gas emissions has decreased significantly in recent years but still remains quite high.²

International obligations

In Turkmenistan, the Energy Charter Treaty was signed in December 1994, entering into force in April 1998. The Treaty is a unique agreement covering intergovernmental cooperation in the energy sector. Its main goal is to strengthen the legal framework for energy issues by creating a unified regulatory landscape be used by all participating governments, thus minimizing the risks associated with investment and trade in the energy sector.

In 2017, Turkmenistan was elected chair of the Energy Charter Conference. Turkmenistan, as a state that has recently been taking active steps to streamline the international movement of energy resources and its diversification, has put forward initiatives to guarantee the reliability and security of energy supplies to world markets. As a common objective for all member states of the Energy Charter, the country sees a combination of pursuing economic interests, engaging with the realities of international partnership, and acknowledging the need for a careful approach to natural resources management and use.³

National legislation

Turkmenistan’s Law "On Electricity" (August 2014) establishes a legal, economic and organizational framework for activities in the electric power industry. It is aimed at increasing the capacity of the country's electric power system based on continued modernization in the industry, employing innovative energy-saving technologies and equipment.

National regulatory programs

The country has seen a set of large-scale projects being implemented in accordance with the "Concept for the Development of the Electricity Industry of Turkmenistan for 2013-2020". These projects aim to construct and further modernize power plants, lay power transmission lines, and build dozens of distribution substations. Additionally, the power supply and lighting systems are being updated in Ashgabat as well as other towns and cities.⁴

The Concept’s first stage was completed in 2016, allowing for electricity production to be nearly doubled from 2005 levels. Now the country operates 13 power plants with a total installed capacity of 5432.4 megawatts.⁵

The country’s National Climate Change Strategy, adopted in 2012, envisions a variety of measures to improve energy efficiency in all major sectors of the economy. It also aims for technical modernization, as well as the introduction of renewable energy systems in remote and sparsely populated areas. The strategy also focuses on increasing the share of renewable energy sources in the country's fuel and energy balance, including the development of economic incentives for using renewables. Based on the 2012 strategy, a National Action Plan on Climate Change Adaptation and Mitigation is being developed, which will become part of a broader green economy development plan.

Competent government authorities

Turkmenistan’s Ministry of Energy is the state’s relevant executive body. Its activities are directed and coordinated by the President of Turkmenistan. The Ministry is headed by the Minister of Energy of Turkmenistan, who is appointed by the President of Turkmenistan in the manner prescribed by law.

"Turkmenenergo", the country’s state electricity corporation, is a complex independent organization within the Ministry of Energy of Turkmenistan. It ensures the operation and maintenance of energy facilities, the centralized provision of electricity and heating to consumers in public and industrial sectors, as well as ensuring the export of electricity. The corporation is also responsible for the construction, operation, and repair of power plants and power lines.

Sources

¹ Uwe Deichmann and Fan Dzang, "Getting Greener: The Economic Benefits of Climate Change Measures," World Bank, 2013)
² https://www.undp.org/content/dam/turkmenistan/docs/latest-reports/110712_Strategy_ru.pdf
³ https://www.mfa.gov.tm/ru/energy/news/98
⁴ https://sng.today/ashkhabad/8477-jelektrojenergetika-turkmenistana-dinamichno-razvivaetsja-analitika.html
⁵ https://turkmenportal.com/blog/11652/elektroenergetika-turkmenistana-dostizheniya-i-perspektivy-razvitiya

Uzbekistan

Introduction

The fuel-energy complex (FEC) forms the basis of Uzbekistan’s economy, which comprises electric power, power for heating, oil and gas, and the coal industry. As one of the country’s strategic focuses, the fuel-energy complex is under the government’s special control. Despite constantly strengthening policies for energy conservation and efficiency, Uzbekistan’s energy intensity is still quite high. This means that for one ton of emissions, the country produces fewer goods and services than many other countries.

In the oil and gas sector, the state’s policy aims to increase efficiency in the use of oil and gas resources, to diversify the industry, and to increase the added value of manufactured products.

Uzbekistan has a sizeable reserve of renewable energy sources (RES) (solar energy, wind energy, hydropower potential) and has set a goal to increase the renewable energy sources’ share of total electricity production to 25% by 2030, today this figure is 10%. To achieve such results, the Ministry of Energy is taking active measures to implement large projects in renewable energy.

Regarding Uzbekistan’s anthropogenic greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, the energy sector forms the largest portion of total GHG volume, contributing an estimated 168.1 million tons of CO2-eq¹ or 82% of total GHG volume.

International obligations

Uzbekistan ratified the Energy Charter Treaty in 1995, with the document entering into force in April 1998. However, since 2010, representatives of the country's departments have not participated in the activities of the organization's working groups.²

National legislation

The oil and gas industry has received stable legislative support with the adoption of the Law on Subsoil (2002), the issuance of the Presidential Decree “On measures to attract foreign direct investment in the exploration and production of oil and gas”, and several other documents supporting the sector.

The Republic of Uzbekistan has also adopted its first legislative act providing for comprehensive regulation of the renewable energy sector, namely the Law on the Use of Renewable Energy Sources (RES Law), which entered into force on May 22, 2019. As a result, energy producers have received several tax incentives.³

The Republic of Uzbekistan Strategy of Action plan for 2017-2021, outlining five development priorities, notes the importance of transitioning to wider use of renewable energy sources (RES).⁴

National regulatory programs

In Uzbekistan, the process of reforming the country's fuel-energy complex is underway, while aiming to continue to meet the energy needs of the population and the economy. This has resulted in the following regulations:
Resolution of the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan, which provides measures to provide the economy and the population with energy resources in a stable manner
Resolution of the Cabinet of Ministers of the Republic of Uzbekistan No. 331 "On the Program for the Development of Hydropower for 2016-2020."
Resolution of the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan "On the program of measures for the further development of hydropower for 2017-2021"
"Program of Measures for the Further Development of Renewable Energy, Improving Energy Efficiency in the Sectors of the Economy and Social Sphere for 2017-2021".
"Concept for the provision of the Republic of Uzbekistan with electric energy for 2020-2030", which calls for the modernization of existing power plants, the creation of new types of power generation through renewable energy sources, and nuclear power plants. These measures will reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 10% by 2030, compared to 2010.⁵

Competent government authorities

In accordance with the Decree of the President of the Republic dated 01.02.2019 No. UP-5646 "On measures to radically improve the management system of the fuel and energy industry of the Republic of Uzbekistan", the Ministry of Energy of the Republic of Uzbekistan was created.

The Ministry of Energy’s mandates include the introduction of modern technologies for saving and optimizing energy in government bodies and organizations, as well as monitoring energy consumption efficiency.

Sources

¹ https://unfccc.int/sites/default/files/resource/TNC_Uzbekistan_under_UNFCCC_rus.pdf?download
² https://uz.sputniknews.ru/economy/20190520/11553373/Uzbekistanu-predlozhili-vernutsya-k-Energokhartii.html
³ https://uz.sputniknews.ru/economy/20191212/13001217/Vremya-deystvovat-Uzbekistan-na-mezhdunarodnoy-konferentsii-po-izmeneniyu-klimata.html
⁴ https://unicaselaw.com/10-things-about-renewable-energy-uzbekistan_spaq
⁵ http://minenergy.uz/ru/news/view/613

Water Resources

introduction

Water resources are predominantly transboundary in nature. Most of the region's surface water resources are formed in the mountains of Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Afghanistan. These waters flow into the two main rivers in the downstream countries - Kazakhstan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan - which are part of the Aral Sea basin. Water resources are critical to the region's economy, people and the environment. Irrigation, for example, is vital to agricultural production, and most of the populations of Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan are directly or indirectly dependent on irrigated agriculture. Water is also essential for energy production - hydropower meets over 90 percent of the total electricity needs in Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan, and is also an export commodity. Competing agricultural needs in downstream countries and hydropower in upstream countries are fueling serious political debate in the region, placing water at the center of regional security and stability.⁵

Water resources are limited, the demand for water increases as the population grows and the economy develops, and competition and potential conflicts over water increase between different water users. After the collapse of the USSR, in order to avoid interstate conflicts, the young states of the region established the Interstate Commission for Water Coordination (ICWC) in 1992.⁶

The frequency, seasonality and magnitude of water-related disasters are expected to change under the influence of changing climatic factors.⁷

The disappearance of water resources is negatively affected by climate change and rising temperatures. The consequence of this has already become a reduction in the number and volume of the Tien Shan and Pamir glaciers, which are the main sources of replenishment of the river basins in Central Asia.⁸

In addition to climate change, the speed of glacier melting is influenced by dust and salt, which are carried by winds from the drying bottom of the Aral Sea. Every year, tons of dust and salt are deposited on the glaciers of the Pamir and Tien Shan, thereby affecting the rate and area of melting.⁹

⁵ https://gwp.org/globalassets/global/toolbox/publications/technical-focus-papers/05.-integrated-water-resources-management-in-central-asia-2014-russian.pdf
⁶ https://livingasia.online/2019/11/16/vodnye-resursy-czentralnoj-azii-i-klimat/
⁷ https://www.cawa-project.net/ru/portret/
⁸ http://ecogosfond.kz/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/CA.D.278-Vodno-jenergeticheskaja-bezopasnost-Centralnoj-Azii.pdf
⁹ http://ecogosfond.kz/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/CA.D.278-Vodno-jenergeticheskaja-bezopasnost-Centralnoj-Azii.pdf

Situational Analysis in...

Kazakhstan Kyrgyzstan Tajikistan Turkmenistan Uzbekistan

Kazakhstan

Introduction

Water resources in Kazakhstan depend to a large extent on river and lake runoff. Glaciers are the main source of feeding the rivers of Kazakhstan. A total of 2,724 glaciers with a total glaciation area of 2,033.3 square meters have been identified in the mountains of Kazakhstan. Almost half of the total area of glaciation accounts for the Dzungarian Alatau mountains (more than 1,000 square meters). On the territory of Kazakhstan there are 85 022 rivers and temporary waterways, including 84 694 rivers up to 100 km long, 305 rivers up to 500 km and 23 rivers more than 500-1000 km long. The Irtysh is the most abundant river in Kazakhstan. Its length within the republic is 1,700 km (total length 4,248 km). The second biggest river in Kazakhstan, Syr Darya, is 1,400 km long within the republic (total length 2,219 km). The main artery of the Lake Balkhash basin is the Ile River, 1001 km long (within Kazakhstan 815 km). The most significant rivers include the Ural, Ishim, Tobol, Ilek, Shu, Torgai, Sarysu, Talas, Nura, Emba, etc.
By the nature of feeding the rivers of Kazakhstan are divided into 3 types: snow, glacial and mixed. There are 48,262 lakes in Kazakhstan, of which 45,248 are small (the area is less than 1 square kilometer). There are 296 large lakes (over 10 sq. km) and 21 lakes over 100 sq. km in size. The latter comprise 60% of the water surface of all lakes in Kazakhstan. Two kinds of lakes are distinguished - of tectonic and exogenic origin. The Caspian Sea, the Aral Sea, Balkhash, Teniz, Alakol and Markakol are located in tectonic depressions. The total volume of water level in the lakes of Kazakhstan is more than 190 square kilometers. The territory of Kazakhstan is washed by isolated water bodies of the Caspian and Aral Seas from the south-west and western parts. The Caspian Sea is divided into three parts: northern shallow (4-8 m), middle (up to 780 m) and southern deep (more than 1,000 m). The Aral Sea occupies the depression of the Turan Depression. The bottom of the sea is entirely in the area of shelf depths, and the water level is intensively lowered.¹

International commitments

The Republic of Kazakhstan joined the Convention on the Protection and Use of Transboundary Watercourses and International Lakes in Helsinki (Finland), March 17, 1992, which regulates a number of aspects of transboundary water management.

