EU and UNEP Launch Climate Adaptation Initiative in Ferghana Valley

Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — On 25 August 2025, a new regional initiative for Central Asia was launched in Ferghana, funded by the European Union under the EU–UNEP Partnership on Climate, Environment, and Peace.

The project is implemented by the Scientific and Information Center of the Interstate Commission for Water Coordination in Central Asia (SIC ICWC) with technical support from the UN Environment Programme (UNEP). Its goal is to help communities in Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan develop and implement climate adaptation measures, with a focus on nature-based solutions to reduce climate risks and strengthen socio-economic resilience.

The Ferghana presentation brought together national and local authorities, experts, and civil society representatives. Eight civil society organizations were officially announced as grant recipients, receiving technical support to implement local initiatives in the most vulnerable areas of the Ferghana Valley.

EU Delegation Program Manager in Uzbekistan, Jana Kurpisa, emphasized the European Union’s commitment to supporting climate adaptation as a key factor for peace and stability. SIC ICWC Deputy Director Sherzod Muminov highlighted the importance of regional cooperation under the new project. The total initiative budget is €1.7 million, with over 70% allocated directly to supporting local communities.

Grant recipients include:

Central Asian Water and Ecology Alliance (Osh, Kyrgyzstan)

“New Rhythm” (Osh, Kyrgyzstan)

“Orchun/Independent Environmental Expertise” (Jalal-Abad, Kyrgyzstan)

Youth Environmental Protection Group (Kanibadam, Tajikistan)

“Safi/Subhi Tandurusti” (Ašt, Tajikistan)

Rural Community Development Agency (Jabbar-Rasulov, Tajikistan)

“Ho‘qandi Latif Kelajagi” (Ferghana, Uzbekistan)

“Salomatlik plus Ecologiya/Hamroh” (Andijan, Uzbekistan)

After the official ceremony, participants visited a “climate hotspot” in Ferghana region, examined the impacts of climate change, and toured a pilot solar power plant and the “Watermen School” to gain practical insights into adaptation challenges and opportunities.

The EU–UNEP Partnership, first launched in 2017, completed its initial phase in Nepal and Sudan (2017–2022) and entered its second phase in 2022 (2022–2027), expanding to seven global regions, including Central Asia. In the region, the Ferghana Valley—highly vulnerable to climate change and home to millions dependent on irrigated agriculture and livestock—is the primary focus.

Over the next two years (2025–2027), the program will support local adaptation initiatives, build a regional community of practitioners, and integrate successful approaches into national and international policy.

The Ferghana launch marked a significant step in EU and UNEP cooperation, aimed at turning climate challenges into opportunities for sustainable development, social stability, and enhanced regional collaboration.