The team of the “Tajikistan Resilient Landscape Restoration” project, together with an international consultant from the World Bank, visited the Shahrtuz, Kabodiyon, and N. Khusrav districts of the Khatlon region on January 17-18, 2025.
The purpose of the trip was to conduct a mid-term evaluation of project implementation, meet with local specialists, and discuss key results and objectives.
During the field visit, meetings were held with the heads of forestry enterprises in the Shahrtuz, Kabodiyon, and N. Khusrav districts, and representatives of the Tigrovaya Balka State Reserve. Discussions covered forest restoration, the creation of forest reserves, the organization of industrial forests, nursery management, and the use of specialized equipment.
Thanks to the project’s support, the area of saxaul plantations has significantly expanded: 100 hectares have already been planted, and by 2027, the total area is expected to reach 300 hectares. Additionally, saxaul planting is planned on another 400 hectares. Before the project, such plantings covered no more than 4-5 hectares yearly.
At Tigrovaya Balka, canals, and drainage systems have been cleared, embankments reinforced, modern greenhouses constructed, and tree seedlings planted, ensuring natural forest regeneration.
Meetings were also held in the Kabodiyon District with local government representatives, heads of Pasture Users’ Associations (PUAs), and other specialists. It was noted that seven PUAs have been established in the district and are actively participating in the project.
Seedlings of crops and equipment have been purchased for these associations. Greenhouses measuring 6×12 meters have been built, where vegetables are cultivated.
11 joint forest management groups have been formed in the forest lands of Kabodiyon District. So far, 100 hectares of pistachios, 15 hectares of poplars, 20 hectares of almonds and paulownia, and 50 hectares of saxaul seeds have been planted, with a germination rate of up to 80%. Preparations are underway for planting new areas, and agroforestry reclamation complexes are being planned to protect lands from wind erosion.
It was noted that the import of agricultural machinery and materials has significantly increased crop yields and improved the standard of living in the Shahrtuz District.
The creation of agroforests is important in improving the region’s ecological conditions. Before the project, the district’s forestry service planted only 4-5 hectares of pistachios annually. Now, the figure has risen to over 200 hectares, including pistachios, poplars, almonds, and saxaul. By 2027, the total area of pistachio plantations is expected to expand to 300 hectares.
The World Bank’s flagship program, RESILAND CA+, supports projects in Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan, as well as advisory services in Turkmenistan, to restore the region’s degraded landscapes by investing in the resilience of ecosystems, infrastructure, and people to the impacts of land degradation.
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