ICWC Agreements ²
Agreement between the Republic of Kazakhstan, the Kyrgyz Republic, the Republic of Uzbekistan, the Republic of Tajikistan and Turkmenistan on cooperation in joint management of the use and protection of interstate water resources ³
Statement of Heads of water authorities of Central Asian Republics and Kazakhstan ⁴
Provision about Interstate Coordination Water Commission of Central Asia (ICWC) ⁵
Provision about Interstate Coordination Water Commission of Central Asia (ICWC) Executive Bodies and their Heads rotation order ⁶
Provision about Scientific-Information Center on Water Problems at Interstate Commission for Water Coordination of Central Asia (SIC ICWC) ⁷
Provision on SIC ICWC branches in the Aral Sea basin states⁷
Provision about permanent body (Secretariat) of Interstate Coordination Water Commission
Statute of Basin Water-Management Association "Amudarya " ⁸
Statute of Basin Water-Management Association "Syrdarya " ⁹
Statute of Coordination Metrological Center at Interstate Commission for Water Coordination of Central Asia (CMC ICWC) ¹⁰
Agreement between the Government of the Republic of Kazakhstan, the Government of the Kyrgyz Republic and the Government¹¹ of the Republic of Uzbekistan on the Use of Water and Energy Resources in the Syrdarya River Basin ¹²
Protocol between the Government of the Republic of Kazakhstan, the Government of the Kyrgyz Republic and the Government of the Republic of Uzbekistan on the Use of Water and Energy Resources of the Naryn-Syrdarya Reservoirs Cascade in 2001¹³

National legislation

Water Code of the Republic of Kazakhstan
The Law of the Republic of Kazakhstan "On Amendments and Additions to the Water Code of the Republic of Kazakhstan"
The Law of the Republic of Kazakhstan "On Ratification of the Loan Agreement (Project "Regulation of the Syrdarya River Channel and Preservation of the Northern Aral Sea (Phase 1)" between the Republic of Kazakhstan and the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development"
Law of the Republic of Kazakhstan "About rural consumer cooperative of water users"
Law of the Republic of Kazakhstan "On Peasant (Farmer) Farming"
The Law of the Republic of Kazakhstan "On agricultural partnerships and their associations (unions)"
The Law of the Republic of Kazakhstan "On Accession of the Republic of Kazakhstan to the Convention on the Protection and Use of Transboundary Watercourses and International Lakes
Law of the Republic of Kazakhstan "On Ratification of the Agreement between the Government of the Republic of Kazakhstan and the Government of the Kyrgyz Republic on the Use of Water Management Facilities of Intergovernmental Status on the Chu and Talas Rivers
The Law of the Republic of Kazakhstan "On ratification of Agreement between the Government of the Republic of Kazakhstan, the Government of the Kyrgyz Republic, the Government of the Republic of Tajikistan, the Government of Turkmenistan and the Government of the Republic of Uzbekistan about status of the International Fund for the Aral Sea Saving (IFAS) and its organizations
The Law of the Republic of Kazakhstan "On Amendments and Additions to Some Legislative Acts of the Republic of Kazakhstan on the Issues of Permit System"
The Law of the Republic of Kazakhstan "On Amendments and Addenda to Some Legislative Acts of the Republic of Kazakhstan on Water Supply and Sanitation, Loans and Subsidies to Housing and Communal Services" (2015)
Law of the Republic of Kazakhstan "On making amendments and addenda to some legislative acts of the Republic of Kazakhstan on the transition of the Republic of Kazakhstan to a "green economy" (2016)
Law of the Republic of Kazakhstan "On amendments and additions to the Water Code of the Republic of Kazakhstan on the division of powers between local representative, central and local executive bodies to subsidize the drinking water supply" (2021)
Law of the Republic of Kazakhstan "On making amendments and addenda to some legislative acts of the Republic of Kazakhstan on issues related to activities on the Caspian Sea" (2021)

National regulatory programs

The concept of the RK Water Resources Management Program for 2020-2030 was approved in January 2020. The annual surface water resources of the RK amount to about 100 cu km, of which more than 44% are formed outside the country. Agriculture accounts for 67% of water consumption, industry for 30%, and the rest for domestic needs. By 2040 it is expected that water consumption in Kazakhstan will increase by 56%. The Water Resources Management Program 2020-2030 aims to maintain a water balance of 100 km3 by 2030 by increasing surface water resources: construction of new reservoirs by 5-7 km3, water conservation by 5 km3, and groundwater use by 15 km3. By this period, it is planned to reduce water consumption per GDP unit from 91,2 to 73,0 cu m per 1 thou m2, build 26 new hydraulic structures, and reconstruct 182 national and 300 municipal hydraulic structures. The document provides for the construction of new irrigation systems to increase irrigated lands from 1.7 to 3 million ha, and increase the length of lined main and distribution channels from 3423 to 19 thousand km.
The Kazakhstan Water Resources Management Program 2020-2030 will include 10 main directions: international cooperation, renewal of legal framework, institutional reforms, modernization and reconstruction of water infrastructure, study of international best practices of water market creation, digitalization of water sector, implementation of Smart Water project, environmentally optimal use of water resources, training of water sector specialists with modern skills, and implementation of important national water projects.¹⁴

State authorities in charge of this area

State authorities in charge of this area The Committee on Water Resources and the Department of Transboundary Rivers of the Ministry of Ecology, Geology and Natural Resources of the Republic of Kazakhstan (CWR, DTR MEGPR RK)
The CWR MEGPR RK is a legal entity subordinate to the Ministry, in the organizational and legal form of a public institution, has seals and stamps with its name in the state language, letterheads of standard pattern, in accordance with the legislation of the Republic of Kazakhstan accounts in the treasury. The Committee shall enter into civil law relations on its own behalf. The Committee shall have the right to act as a party to civil-law relations on behalf of the state if it is authorized to do so in accordance with the laws of the Republic of Kazakhstan. The Committee shall make decisions on matters within its competence in the manner prescribed by law, formalized by orders of the Chairman of the Committee and other acts stipulated by the legislation of the Republic of Kazakhstan.¹⁵
DTR MEWR RK - ensuring cooperation with neighboring states on the regulation of water relations, rational use and protection of transboundary waters. ensuring international cooperation in the use and protection of transboundary waters.

Sources

Kyrgyzstan

Introduction

There are more than 3500 rivers and rivulets in the republic that belong to seven main basins - the Syrdarya river, the Amudarya river, the Chu river, the Talas river, the Ili river, the Tarim river and Lake Issyk-Kul. The water resources of these rivers flow through the territory of the Kyrgyz Republic and go to the states of Central Asia. Domestic (operational) runoff of surface sources includes, in addition to naturally forming runoff, also waste and return water from irrigated lands that enter water sources by surface and underground routes.

Of the total area of the republic, 4.1% of the territory is occupied by glaciers and snowfields; they take part in the formation of the runoff of 5 independent river basins. There are 923 lakes in the country. The water reserve in the lakes is estimated at 1745 cubic km, or about 71% of the total national moisture reserves. The largest lakes - Issyk-Kul, Son-Kul, Chatyr-Kul, Sarychelek are located in closed basins. The rest belong to the Syrdarya river basin.

The republic uses 23.5% of the available water reserves. A significant part of water resources in the republic (94-96%) is used for irrigation and agricultural water consumption, which is 4100-4550 million cubic meters per year. Most of them (80-85%) are used during the growing season. Industrial water use accounts for 1.4% of the total water use. The significant height of the Tien Shan mountains and the huge reserves of water also create favorable conditions for the widespread use of the water and energy resources of the rivers of the Kyrgyz Republic, the total reserves of which are 162 billion kW. In this regard, the Kyrgyz Republic plays a key role in the distribution of water in Central Asia, and the generated hydroelectric energy at the hydroelectric power plants of the Kyrgyz Republic is an important energy resource for the development of the country's economy.⁴

International obligations

Convention on the Protection and Use of Transboundary Watercourses and International Lakes of March 17, 1992, Helsinki.

National legislation

Water Code of the Kyrgyz Republic, Bishkek, dated January 12, 2005;
The Law of the Kyrgyz Republic "On Water", Bishkek, dated January 14, 1994;
The Law of the Kyrgyz Republic "On Drinking Water", Bishkek, March 25, 1999;
The Law of the Kyrgyz Republic "On Environmental Protection", Bishkek, dated June 16, 1999;
Law of the Kyrgyz Republic "On the interstate use of water bodies, water resources and water facilities of the Kyrgyz Republic", Bishkek, dated July 23, 2001 N 76;
The Law of the Kyrgyz Republic "On associations (associations) of water users and unions of associations of water users", Bishkek, dated March 15, 2002

National regulatory programs

Action plan for the implementation of the Program for Adaptation of Agriculture and Water Resources to Climate Change for 2016-2020. implies adaptation measures to climate change in the water sector.
Depending on the magnitude of the decrease in runoff, measures for each river basin should be aimed at improving water resources management, introducing the principles of integrated water resources management.

The main possible adaptation measures to climate change in the water and water sectors are summarized in the Action Plan matrix, during the development of which consultations were carried out, and the Resolution of the GKR No. 229 of May 16, 2011 “On Approval of the State Program for the Construction of Water Facilities and Development of New of irrigated lands for 2011-2015, as well as, Resolution of the GKR No. 540 dated September 8, 2011 “On approval of the draft Medium-term development program of the Kyrgyz Republic for 2013-2017.

Competent government authorities

The State Agency for Water Resources under the Government of the Kyrgyz Republic is an authorized state executive body that carries out state regulation of relations in the field of management and use of water resources. The tasks of the Agency include regulation of relations in the field of management and use of water resources, development and implementation of programs for the development of irrigation infrastructure facilities, as well as drinking water supply and sanitation, development of international cooperation of the Kyrgyz Republic in the field of water resources.

Sources

⁴ http://aarhus.kg/ru/natsionalnyj-doklad-o-sostoyanii-okruzhayushhej-sredy-2011-2014-goda

Tajikistan

Introduction

Melted waters of glaciers, permafrost and seasonal snow cover in the Pamir mountains are the main sources of water resources in Tajikistan and neighboring countries. They feed agricultural oases and power the turbines of hydroelectric power plants. At the same time, they can cause significant destructions in the mountain areas due to mudflows and floods. On the contrary,their deficit and the reduced glacial runoffincrease the risk of drought and of aquatic ecosystems degradation, leading to increasing damages to the economy and population.

The Republic of Tajikistan has an impressive supply of fresh water (about 60% of Central Asia's water resources), concentrated in glaciers, and is a unique glacial region, within which the sources of the largest rivers of Tajikistan - Vakhsh, Kafirnigan, Zeravshan, Pyanj - originate. The provision of water resources in Tajikistan is estimated at 981.5 km3 / year.

For the needs of agriculture, more than 81.76% of the total volume of water consumption and almost 24% of the river flow of the Republic are annually used. Irrigated agriculture accounts for almost 85% of the water consumption in agriculture and 70% of the total water withdrawal in the Republic.

International obligations

"Agreement between the Governments of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan on the use of water and energy resources of the Syrdarya basin" dated March 17, 1998
Tajikistan participates in the International Fund for Saving the Aral Sea (IFAS), which is the main regional organization for transboundary water-ecological cooperation in Central Asia and is headed by the heads of countries.
UN Convention on the Use of Non-Navigational Water Resources
UNECE Water Convention
UN General Assembly Resolution A / RES / 73/226 Mid-term Comprehensive Review of the International Decade for Action 'Water for Sustainable Development' 2018-2028 (2018)

National legislation

Water Code of the Republic of Tajikistan
Law of the Republic of Tajikistan "On drinking water and drinking water supply 2010"
Law of the Republic of Tajikistan "On Environmental Protection"
Law of the Republic of Tajikistan "On the safety of hydraulic structures"
Law of the Republic of Tajikistan "On Water Users Association"
Law of the Republic of Tajikistan "On Fish Farming" of 2006
Law of the Republic of Tajikistan "On drinking water and drinking water supply from 02.01.2018"⁴

National regulatory programs

In the field of water resources, the following programs are currently being implemented in the Republic of Tajikistan:

Program for the reform of the water sector of the Republic of Tajikistan for the period 2016-2025.
Program to improve the provision of the population of the Republic of Tajikistan with clean drinking water for 2008 - 2020.
State program for the development of new irrigated land and the restoration of lands abandoned from agricultural use in the Republic of Tajikistan for 2012-2020.
State program of bank protection works in the Republic of Tajikistan for 2018-2022.
State program to improve land reclamation in the Republic of Tajikistan for 2019-2023.⁵

Competent government authorities

The Ministry of Energy and Water Resources of the Republic of Tajikistan was established in accordance with the Decree of the President of the Republic of Tajikistan dated November 19, 2013, No. 12.

The Ministry also exercises leadership and state control and supervision in the fields of energy and safety of hydraulic structures through its structural divisions - the State Service for Supervision in the Field of Energy and the Service for State Supervision in the Field of Safety of Hydraulic Structures.⁶

Sources

⁴ https://www.mewr.tj/?page_id=868
⁵ https://www.mewr.tj/?page_id=588
⁶ https://www.mewr.tj/

Turkmenistan

Introduction

Concerning the independent provision of its own water resources, Turkmenistan is among the least autonomous of all Central Asian countries. Turkmenistan’s water is largely extracted from the rivers Amu Darya, Murgap, Tejen, and Etrek, as well as several dozen springs, streams, and other rivers. Agriculture uses most of the country’s water resources.

Turkmenistan’s rivers, namely the Amu Darya, Murghab, Tejen, Etrek, and other small rivers, originate almost entirely in the territory of its neighboring countries. Therefore, the country’s available water resources are determined not only by these rivers’ natural water content but also by international water-sharing agreements. The flow of the Amu Darya, which provides about 90% of all water resources in the country, has remained practically unchanged in recent years.

With climate change, an expected increase in air temperature and a decrease in annual precipitation will cause decreased river flows, increased evaporation, and a change in the hydrography of the country’s rivers. These impacts will ultimately affect the availability of water for irrigated agriculture, which forms the basis of the country's agriculture industry. A preliminary calculation suggests that the flow of local rivers will decrease by more than 30%. This increasing water scarcity highlights the need for the efficient use and management of water resources in Turkmenistan. With water resources declining, irrigation methods must be revised and modernized, with a special focus on their efficiency and productivity. Evaporation from the surface of water reservoirs will also accelerate, increasing evaporation volumes by 150 million m3 over current levels. The norm for major crops will increase by 13% by 2030-2040 already. As a result, crop irrigation will require additional water extraction amounting to about 3000 million m³.⁶

International obligations

Turkmenistan ratified the Aarhus Convention on April 30, 1999, confirming its intention to adhere to the Convention’s provisions and thereby be guided by high international standards in environmental protection and public participation in environmental decision-making.

Turkmenistan became a Party to the Convention on the Protection and Use of Transboundary Watercourses and International Lakes (Helsinki Convention, March 1992) in 2012, and adopted a modern Water Code in 2016.

Turkmenistan also continues to focus on reaching bilateral water agreements, such as the following:

"Agreement between the Republic of Kazakhstan, the Republic of Kyrgyzstan, the Republic of Uzbekistan, the Republic of Tajikistan and Turkmenistan on cooperation in the field of joint management of the use and protection of water resources of interstate sources" (1992), which established the Interstate Coordination Water Commission of Central Asia within its framework.
"Agreement between the Government of the Republic of Kazakhstan, the Government of the Kyrgyz Republic, the Government of the Republic of Tajikistan, the Government of Turkmenistan and the Government of the Republic of Uzbekistan on the status of the International Fund for Saving the Aral Sea (IFAS) and its organizations" (1999).

National legislation

In October 2016, the parliament adopted a new Code "On Water". As an integral part of the national legislative system, the new Water Code aims to regulate water relations based on the principles of sustainable development in the state and society, ensuring the rational use and protection of the country's water resources.⁷ The new code provides scope for applying its administrative principles to the government of water basins. The code also outlines the rights of different groups of water users. It sets goals for close cooperation with neighboring countries, providing the possibility of establishing joint bodies to regulate transboundary water bodies.

National regulatory programs

Efforts are being made to conserve water and upgrade water quality while improving the legal framework for the use and protection of water resources.

The increasing scarcity of water resources due to climate change calls for further strengthening of the legislative and regulatory framework for water resources management in Turkmenistan. Specifically, these developments require a revision of irrigation methods, increasing the productivity of irrigation systems through modernization.

With this in mind, the water sector’s potential will be considered when developing the “Concept for the Development of the Water Economy of Turkmenistan until 2030”. This will allow for several adaptation measures in the face of climate change, with the following priorities:

improving water resources management
introducing modern methods of irrigation and desalination
constructing reservoirs and rebuilding hydraulic structures
developing incentives for sensible water consumption
continuing the construction of Turkmenistan’s Golden Age Lake
strengthening international cooperation on conservation and the use of transboundary waters

Competent government authorities

The State Committee for Water Management of Turkmenistan is responsible for water management and is the legal successor of the Ministry of Agriculture and Water Resources.

Sources

⁶ https://infoclimate.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/Turkmenistan_Climate_Change_Profile_RUS.pdf
⁷ http://www.cawater-info.net/review/legal_tm.htm

Uzbekistan

Introduction

The country's water resources are comprised of the surface runoff of the transborder rivers Syr Darya and Amu Darya (55%), small rivers (33%), groundwater (10%), and water collector/drainage runoff (2%). All waterways and reservoirs of Uzbekistan belong to the Aral Sea basin. The natural flow of the rivers Amu Darya and Syr Darya has been disturbed by the creation of reservoirs, water intakes for irrigation, and the discharge of collector and drainage waters.

Irrigated agriculture forms the chief consumer of Uzbekistan’s available water resources, accounting for up to 90% of total water consumption in some years. Groundwater resources are mainly used as drinking water and for industrial purposes, with only a small part of them being used for irrigation.

There are 56 artificial reservoirs in operation in Uzbekistan, devoted mainly to solving issues of irrigation and energy provision.

Ongoing climatic changes (an increase in air temperatures, a decrease in mountain glaciation and seasonal snow cover, a decrease in precipitation, an increase in climate variability) negatively affect the number of water resources in the region and their replenishment. The possible reduction in river flow, combined with the country’s intense population growth which will increase water demand, may create difficulties in maintaining a balance between demand and water supply.

Global warming trends are reflected in the climatic changes faced by the regions that feed the rivers Amu Darya (Pamir, Gissar-Alai, Hindu Kush) and Syr Darya (Tien Shan). As a result of this warming, these regions have experienced a widespread degradation of glaciers, with small glaciers disappearing and large ones melting. Small glaciers with an area less than 1 km2, which account for 80% of all glaciers in this region, are degrading fastest.

International obligations

The Republic of Uzbekistan joined the 1992 UN Helsinki Convention of the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE) on the Protection and Use of Transboundary Watercourses and International Lakes in 2007. The main purpose of the convention is to strengthen national legal measures to protect and ensure environmentally sustainable management of transboundary surface and ground waters.

The convention currently provides principles for regional water allocation and preserving the proportions of established water withdrawal limits. These apply to joint water management and the use and protection of transnational water sources, and were signed by the Aral Sea basin’s heads of states in February 1992. In addition, there are several intergovernmental agreements between neighboring states in the region.

The Interstate Commission for Water Coordination (ICWC) is a body of Central Asia’s five national governments and their five Ministers of Water Resources. It has the functions of managing regional water resources and maintaining the sustainability of natural processes in transborder rivers.

National legislation

A crucial piece of national legislation is the Law of the Republic of Uzbekistan "On Water and Water Use" (1993): The main objectives of this law are to ensure sensible water consumption that reflects the needs of the population and the economy while protecting water from pollution, contamination, and depletion. It also aims to prevent and eliminate harmful water-based disasters and to improve the condition of water bodies. Furthermore, it serves to protect the rights and interests of enterprises, institutions, organizations, farms, dehkan farms, and citizens in the field of water relations.

National regulatory programs

A Presidential Decree has also approved the “Concept for the Development of the Water Economy of Uzbekistan for 2020-2030”, as announced by the Ministry of Justice’s press service. One of the Concept’s priorities is to ensure the safety and reliable operation of dams, flood reservoirs, and other water facilities.

In order to introduce effective mechanisms for water resource management as well as efficient water use and water consumption, a water code will be developed.⁶

Competent government authorities

In accordance with the Decree of the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan dated February 12, 2018, No. UP-5330 "On organizational measures to radically improve the system of state management of agriculture and water management", the Ministry of Agriculture and the Ministry of Water Resources of the Republic of Uzbekistan were established. These were derived from the previous Ministry of Agriculture and Water Resources.

Sources

⁶ https://uzreport.news/economy/v-uzbekistane-razrabotayut-vodniy-kodeks

Climate-Induced Disasters

introduction

Climate change is an increase in air temperature that affects various natural processes. For example, on the speed and extent of glacier melting. This along the chain leads to the intensity of mudflows, landslides and floods. Also, natural disasters related to climate change include droughts, heavy rains, frosts and hurricanes.¹⁰

¹⁰ https://carececo.org/main/news/predotvratit-mezhdunarodnyy-den-umensheniya-opasnosti-bedstviy/

Situational Analysis in...

Kazakhstan Kyrgyzstan Tajikistan Turkmenistan Uzbekistan

Kazakhstan

Introduction

According to estimates of the Committee for Water Resources, by 2020 in Kazakhstan it is expected to reduce the available surface water resources from 100 to 70 cubic km per year. And the reduction of transboundary flow is predicted from 44 to 18.5 cubic km per year. Moreover, due to the intensive melting of glaciers, local water runoff will decrease by 10-20% already by 2020-2030.

According to experts, by 2050 the flow of Zhaiyk (Urals) river is expected to decrease by 2.2 cubic km, Yertis (Irtysh) - by 1.4 cubic km, Yesil - by 1.1 cubic km, Tobol - by 0.1 cubic km. Thus, according to foreign researchers, there is a risk of water scarcity in Kazakhstan, and by 2050 the republic can appear in the list of states of catastrophic water stress. It is logical that such forecast of events cannot but affect socio-economic growth of the country. And first of all, the ongoing changes are reflected in the agricultural sector. Calculations show that under the expected climate conditions the yield of spring wheat by 2030 will amount to 63-91% of their current level on average in the regions. And if the current level of farming culture is maintained until 2050, spring wheat yields will decrease by 13-49%. The greatest changes are predicted in the main grain-producing regions - North Kazakhstan, Akmola and Kostanay.

International commitments

The Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015-2030 was adopted at the Third World Conference in Sendai, Japan on March 18, 2015.¹

The Doha Amendment established a second commitment period under the Kyoto Protocol for 37 countries from 2013 to 20202.²

National legislation

Law of the Republic of Kazakhstan "On the state of emergency".
The Law of the Republic of Kazakhstan "On National Security of the Republic of Kazakhstan". Article 6. Major Threats to National Security.

State authorities in charge of this area

Ministry of Emergency Situations of the Republic of Kazakhstan³ - the central executive body responsible for the formation of state policy in the field of prevention and liquidation of emergencies of natural and man-made nature, civil defense, inter-sectoral coordination in the field of fire and industrial safety, formation and development of state material reserve, ensuring the functioning and further development of the state system of prevention and liquidation of emergency situations, organization of n Territorial Departments of Emergency Situations have been established, are territorial units of the Ministry of Emergency Situations of the Republic of Kazakhstan, the management of civil protection agencies and units in the city.

Sources

¹ https://www.gndr.org/images/newsite/PDFs/SFDRR-ru.pdf
² https://unfccc.int/process/the-kyoto-protocol/the-doha-amendment
³ https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/emer?lang=ru

Kyrgyzstan

Introduction

More than 20 types of dangerous natural and weather phenomena and processes are manifested on the territory of Kyrgyzstan: earthquakes, mudflows and floods, landslides, avalanches, avalanches and talus, firn-ice avalanches, squall winds, zagory, hail, frost, drought, showers, solifluction, pulsations and movements of glaciers, subsidence of soils, karst and thermokarst, fires, etc. The most frequent ones - mudflows, floods, heavy precipitation, winds, fogs, late spring and early autumn frosts, abrupt weather changes, droughts - are hydrometeorological in their genesis, which means they directly depend on weather and climatic changes.

Mudflows and floods, due to their exceptional prevalence and frequency, are in the first place among other dangerous natural processes in terms of the total damage caused. There are 3103 mudflow rivers in Kyrgyzstan. The largest number of them is found in the Chu river basins - 479, Talas - 254, Naryn - 789, Kara-Darya - 666, Issyk-Kul lake - 375.

Snow avalanches refer to especially dangerous hydrometeorological natural phenomena that pose a danger to humans, structures, transport communications, energy bridges and communication lines, there are frequent cases of mass death in avalanches of livestock, damage to forests. According to experts, 53% of the entire territory of Kyrgyzstan is subject to avalanche impact.

Early autumn and spring late frosts cause direct material damage to agriculture - the basis of the republic's economy. In various regions, the death of seedlings of potatoes and cabbage, seedlings of crops, including winter wheat, is noted.

Landslides and landslides occur mainly in the southwestern part of Kyrgyzstan, where in some areas there are up to 30-40 landslides per 1 square meter. The most susceptible are mountain villages, mining settlements and highways.

In addition to a large number of meteorological hazards, a distinctive feature in recent years has been a meteorological drought caused by a lack of precipitation and a fairly high temperature.⁶

International obligations

Order of the Ministry of Emergency Situations of the Kyrgyz Republic No. 1391 dated December 30, 2019. "On the implementation of a reporting mechanism for achieving the goals of the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction in the Kyrgyz Republic"

The Ministry of Emergency Situations of the Kyrgyz Republic is an active participant in such international integration associations and international organizations as the CIS, SCO, CSTO, ECO, EAEU, ICDO. Within the framework of these international organizations, meetings of the heads of emergency departments are held on an ongoing basis in turn, during which the exchange of experience and information in the field of prevention and elimination of emergencies is carried out, various meetings, seminars, exercises and trainings are held.

National legislation

The Law of the Kyrgyz Republic "On Civil Protection", dated May 24, 2018 No. 54;
Law of the Kyrgyz Republic "On emergency services and the status of rescuers", Bishkek, dated January 21, 2000 N 35;
Resolution of the Government of the Kyrgyz Republic, dated November 22, 2018 No. 550 On the classification of emergency situations and criteria for their assessment in the Kyrgyz Republic;
Rules and criteria for assigning territories to groups, organizations - to categories of civil protection, Approved by the Resolution of the Government of the Kyrgyz Republic of September 27, 2012 N 658;
Regulation on a unified information management system in emergency and crisis situations in the Kyrgyz Republic, Approved by the Resolution of the Government of the Kyrgyz Republic dated January 3, 2011 N 1
Guidelines for Conducting Disaster Risk Analysis and Assessment at the Local Level in the Kyrgyz Republic

National regulatory programs

Climate Change Adaptation Program of the Emergency Situations Sector for 2015-2017. (Approved by order of the Ministry of Emergency Situations of the Kyrgyz Republic dated July 07, 2015 No. 692)

Concept and Action Plan for the implementation of comprehensive protection of the population and the territory of the Kyrgyz Republic from emergencies for 2018-2030;
The long-term strategic development plan of the Ministry of Emergency Situations of the Kyrgyz Republic was developed in order to determine the priorities of actions for the development of the Ministry for the period 2018-2022 and in accordance with the Decision of the Security Council of the Kyrgyz Republic dated July 31, 2017, “On measures to improve the efficiency of the system prevention of emergency situations in the Kyrgyz Republic ”;
Emergency response plan in the Kyrgyz Republic.

Competent government authorities

The purpose of the activities of the Ministry of Emergency Situations of the Kyrgyz Republic is to develop and implement a unified state policy in the field of Civil protection, fire, radiation safety, safety of people at water bodies and hydrometeorology.

Sources

⁶ http://aarhus.kg/ru/natsionalnyj-doklad-o-sostoyanii-okruzhayushhej-sredy-2011-2014-goda

Tajikistan

Introduction

According to the data of the Committee for Emergency Situations and Civil Defense under the Government of the Republic of Tajikistan, approximately 3460 natural disasters occurred in Tajikistan between 1997-2018, i.e. on average, one natural disaster occurred every two days.

The most common (on average 70 occurences per year) and the most deadly (on average 35 deaths per year) types of natural disasters in Tajikistan are mudflows and floods.

International obligations

The Sendai Declaration and the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction for 2015–2030 (hereinafter referred to as the Sendai Framework) commit to the need to implement the same preventive measures. The priority areas of these documents are the fight against natural disasters, including the threats posed by the FSB, understanding risks in order to prevent them, mitigate their consequences, develop and take effective measures to ensure preparedness and response to them.

In this regard, the Republic of Tajikistan had to fulfill some obligations to develop a wide range of adaptation measures to climate change in Tajikistan. These include the development and approval of the National Action Plan to Combat Desertification in Tajikistan in 2001, the National Action Plan of the Republic of Tajikistan on Climate Change in 2003, the National Strategy on Adaptation to Climate Change of the Republic of Tajikistan until 2030 and other important documents on these issues.¹²

National legislation

In Tajikistan, a number of legal and regulatory documents have been adopted regarding the issues of disaster reduction. The laws "On protection of the population and territories from natural and man-made disasters" and "On civil defense" define the functions of the Committee for Emergency Situations and Civil Defense and describe the measures to prevent natural disasters risks, improve preparedness and reduce their consequences. Industrial safety, emergency preparedness and mitigation of industrial disastersconsequences are regulated by the Law on Industrial Safety of Hazardous Production Facilities. The Law "On Radiation Safety" defines measures to protect the population and property from radiation. The Law "On Insurance Activities" presupposes the use of insurance to cover damage from natural disasters, but is in reality rarely used. Since 2014, the Unified State System for the Prevention and Response of Emergencies has been operating in Tajikistan.

National regulatory programs

In the National Strategy of the Republic of Tajikistan on Disaster Risk Management for 2010-2015, adopted by the Government of the Republic of Tajikistan on March 30, 2010 No. 164, the different types of natural disasters are divided into the following categories:

Hydrological and meteorological (floods, drought, frost, precipitation, hail, wind, avalanches, desertification, high groundwater)
Geological (mudflows, landslides, earthquakes, rockfalls)
Biological and technological.

Although the strategy does not clearly define the risks of natural disasters associated with climate change, natural disasters such as floods, droughts, frosts, precipitation, avalanches, desertification, mudflows, landslides are influenced by climate change. The strategy notes that almost all the hazards threatening the Republic of Tajikistan in the short term are related to climate and weather conditions. Precipitation causes avalanches, mudflows, floods, severe winter storms and is very often a key factor in the occurrence of landslides.

On December 29, 2018, by Decree of the Government of the Republic of Tajikistan No. 602, a new version of the National Strategy of the Republic of Tajikistan on Disaster Risk Reduction for 2019-2030 was approved.¹⁰ The purpose of the Strategy is to reduce existing and prevent new risks of natural disasters through building national capacity for disaster risk management.

The National Action Plan of the Republic of Tajikistan for the prevention and mitigation of the consequences of sand and dust storms for 2021-2030 is also in force.

Competent government authorities

The Committee for Emergency Situations and Civil Defense under the Government of the Republic of Tajikistan is the central executive body that carries out the functions of conducting state policy, legal regulation in the field of emergency management and civil defense.¹¹

Sources

¹⁰ https://khf.tj/sites/default/files/pdf/Natsionalnaya-Strategiya.pdf
¹¹ https://kchs.tj/
¹² http://docs.cntd.ru/document/1900861

Turkmenistan

Introduction

In Turkmenistan, the following hydrometeorological phenomena pose the greatest danger to the country’s socio-economic development: floods and mudslides, strong winds, dust storms, droughts, dry winds, frosts, torrential rains, heatwaves, heavy snowfalls, and hail. Between 1996 and 2005, floods and mudslides occurred approximately 30 times and led to significant material losses. On average, the country experiences strong winds more than 120 times annually while intense heat is recorded about 50 times. Compared with the period 1986-1995. the number of floods, mudslides, and torrential rains has increased. Due to climate change, the severity and frequency of natural disasters will increase.

International obligations

The Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015–2030 was adopted at the Third UN World Conference in Sendai, Japan. It aims to prevent the emergence of new disasters while reducing the risk of known disasters. This is done by implementing comprehensive measures to reduce disaster exposure and vulnerability.

The “Initiative on Building Resilience to Disasters and Accelerating Implementation of the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction in Central Asia” is being implemented in the region by the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNISDR) with funding from the European Union. It aims to support Central Asian countries in meeting the Sendai program’s goals. The Initiative supports the strengthening of regional coordination, including the development of a regional disaster risk reduction (DRR) strategy. It also supports the creation of a regional disaster loss database, the creation of a regional coordination center, the secretariat of the regional DRR Forum, and an enhanced role for the CESRD (Center for Emergency Situations and Disaster Risk Reduction) as a learning center. National support includes advisory on national DRR strategies, national disaster loss data systems, and the establishment of national DRR platforms. The Initiative also includes support for assessing cities' resilience to disasters.⁹

Turkmenistan’s authorities intend to expand work on disaster management. The process is being implemented under the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction in the Region in 2019-2022. The General Directorate of Civil Defense and Rescue Operations of Turkmenistan was appointed the coordinator of the program’s implementation.¹⁰

National legislation

The Law of Turkmenistan "On the prevention and elimination of emergency situations" (1998) provides the legal framework for activities related to the prevention and elimination of natural disasters, also covering their consequences.

The Law of Turkmenistan "On International Humanitarian Assistance in an Emergency" (2020) establishes the legal, organizational, and economic framework for international humanitarian assistance during emergencies.

National regulatory programs

In an effort to reduce the damages caused by natural disasters, the National Climate Change Strategy of Turkmenistan has defined the following preventive measures:

improvement of the monitoring system for hazardous weather phenomena
improvement of the short-term, medium-term, and long-term forecasting of hazardous hydrometeorological phenomena
improvement of the country’s early warning system and bringing climate information to the public
adaptation of building codes to ensure infrastructural resilience in the face of natural disasters
development of the country’s insurance system for meteorological risks

In 2020, the Government of Turkmenistan and UN agencies agreed on the need to create a national platform for DRR. Together, they established a working group to strengthen interagency coordination on developing and implementing DRR strategies and plans, in accordance with the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015-2030.¹¹

Competent government authorities

Disaster risk management in Turkmenistan is under the jurisdiction of the President of Turkmenistan, the Cabinet of Ministers, the State Commission for Emergency Situations, the Emergency Situations Department of the Ministry of Defense of Turkmenistan, as well as the Commission for Emergency Situations at the velayat (regions), etrap (districts) and city levels.

Sources

⁹ https://uzbekistan.un.org/ru/105277-centralnaya-aziya-usilivaet-koordinaciyu-v-snizhenii-riska-bedstviy
¹⁰ https://centralasia.news/7028-turkmenistan-rasshirit-rabotu-po-upravleniju-stihijnymi-bedstvijami.html
¹¹ https://turkmenistan.un.org/ru/101998-oon-i-pravitelstvo-soglasovyvayut-prioritety-po-sotrudnichestvu-na-2021-god-v-ramkakh

Uzbekistan

Introduction

In Uzbekistan, environmental risks and disasters have been monitored since the end of the 19th century. Systematic recordings of hazardous hydrometeorological phenomena are carried out by the Center for Hydrometeorological Services known as Uzhydromet. These recordings are stored in archives and databases, which form the basis for the section "Hazardous hydrometeorological phenomena" of the state’s annual map of areas of increased natural disaster risk.

Droughts are the most prevalent environmental hazard in Uzbekistan, both in terms of land area affected and diversity of population impacted. Droughts can lead to significant economic losses and a decrease in food production. Other dangerous local hydrometeorological phenomena in the country include avalanches and mudslides, which, in addition to causing great economic damage, lead to human death.
Due to Uzbekistan’s complex topography and uneven distribution of precipitation, the risks of hazardous hydrometeorological phenomena are not homogenous throughout the country. Generally, the magnitude of environmental risk is determined by the likelihood of a hazardous phenomenon and the scale of its negative impact. Uzbekistan is highly vulnerable to climatic shocks, with climate change increasing the risk of droughts, heatwaves, heavy precipitation, floods, and mudslides.¹⁰

International obligations

The Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015-2030 was adopted at the UN World Conference in March 2015 in Japan. The document defines a set of economic, legal, and scientific measures that allow countries to formulate their national programs for disaster risk reduction.

The “Initiative on Building Disaster Resilience and Accelerating Implementation of the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction in Central Asia” is being implemented in the region by the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNISDR), funded by the European Union. It aims to support Central Asian countries in meeting Sendai program priorities.¹¹

National legislation

The Law of the Republic of Uzbekistan "On the Protection of Population and Territories from Natural and Manmade Emergencies" (1999) regulates public actions to protect people and territories from natural and manmade emergencies. It aims to prevent emergencies from occurring or growing, as well as reducing losses from emergencies that do occur while supporting emergency disaster response.

National regulatory programs

Within the framework of the national program for 2019-2030, Uzbekistan’s ministries and departments have increased cooperation with foreign countries and organizations on disaster risk reduction. The corresponding government decree has been published on the website of the national legislative chamber.

For the implementation of the Sendai Program, the following legislations have been approved:

A strategy for achieving the goals of the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2019–2030 in the Republic of Uzbekistan
A national action plan for the implementation of the Strategy.

Competent government authorities

The Uzbek government has created the State System for Prevention and Action in Emergency Situations (GSChS), which unites governing bodies, national and local authorities, enterprises, and institutions. It is now in operation, and its powers include organizing emergency response measures, including responses to meteorological hazards.

The system includes the following departments and ministries: the Ministry of Emergency Situations (MES), the Center for Hydrometeorological Services under the Cabinet of Ministers of the Republic of Uzbekistan (Uzhydromet), the Ministry of Health, the Ministry of Agriculture, the Ministry of Water Resources, the State Committee for Ecology and Nature Protection, and more. The functions and actions of each of these bodies are clearly defined. The State Emergencies Service bases its operations on estimates and forecasts by Uzhydromet, which are promptly received by the Ministry of Emergencies.

Sources

¹⁰ https://unfccc.int/sites/default/files/resource/TNC_Uzbekistan_under_UNFCCC_rus.pdf
¹¹ https://uzbekistan.un.org/ru/105277-centralnaya-aziya-usilivaet-koordinaciyu-v-snizhenii-riska-bedstviy

Agriculture

introduction

Central Asia is rich in a variety of agricultural production. In terms of cultivation patterns and agrarian structures, there are differences between the Central Asian republics, but also within countries. Crop diversity has increased in the region since 1991, but some countries have also retained their specialization (to a certain extent).

Agriculture plays a significant role in the economy of Central Asia. The leading place belongs to agriculture. The main tracts of irrigated land are located in Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan and Tajikistan, which specialize in the production of industrial crops and mainly cotton. In turn, Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan specialize in the production of grain crops. Grain growing is also developed in Uzbekistan.¹¹

¹¹ https://www.brif.kz/blog/?p=3338

Situational Analysis in...

Kazakhstan Kyrgyzstan Tajikistan Turkmenistan Uzbekistan

Kazakhstan

Introduction

A sixth of the population employed in the economy of Kazakhstan works in agriculture, forestry and fisheries. At the same time, agricultural production (including forestry and fishing) occupies only 4.6 percent in the GDP structure. Rural areas are home to 43 percent of the population. The total area of cultivated land is 21.5 million hectares.

The northern regions specialize in the cultivation of grain and fodder crops; the southern regions, where irrigation plays a major role, have a greater diversification of cultivated crops (cereals, oilseeds, fruit and berry crops, vegetables, cotton). Kazakhstani agriculture is a source of methane and nitrous oxide emissions. These two sources account in total for about 88% of all greenhouse gases emitted by the sector. Adverse changes in natural and climatic conditions and unstable weather conditions are identified as threats to the development of the agro-industrial complex of Kazakhstan. Due to adverse climatic conditions in 2012 and 2014 large areas of crops were lost - about 1407 thousand hectares (or 15 percent of the area of insured crops) and 369 thousand hectares (or 8 percent) respectively. Moreover, the total area of insured crops decreased 40 times in 2015 compared to 2012, when a total of about 9,320 thousand hectares were insured.¹

International commitments

Kazakhstan has adopted the Law "On Ratification of the UN Convention to Combat Desertification"² , which entered into force on 7 July 1997. Thus, Kazakhstan undertook an obligation to implement all the provisions of the Convention, especially the provisions included in the Annex for Asia.

The Convention on Biological Diversity plays an important role in the process of conservation and restoration of biological diversity on the Earth. Efforts made by the Parties to the Convention are aimed at joint solution of one of the global challenges facing humanity. The Republic of Kazakhstan ratified the Convention on Biological Diversity in 1994.³

Kazakhstan joined the Global Land Degradation Neutral Support Program in May 2017.⁴

National legislation

Law of the Republic of Kazakhstan "On Rural Consumer Cooperative of Water Users"
The Law of the Republic of Kazakhstan "On state regulation of development of agro-industrial complex and rural areas"
The Law of the Republic of Kazakhstan "On Grain"
The Law of the Republic of Kazakhstan "On development of the cotton industry"
The Law of the Republic of Kazakhstan "On Protection of Breeding Achievements
The Law of the Republic of Kazakhstan "On Seed Production"
The Law of the Republic of Kazakhstan "On Compulsory Insurance in Crop Production"
The Law of the Republic of Kazakhstan "On making amendments and addenda to some legislative acts of the Republic of Kazakhstan on the activities of peasant or farmer households"
The Law of the Republic of Kazakhstan "On Ratification of the Agreement on Uniform Rules of State Support for Agriculture"
The Law of the Republic of Kazakhstan "On Introduction of Amendments and Addenda to Some Legislative Acts of the Republic of Kazakhstan on the Issues of Development and Support of the Agroindustrial Complex"
The Law of the Republic of Kazakhstan "On introduction of amendments and addenda to some legislative acts of the Republic of Kazakhstan on the issues of agro-industrial complex"
Law of the Republic of Kazakhstan "On Plant Protection"
Law of the Republic of Kazakhstan "On Beekeeping
Law of the Republic of Kazakhstan "On Veterinary"
The Law of the Republic of Kazakhstan "On agricultural partnerships and their associations (unions)"
The Law of the Republic of Kazakhstan "On rural consumer cooperation in the Republic of Kazakhstan"
The Law of the Republic of Kazakhstan "On Quarantine of Plants
Law of the Republic of Kazakhstan "On livestock breeding"
The Law of the Republic of Kazakhstan "On Peasant or Farmer Farming"
The Law of the Republic of Kazakhstan "On Pastures"

National regulatory programs

The State Program of Development of Agro-industrial Complex of the Republic of Kazakhstan for 2017-2021 (hereinafter - the Program) was developed in accordance with the instruction of the Head of State, given at the enlarged meeting of the Government of the RK dated September 9, 2016, in accordance with the strategic development objectives of the RK, outlined in the Plan of the Nation "100 concrete steps" and the Strategy "Kazakhstan-2050". Thus, this Program will be aimed at meeting the domestic needs of the population in demanded types of agricultural products, the definition of a targeted export policy. The program is based on the integration of the Program for the development of agribusiness in the Republic of Kazakhstan "Agribusiness - 2017" and the State Program on Water Resources Management of Kazakhstan36.

According to the Master Plan "Stabilization of the grain market", by 2020 it is planned to increase the area of water-saving technologies to 12.8 million hectares, including no-tillage - 4.8 million hectares.

State authorities in charge of this area

The Ministry of Agriculture of the Republic of Kazakhstan - is the central executive body responsible for managing the agro-industrial complex, irrigated agriculture and land reclamation, land resources, as well as inter-branch coordination of state bodies in the sphere of activities within its competence, to the extent provided by law.

Sources

¹ http://sustainable.eep.kz/upload/RUS_Saulet_Report_12-2017_RUS.pdf
² https://tengrinews.kz/zakon/parlament-respubliki-kazahstan/mejdunapodnyie-otnosheniya-respubliki-kazahstan/id-Z970000149_/
³ http://esgrs.org/?page_id=9216
⁴ https://knowledge.unccd.int/sites/default/files/ldn_targets/2018-11/Kazakhstan%20LDN%20TSP%20Country%20Report.pdf

Kyrgyzstan

Introduction

Agriculture is a priority area in the development of the Kyrgyz Republic, the sector's share in GDP is 15-20%, the number of employees is 30-35%. Agriculture provides the population not only with food for consumption, but also provides employment opportunities in agriculture and the processing industry. However, only a small part of the territory of the republic (about 7%) can be used for the cultivation of cultivated plants, and these are mainly flat and foothill parts. More than half of the land fund of the republic falls on agricultural land. More than 85% of them are pastures, 13.9% - arable land and hayfields.

Agro-climatic conditions in the republic are favorable for the cultivation of wheat, corn, barley, potatoes, cotton and some other crops. Recently, there has been a tendency for incomplete food security. However, unfavorable weather conditions (late spring and early autumn frosts, high temperatures, etc.), environmental pollution and unfavorable reclamation conditions in a number of areas are factors limiting the full use of agro-climatic and land resources.

In connection with climate change, the role of soils in mitigating the effects of climate change is highlighted through the accumulation (sequestration) of carbon and the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions into the atmosphere. Inappropriate soil management or agricultural cultivation can release soil carbon into the atmosphere in the form of carbon dioxide and be a contributor to climate change. In turn, climate is one of the most important factors in soil formation and geographical distribution of soils.⁵

International obligations

Constitution of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, dated October 16, 1945, Quebec;
Agreement on Agriculture, dated April 15, 1994, Marrakesh

National legislation

Law of the Kyrgyz Republic "On the development of agriculture in the Kyrgyz Republic", Bishkek, dated May 26, 2009 N 166;
The Law of the Kyrgyz Republic "On the management of agricultural lands", Bishkek, dated January 11, 2001 N 4;
The Law of the Kyrgyz Republic "On the protection of soil fertility of agricultural lands", Bishkek, dated August 10, 2012 N 165;
Law of the Kyrgyz Republic "On compensation of expenses of agricultural entities using land irrigated by pumping stations", Bishkek, dated October 9, 2003 N 217;
Law of the Kyrgyz Republic "On organic agricultural production in the Kyrgyz Republic", Bishkek, dated May 18, 2019 No. 65.

National regulatory programs

Action plan for the implementation of the Program for Adaptation of Agriculture and Water Resources to Climate Change for 2016-2020.

Competent government authorities

The State Inspectorate for Environmental and Technical Safety under the Government of the Kyrgyz Republic, in accordance with the established procedure, monitors compliance with:

the reliability of the land balance, information about the use of land, as well as the availability of free land fund, provided by local governments and local state administrations;
timely and high-quality implementation of measures to improve land, prevent and eliminate the consequences of soil erosion, salinization, waterlogging, flooding, desertification, desiccation, overconsolidation, littering, pollution and other processes that cause land degradation.

Sources

⁵ http://ecology.gov.kg/page/view/id/123

Tajikistan

Introduction

Tadjkistand produces mostly grain, cotton, potatoes, vegetables, melons, fruits, grapes and livestock products. 20% of the 744 thousand hectares of irrigated land available lack water resources. The problems of the efficiency of water use in agriculture and of the quality of drainage remain extremely urgent. The level of mechanization is very low, the irrigation system is outdated and has ceased to function in many areas. There is a shortage of chemical plant protection products; as a result, a significant part of the crop is lost.

Due to economic instability up to 1997 and a shortage of food, the population of mountainous and remote areas was forced to plow slope and unsuitable lands, cut forest and shrub biomass, graze livestock near settlements - all this together increased land degradation.

The contribution of greenhouse gas emissions in the “Agriculture” sector in different years accounted for from 20 to 62% of total national emissions of CO2 equivalent. Since 2000, in the Agriculture sector, the main greenhouse gases are methane (CH4) and nitrous oxide (N2O). The main share of methane emissions falls on enteric fermentation of livestock (in the range of 80-85%), to a lesser extent on methane flows from manure (about 10%).⁷

It should be noted that in recent years, regardless of the damages caused by natural disasters and the impact of crisis factors, the agricultural industry is considered stable and is one of main sectors of the economy of Tajikistan, representing on average 18-21% of the national gross domestic production. However, issues regarding agricultural policy remain, including the absence of models to further develop agriculture.

International obligations

Tajikistan joined the UN Convention to Combat Desertification in Countries Experiencing Serious Drought and / or Desertification, Particularly in Africa (UNCCD) on December 28, 1998. The Committee on Environmental Protection is the institution responsible for the implementation of the UNCCD.⁷

National legislation

Land Code of the Republic of Tajikistan, 1996
Law "On the production and safe handling of pesticides and agrochemicals" 2003 "
Law "On State Regulation of Ensuring the Fertility of Agricultural Lands" 2004
2005 Law on Biological Safety
Law "On state support for the branches of the agro-industrial complex" 2007
Law "On dekhkan (farm) economy" 2016
Law "On soil protection" 2009
Law on Veterinary Medicine 2010
Law "On biological management and production" 2013
Law on Pastures 2013

National regulatory programs

Decree of the Government of the Republic of Tajikistan dated December 30, 2015 No. 793 "On the Program for the Development of Horticulture and Viticulture in the Republic of Tajikistan for 2016-2020."
Decree of the Government of the Republic of Tajikistan dated August 1, 2012 No. 383 “On approval of the Program of agricultural reform in the Republic of Tajikistan for 2012-2020”.⁸

Within the framework of the agrarian reform, the Government approved the Program of agricultural reform in the Republic of Tajikistan for 2012–2020 and the corresponding Action Plan, which includes 22 activities. The program is aimed at ensuring highly profitable and export-oriented agriculture, based on the general objectives of raising the standard of living of the rural population, achieving food security of the state, as well as strengthening its position in the regional division of labor. One of the two main objectives of the Program is the development of productive and profitable agriculture based on the rational use and sustainable management of natural resources, which means that the environmental sustainability of agriculture is highlighted in the Program.

Competent government authorities

The Ministry of Agriculture of the Republic of Tajikistan is the central executive body that develops and implements a unified state policy in the field of agriculture.⁹

Sources

⁷ https://unfccc.int/resource/docs/natc/tjknc3.pdf
⁸ http://moa.ww.tj/files/islohoti_agrari/program_taj_rus_eng_ready.pdf
⁹ https://www.moa.tj/ru/position

Turkmenistan

Introduction

Agriculture accounts for about 20% of Turkmenistan's GDP. The sector is fundamental for ensuring the country's food security and it is a significant supplier of raw materials for the food processing industry. The country’s major agricultural products are cotton and wheat, followed by vegetables and fruits. Pastures also occupy a large part of the country, covering 78% of fertile land. Since agriculture relies heavily on irrigation (the country has about 1.7 million hectares of irrigated land), the combination of an increase in temperature, a decrease in precipitation, and a likely reduction in surface water is likely to increase aridity and accelerate desertification. Due to this expected water shortage, the reduction and degradation of natural grassland is expected to eventually lead to a decrease in sheep farming.⁸ Deserts occupy 80% of the territory in Turkmenistan, and both cultivated and natural lands are subject to varying degrees of desertification.

Considering Turkmenistan’s climatic conditions, the country is classified as a zone of high farming risk. A decrease in water resources due to climate change will have a direct impact on irrigated lands and crop productivity. As a result, increasing agricultural resilience is the most important area for climate change adaptation in the country. This requires a suite of specific adaptation measures that include the following: Optimizing the location of agricultural production, specializing in specific agricultural production, selecting drought-resistant and salt-tolerant crops for wider cultivation, implementing cultivation-based projects to improve soil productivity projects, introducing and strictly monitoring pasture rotation, creating pasture protection zones using fodder trees and shrubs, developing pastoralism, and introducing methods of obtaining several harvests per year.

International obligations

In 1996, Turkmenistan became one of the first countries to ratify the UN Convention to Combat Desertification, starting the implementation of a national action plan a year later. The plan’s main priorities are the sensible use of pastures, the development of forestry, the consolidation and afforestation of mobile sands, the improvement of irrigated lands, and applied research in these fields.

To address desertification and fulfill international obligations, the Central Asian Countries Initiative on Land Management (CACILM) was established in 2006 to promote best practices for sustainable land management (SLM) and agricultural adaptation to climate change.

Both the National Program of Socio-Economic Development of Turkmenistan until 2030 and the Program of the President of Turkmenistan for Socio-Economic Development for 2019-2025 are aimed at achieving sustainable development by prioritizing the continuous implementation of the SDGs.

National legislation

The 2004 Land Code of Turkmenistan provides the legal, organizational, and economic basis for land management. It covers rational land use, land protection, the preservation and improvement of the natural environment, the regulation of land relations, and economically diverse land use.

National regulatory programs

In recent years, the agricultural sector has undergone dramatic changes. Progression in agricultural development is determined by the following programs of the President of Turkmenistan: "National program of socio-economic development of Turkmenistan until 2030", "10 years of stability", "Grain", "New village", "National program of the President of Turkmenistan to transform social and living conditions of the population villages, townships, cities, etraps (districts) and etrap centers for the period until 2020 ”. Numerous regulatory legislations have been adopted to ensure accelerated development in the industry.

Competent government authorities

The Ministry of Agriculture and Environmental Protection of Turkmenistan acts as the legal successor to the Ministry of Agriculture and Water Resources of Turkmenistan, as well as to the State Committee for Environmental Protection and Land Resources.

The National Institute of Deserts, Flora and Fauna carries out fundamental and applied research in biology, ecology, environmental protection, and environmental management. The institute incorporates the peculiarities of arid ecosystems in its research.

Sources

⁸ https://infoclimate.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/Turkmenistan_Climate_Change_Profile_RUS.pdf

Uzbekistan

Introduction

Traditionally, the agricultural sector is one of the Uzbek economy’s leading sectors. Despite its share of GDP decreasing from 30% (2000) to 17% (2014) in real terms due to the intensive development of other industries, the volume of agricultural production has increased over this period.

The agricultural sector makes up 27.2% of total employment in the country. Regarding citizens’ aggregate income, the share of income from agriculture ranges from 35 to 60% in different urban or semi-urban regions, and in rural areas this figure exceeds 70% everywhere.

Agricultural production is concentrated on an area of 20469.1 thousand hectares (54.4% of the country's land). Agricultural land is composed of: i) pasture and hayfields, ii) arable land, iii) woodland and iv) other land.

The country’s main land-use systems are grazing as well as irrigated and rainfed agriculture. Uzbekistan is one of the world leaders in cotton production and ranks 2nd in the world in the export of cotton fiber. It is also among the world’s 20 largest wheat producers. In Central Asia, Uzbekistan is the main producer of fruits and vegetables.

However, several problems remain in the agricultural sector that require special attention. These are primarily caused by an increasing shortage of land and water resources, significant losses in the use of irrigation water, secondary soil salinization, and high anthropogenic pressure on the environment.

The increasing temperatures of a warming climate may bring benefits to the agricultural sector, but these benefits will only materialize with sufficient water supply. At the same time, the country faces mounting issues with water supply. According to the World Bank, already today the country’s demand for water for irrigation is not fully met.

International obligations

Serious land degradation problems have prompted all Central Asian countries to ratify the UN Convention to Combat Desertification and develop national action programs to combat desertification. Uzbekistan ratified the aforementioned UN convention in 1995. To ensure compliance with international commitments to combat desertification and address these problems, the Central Asian Countries Initiative on Land Management (CACILM) was established in 2006 to promote strategies and best practices for sustainable land management (SLM) and adaptation of agriculture to the impact of climate change.

National legislation

In general, the Republic of Uzbekistan’s state policies reflect problems with agriculture’s adaptation to climate change, as well as covering measures to combat desertification, land degradation, and drought. However, the country has not fully implemented mechanisms for planning and stimulating the productivity of rainfed lands and pastures. This especially true in areas affected by drought and desertification.

Key legislation in the field of agriculture and land reclamation:

Land Code of the Republic of Uzbekistan (1998)
Law of the Republic of Uzbekistan "On farming" (1998)
Law of the Republic of Uzbekistan "On Dehkan Farms" (1998)

National regulatory programs

The President of Uzbekistan approved the Strategy for the Development of the Agriculture of Uzbekistan for 2020-2030 by decree on October 23, 2019. The sensible use of natural resources will be improved along with systems for environmental protection, and programs for the development of rural regions will be implemented. Also in 2019, a decree was signed to improve the effectiveness of combating desertification and drought in Uzbekistan.⁹

Competent government authorities

The main tasks of the Ministry of Agriculture of the Republic of Uzbekistan are: i) the implementation of a unified state policy in the field of agriculture and food security, aimed at a comprehensive modernization of the industry; ii) the introduction of scientific and technological innovations, iii) the introduction of modern resource-efficient technologies in intensive agriculture, iv) the implementation of best practices in agriculture.

The Department for Combating Desertification and Drought has been established within the State Forestry Committee.

Sources

⁹ https://www.gazeta.uz/ru/2019/02/25/desertification/

Health

introduction

The main consequence of high temperatures is the impact on the health of population. More and more people in Central Asia will be exposed to temperature stress due to the spread of heat waves. When the climate changes, a person is affected not only by temperature fluctuations, but also by winds, pressure, due to which stress is transferred by the body more heavily.¹²

¹² https://caa-network.org/archives/8007

Situational Analysis in...

Kazakhstan Kyrgyzstan Tajikistan Turkmenistan Uzbekistan

Kazakhstan

Introduction

The Ministry of Health of the Republic of Kazakhstan in connection with the impact of climate change on Kazakhstan's health system has approved a plan of action for 2012-2015. As part of this plan it was planned to carry out activities such as the creation of a safe system of health protection from an environmental point of view, strengthening human and scientific capacity, preventing the negative effects of the environment and climate change on human health, increasing public knowledge on this issue and dissemination of necessary information. In addition, a schematic analysis of energy consumption and resilience to extreme weather is planned for health facilities. And also close interaction of health authorities with agriculture and water resources organizations in order to protect public health from impacts of climatic conditions. It should be noted that a number of state programs are also being implemented in Kazakhstan today. In particular, the program to combat desertification and the program of greening the regions "Development of Regions", which is given special attention. The "Akbulak" ("Clean Source") program on provision of safe drinking water to the population is being amended. At the same time, a rural development program and a long-term strategy for the transition to a "green economy" are being prepared.

One of the priority areas in Kazakhstan is the improvement of the health-care system. Public hospitals account for 80% and private hospitals for 20%. At present, Kazakhstan faces the following problems: high tuberculosis rate, low life expectancy, high infant mortality rate, and a developing epidemic of venereal diseases. According to statistics, the greatest increase in mortality was seen among middle-aged men. At present, the treatment of tuberculosis, cancer and venereal diseases is a priority in the Republic of Kazakhstan. Special government programs are being adopted in all areas.¹

International commitments

The World Health Organization's goal is to ensure that all people, at all ages, have healthy lives and well-being. As part of its new five-year strategic plan, the Thirteenth General Program of Work, WHO has identified 10 health challenges to work on in 2019. Weak primary health care systems are one of the 10 global health challenges to which the Republic of Kazakhstan has been contributing for 40 years, starting with the adoption by all WHO member states of the Alma-Ata Declaration on Primary Health Care in 1978.²
In October 2018, all countries recommitted to strengthening primary health care systems and unanimously adopted the Astana Declaration on Primary Health Care (PHC), which:
Defines health as a priority in public policy;
recognizes PHC as a way to achieve universal health coverage and the UN Sustainable Development Goals;
contains clear commitments by states, the medical community, people and partners (international organizations, private sector, NGOs) on the path to health for all;
Calls for most health services to be delivered through PHC and for cost containment.³

National legislation

The Law of the Republic of Kazakhstan "On Public Health and the Health Care System"
Laws - On approval of the State Program of Health Development of the Republic of Kazakhstan for 2020 - 2025 (changes as of December 26, 2019), the goal is to form commitment to healthy lifestyles and development of public health service; improving the quality of medical care; sustainable development of the health care system. One of the main focuses of the Program will be to strengthen the health of children, adolescents and youth through disease prevention, timely care and full rehabilitation, taking into account international best practices, in accordance with the approaches in the Health Strategy 2016 - 2030 of UNICEF ⁴

National regulatory programs

The State Health Development Program of the Republic of Kazakhstan "Densaulyk" for 2016 - 2019 was adopted by Presidential Decree No. 176 of January 15, 2016. The purpose of the Program - Strengthening public health to ensure sustainable socio-economic development of the country.⁵

State authorities in charge of this area

The Ministry of Health of the Republic of Kazakhstan- ⁶ is a central executive body within the Government of the Republic of Kazakhstan, which exercises leadership and, to the extent provided by law, inter-branch coordination in the field of health protection of citizens, medical and pharmaceutical education.

Sources

¹ https://informburo.kz/tags/zdravoohranenie.html
² http://www.rcrz.kz/index.php/ru/2017-03-12-10-51-13/tsentr-globalnogo-zdravookhraneniya
³ http://www.rcrz.kz/index.php/ru/2017-03-12-10-51-13/tsentr-globalnogo-zdravookhraneniya
⁴ https://tengrinews.kz/zakon/pravitelstvo-respubliki-kazahstan-premer-ministr-rk/zdravoohranenie/id-P1900000982/
⁵ http://adilet.zan.kz/rus/docs/U1600000176
⁶ https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/dsm?lang=ru

Kyrgyzstan

Introduction

Observed health impacts of climate change:

increased mortality and injury rates from natural disasters. The number of deaths in 2002-2007 averaged 61 cases per year. In 2008, 281 deaths were recorded. Most of the causes of death are related to floods and mudflows;
years of potentially lost life due to climate change. The loss of healthy life years will increase due to changes in temperature, precipitation and atmospheric pressure. Moreover, the dependence on temperature is the strongest;
mortality among women from respiratory diseases due to atmospheric pressure was higher than among men. Women aged 15-44 are more sensitive to changes in atmospheric pressure, with a direct relationship between the effect of changes in atmospheric pressure on mortality due to respiratory diseases has been established;
vulnerable populations in terms of health status. Young children, especially those who are underweight and malnourished, as well as those with cardiovascular and respiratory problems, those in poor health and the elderly, are most sensitive to the effects of heat waves;
infectious diseases and climate change. There is an increase in gastrointestinal infections, in particular salmonellosis, due to increased temperatures and water pollution from floods. High prevalence of helminthiasis reduces nutrient absorption, potentially increasing the risk of malnutrition in vulnerable children during crop failures. Infections such as malaria are now less common, but warmer temperatures increase the risk of malaria re-emerging and spreading.

International obligations

Agreement between the Government of the Kyrgyz Republic and the Government of the Republic of Kazakhstan on cooperation in the field of medicine and health care, Almaty, April 8, 1997;
Agreement between the Ministry of Health of the Kyrgyz Republic and the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation on cooperation in the field of health and medicine, Moscow, July 27, 2000;
Agreement between the Government of the Kyrgyz Republic and the Government of the Turkish Republic on cooperation in the field of health and medical sciences, Ankara, May 20, 2019;
Agreement between the Ministry of Health of the Republic of Belarus and the Ministry of Health of the Kyrgyz Republic on cooperation in the field of health care, including medical science, Minsk, September 8, 2017;
Agreement between the Ministry of Health of the Kyrgyz Republic and the Ministry of Health and Social Protection of the Republic of Tajikistan on cooperation in the field of health care, Dushanbe, February 1, 2018.

National legislation

Law of the Kyrgyz Republic "On the protection of the health of citizens in the Kyrgyz Republic" dated January 9, 2005 No. 6;
Law of the Kyrgyz Republic "On health care organizations in the Kyrgyz Republic" dated August 13, 2004 No. 116;
The Law of the Kyrgyz Republic "On Public Health" dated July 24, 2009 No. 248;
Law of the Kyrgyz Republic "On Drinking Water" dated April 25, 1999 No. 33;
The Law of the Kyrgyz Republic Technical Regulations "On safety of drinking water" dated May 30, 2011 No. 34;
Law of the Kyrgyz Republic "On immunization of infectious diseases" dated June 26, 2001 No. 56.

National regulatory programs

Decree of the Government of the Kyrgyz Republic of December 20, 2018 No. 600 On the Program of the Government of the Kyrgyz Republic for the protection of public health and development of the health care system for 2019-2030 "A healthy person is a prosperous country";
Joint order of the Ministry of Health of the Kyrgyz Republic No. 124 and the CHI Fund No. 77 dated 03/02/2020. "On the implementation of the Action Plan for 2020 of the Program of the Government of the Kyrgyz Republic for the protection of public health and development of the health care system for 2019-2030" A healthy person is a prosperous country ";
Action plan for 2020 of the Program of the Government of the Kyrgyz Republic on the protection of public health and development of the health care system for 2019-2030 "A healthy person is a prosperous country"

During the development of the Program for the further development of health care in the Kyrgyz Republic until 2030, the person-centered approach, issues of strengthening the regions in the formation and implementation of state policy, designated by the President of the Kyrgyz Republic as part of the development of the National Development Strategy of the Kyrgyz Republic until 2040, were taken into account.

Competent government authorities

The Ministry of Health of the Kyrgyz Republic is the national authority for the protection and promotion of the health of citizens. The tasks of the ministry are to develop and implement state policy to improve the quality and ensure the availability of the population to public health services.

Tajikistan

Introduction

According to the data and conclusions of the First and Second National Communications of the Republic of Tajikistan on climate change, the expected rising in air temperature and atmospheric precipitation may contribute to an increase risk of vector-borne infections, incl. malaria, intestinal infections and parasitic diseases. Climate change, characterized by prolonged periods of hot weather as well as increasing frequency offloods and droughts can negatively affect drinking water quality and supplies thuscontributing to outbreaks of infectious and other diseases, including dysentery, typhoid fever, hepatitis A, salmonellosis, cholera and giardiasis. Tajikistan is a territory with a high incidence of acute intestinal infections, with a rate more than 10 times higher than in Europe. Half of the cases of these diseases are caused by epidemics, whithchildren being particularly vulnerable to them. The most common acute intestinal infection among children under the age of 14 is bacterial dysentery. Since the mid-1990s, the incidence of diarrhea has also increased and reached values of 1,000-3,000 per 100,000 population, which is the highest rate in Central Asia.

Warm weather increases the risk of microbial contamination of water in drinking water. The provision of the population of Tajikistan with safe drinking water decreased from 63% in 1991 to 55% in 2012, and in rural areas this indicator is even lower - 35%. This is one of the factors of the population's vulnerability to waterborne infectious diseases.

The warm period of the year, from July to October, accounts for 65-75% of the annual number of typhoid fever cases. In hotter years, the incidence of typhoid fever is 2-3 times higher than the norm.

International obligations

2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development (Sustainable Development Goals 3);
ILO Maternity Protection Convention No. 103 (Revised), 1952 (date of recognition - 26 November 1993).¹²

National legislation

Health Code of the Republic of Tajikistan;¹³
About medical insurance in the Republic of Tajikistan.¹⁴

National regulatory programs

National program for the formation of a healthy lifestyle in the Republic of Tajikistan for the period 2011-2020;¹⁵
National Health Strategy of the Population of the Republic of Tajikistan for 2010–2020.¹⁶

Competent government authorities

The Ministry of Health and Social Protection of the Population of the Republic of Tajikistan is the central executive body of the Republic of Tajikistan, responsible for the development and implementation of a unified state policy and regulation of legal norms for activities in the field of health protection and social protection of the population.¹⁷

Sources

¹² http://docs.cntd.ru/document/1900861
¹³ http://extwprlegs1.fao.org/docs/pdf/taj181168.pdf
¹⁴ http://moh.tj/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/o_medicinskom_strahovanii_v_rt.pdf
¹⁵ http://moh.tj/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/%D0%BF%D1%80%D0%BE%D0%B3%D1%80%D0%B0%D0%BC%D0%BC%D0%B0-.pdf
¹⁶ http://moh.tj/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/%D0%9F%D0%BE%D1%81%D1%82%D0%B0%D0%BD%D0%BE%D0%B2%D0%BB%D0%B5%D0%BD%D0%B8%D0%B5-%D0%BE%D0%B1-%D1%83%D1%82%D0%B2%D0%B5%D1%80%D0%B6%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BD%D0%B8%D0%B8-%D0%9D%D0%B0%D1%86%D0%B8%D0%BE%D0%BD%D0%B0%D0%BB%D1%8C%D0%BD%D0%BE%D0%B9-%D1%81%D1%82%D1%80%D0%B0%D1%82%D0%B5%D0%B3%D0%B8%D0%B8-%D0%B7%D0%B4%D0%BE%D1%80%D0%BE%D0%B2%D1%8C%D1%8F-%D0%BD%D0%B0%D1%81%D0%B5%D0%BB%D0%B5%D0%BD%D0%B8%D1%8F-%D0%A0%D0%B5%D1%81%D0%BF%D1%83%D0%B1%D0%BB%D0%B8%D0%BA%D0%B8-%D0%A2%D0%B0%D0%B4%D0%B6%D0%B8%D0%BA%D0%B8%D1%81%D1%82%D0%B0%D0%BD-%D0%BD%D0%B0-%D0%BF%D0%B5%D1%80%D0%B8%D0%BE%D0%B4-2010-2020-%D0%B3%D0%BE%D0%B4%D1%8B.pdf
¹⁷ http://moh.tj/?page_id=1157&lang=ru

Turkmenistan

Introduction

According to the Second National Communication of Turkmenistan to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), the country’s healthcare system is one of the sectors that will be most severely affected by climate change. In general, it is expected that human health in the country will depend on the number and magnitude of extreme weather events, air pollution, water scarcity, and rising temperatures. Public health will be threatened by a growing risk of heatstroke, cardiovascular and respiratory diseases, water-borne diseases, kidney and nervous system diseases, diabetes, and epilepsy.

International obligations

There is currently no global agreement that promotes strong and effective action to prevent global health risks in the face of climate change. As an organization, the WHO is committed to developing and implementing effective strategies for protecting health related to climate change, working actively with member states and relevant partners including the UNFCCC. The WHO develops policy papers, guidelines, and recommendations to protect public health in international agreements on health and climate change.¹²

National legislation

The Law of Turkmenistan "On the Protection of Citizens' Health" regulates public health issues.

National regulatory programs

Turkmenistan has identified public health as a state priority. The large-scale state program entitled "Saglyk" (Health), adopted in 1995, has been fully developed and is now being implemented successfully.

Based on the results from 20 years of implementing the Saglyk State Program, a new version of it was developed and approved for 2015–2025. The updated document outlines high standards for national health care and determines the main goals in Turkmenistan’s development of medicine on a ten-year horizon. The program aims to further progress the prevention and treatment of diseases, the improvement of public health, the improvement of the relevant infrastructure, the introduction of the latest diagnostic and treatment methods into medical practice, as well as aiming to incorporate the principles of a healthy lifestyle into society and to develop international cooperation.

Climate change will increase the frequency of abnormally high and low temperatures. With this in mind, the main measures for adapting the health system to climate change will be:

The scientific assessment of the effect of high air temperatures on public health in various regions of the country.
The development of preventive programs to reduce climate change’s adverse effects.
The development of specific recommendations for the population’s adaptation to extreme weather conditions.
The preparation of the National Report on the Assessment of the Impact of Climate Change on Public Health.¹³

Competent government authorities

The Ministry of Health and Medical Industry of Turkmenistan is a state executive body that develops state policy and legal regulations in the field of health care, compulsory medical insurance, the provision of medicine, and the organization of disease prevention. Its activities are directed and coordinated by the Cabinet of Ministers of Turkmenistan.

Sources

¹² https://www.who.int/globalchange/health_policy/ru/
¹³ https://www.undp.org/content/dam/turkmenistan/docs/latest-reports/110712_Strategy_ru.pdf

Uzbekistan

Introduction

Climate change is reflected in increased weather variability, which increases both direct risks to human life (deaths and injuries as a result of mudslides, floods, heatwaves, which are all occurring at an increasing rate), and indirect consequences associated with an increase in the number of diseases caused by unfavorable meteorological conditions. This is especially true for vulnerable groups such as patients with chronic cardiovascular, bronchopulmonary, and infectious diseases. Weather variability also alters the prevalence of diseases by impacting the habitats of disease vectors (insects and rodents) as well as contributing to a lack of clean drinking water.

Waterborne diseases play an important role in the health of the Uzbek population. Over 30% of households nationwide do not have quality drinking water, while more than 1000 settlements have no drinking water at all. Water quality is largely poor, with inadequate infrastructure for wastewater and drinking water treatment causing chemical and microbial contamination. Bacterial contamination increases at higher temperatures and is reflected in a national increase in the number of gastrointestinal diseases every summer. For example, the number of cases of bacterial dysentery increases 3 times in the summer.¹²

Dust storms are a particular problem for Uzbekistan. These are becoming more prevalent due to desertification, which is in turn exacerbated by soil degradation as well as water scarcity and increased aridity caused by climate change. Excessive exposure to dust is already posing a serious health risk in many parts of the country. For example, in Karakalpakstan, the concentration of suspended particles (ESP) exceeds maximum safety levels by more than 2 times. As wind carries sand particles over long distances, a larger area is affected by the storms. Across the country, more than 5.5 million people are increasingly affected by dust storms.¹³

International obligations

There is currently no global agreement that promotes strong and effective action to prevent global health risks in the face of climate change. As an organization, the WHO is committed to developing and implementing effective strategies for protecting health related to climate change, working actively with member states and relevant partners including the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). The WHO develops policy papers, guidelines, and recommendations to protect public health in international agreements on health and climate change.¹⁴

In 2010, the WHO, together with the United Nations Development Program, launched the first global project for climate change adaptation in public health. This has created a series of pilot projects that aim “to improve the adaptive capacity of national health system institutions, including field workers, to respond to the health risks associated with climate change”.

This project is being implemented by ministries of health and other national partners in several countries, including Uzbekistan.¹⁵

National legislation

The Republic of Uzbekistan’s legislation on public health protection consists of the Law "On the Protection of the Health of Citizens" (1996) and other legislative acts.

Measures to adapt to climate change in Uzbekistan’s health sector also include: i) the development of the legislative base and strengthening of the material and technical base of health care; ii) the development of an electronic database on the state of the population’s health, covering all regions of the republic; iii) the introduction of a system of medical warnings about heatwaves as health risks; iv) the tightening of procedures for the quality control of drinking water and food products during hot periods; v) raising public awareness about the impact of climate change impacts on health, especially among vulnerable groups such as children, women, and elderly people; vi) expanding research on assessing the impact of climate change on public health.¹⁶

National regulatory programs

The Concept for the development of the health care system for the period 2019–2025 (Presidential Decree No. UP-5590 2018) includes the following objectives: developing mechanisms for effective interagency cooperation in the field of public health, developing a healthy and safe environment, improving water supply and sanitation, and promoting a healthy lifestyle and nutrition.

Presidential Decree No. PP-4063 of 2018 approved the Concept for the prevention of noncommunicable diseases, support for a healthy lifestyle, and increase in the level of physical activity of the population for 2019–2022, thereby providing various direct measures to promote a healthy lifestyle.¹⁷

Competent government authorities

The Ministry of Health’s main pursuit is the implementation of state policy to preserve and improve public health. The Ministry also participates in assessments of public vulnerability to the effects of climate change, while developing and implementing adaptation measures.

Sources

¹² http://158.232.12.119/globalchange/projects/adaptation/ru/index1.html
¹³ http://158.232.12.119/globalchange/projects/adaptation/ru/index1.html
¹⁴ https://www.who.int/globalchange/health_policy/ru/
¹⁵ https://www.who.int/globalchange/projects/adaptation/ru/
¹⁶ https://unfccc.int/sites/default/files/resource/TNC_Uzbekistan_under_UNFCCC_rus.pdf
¹⁷ https://unece.org/DAM/env/epr/epr_studies/ECE.CEP.188.Rus.pdf