13th Central Asian Leadership Programme on Environment for Sustainable Development (CALP-13)

Date and place of birth: November 11, 1982, Republic of Tajikistan. 
Nationality: Tajik 

Country of citizenship: Republic of Tajikistan 

Country of current residence and work: Republic of Kazakhstan 
Position Name: Executive Director 

Organization: Regional Environmental Centre for Central Asia (CAREC) 

Mr. Zafar Makhmudov is the Executive Director of the Regional Environmental 
Centre for Central Asia (CAREC).   

His main areas of professional expertise and activities are related to the mainstreaming climate change adaptation and mitigation into national development plans and strategies. Prior to joining CAREC, Mr.  Makhmudov served as the Head of the Project Implementation Unit at the Committee for Environment  Protection under the Government of the Republic of Tajikistan, where he coordinated projects on natural  resource management at all levels of their implementation, including project development, structuring,  negotiation, execution and monitoring. He negotiated the initiation of new projects, which are carried out in close cooperation with a number of international development partners, in close coordination with the donor community and concerted actions of the multilateral development banks by providing access to climate and environmental funds with the support of the National Coordinator. The portfolio of implemented projects included the PPCR project in Tajikistan “Environmental Land Management and Improving Livelihoods in Rural Areas” and the “Program for Adaptation to Climate Change and Mitigation of Its Consequences in the Aral Sea Basin”. 

Mr. Zafar Makhmudov also served as the Senior Advisor to the Chairman of the Committee on Achieving the Sustainable Development Goals and the Paris Agreement of 2030. As a member of the Board of the Climate Investment Funds and Co-chair of the Pilot Program Committee for Climate Resilience, he  has advanced experience in managing and preparing National Adaptation Plans, a National Adaptation  Strategy for Climate Change, National Environmental Plan and extensive experience in conducting  negotiations under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) and other  climate related funds.  

Dr. Volker Frobarth from Germany is the Head of the OSCE Programme Office in Astana from 1 April 2021.

Prior to this, he served as Representative of the OSCE Chairpersonship to the Latvian-Russian Joint Commission on Military Pensioners. Further, Dr. Frobarth had been seconded by Germany to the OSCE field operations in Tajikistan, Georgia, Latvia and Ukraine.

Within the Ministry of Economy of the German State of Hessen, Dr. Frobarth held the positions of Director, Foreign Trade with CIS and Baltic States, as well as Head of Economy, Infrastructure and European Affairs Division at the Hessen State Representation in Berlin. From 2009 to 2021, Dr. Frobarth held executive positions in the German agency for international co-operation (GIZ) in Central Asia, Germany and Afghanistan.

Dr. Frobarth holds a Master’s Degree, as well as a PhD from the University of Kiel, Germany, with specializations in Political Science, Eastern European History, Public Law and Law of the Eastern European States. He has been dealing with security, democratization, environmental and economic affairs in the former Soviet Union for more than 20 years. He speaks English, Russian and German.

Глава Офиса программ ОБСЕ в Астане Фолькер Фробарт

Д-р Фолькер Фробарт из Федеративной Республики Германии является Главой Офиса программ ОБСЕ в Астане с 1 апреля 2021.

До этого, он был представителем Председателя ОБСЕ в латвийско-российской совместной комиссии по военным пенсионерам. Ранее д-р Фробарт работал в полевых миссиях ОБСЕ в Таджикистане, Грузии, Латвии и Украине.

Д-р Фробарт был директором по внешней торговле со странами СНГ и Балтии в министерстве экономики федеральной земли Гессен, а также представлял правительство федеральной земли Гессен в Берлине. С 2009 по 2021 гг. д-р Фробарт занимал руководящие должности в Немецком обществе по международному сотрудничеству (GIZ) в Германии, Центральной Азии, и Афганистане.

Д-р Фробарт имеет степень магистра, а также доктора философии Кильского университета (Германия) по специальностям политология, публичное право, а также история и юриспруденция стран Восточной Европы. Он занимается вопросами безопасности, демократизации, окружающей среды и экономики на постсоветском пространстве более 20-лет. Владеет русским, английским и немецким языками.

Education in economics and business administration, economics of land degradation.

23 years of experience in the environment and development sector with a professional focus on the conceptualization, organization and implementation of grant development projects in Central Asia.

As a manager of the European Union project “Nexus Dialogue in Central Asia” (2016-2023), she promoted the understanding and institutionalization of the water-energy-food nexus (Nexus approach) at the national and regional levels in Central Asia. Eight Nexus demonstration projects on critical issues for the region, such as: a) siltation of reservoirs, c) low energy efficiency of pumping stations, c) afforestation of the drained Aral Sea bed, etc., have proven the applicability of the Nexus approach and its potential to contribute to the preparation of investment-attractive project proposals.

Ms. Tatyana Shakirova has twenty six years of experience in international technical assistance assignments, including 6-years’ work under the Ministry of Environmental Protection of Kazakhstan and 20 years of regional professional experience on Environmental and Sustainable Development themes with CAREC, including ESD, Environmental Education, Leadership for Sustainable Development, Public Awareness, Public Participation in decision-making on environmental issues; Health and Environment, capacity-building on water related issues, climate change, sustainable energy, energy efficiency, etc.

She is an observer of the UNECE Steering Committee of the UNECE Strategy for Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) and member of the UNECE Ad Hoc Group “ESD Strategic Planning Group 2030”.

In June 2009 – March 2012 she was a member of the UNECE Expert Group on educators’ competences for ESD, in June 2005 – December 2008 – member of the UNECE Expert Group on the UNECE Strategy for ESD’ indicators, and in 2000-2005 – member of the UNECE Bureau to the Aarhus Convention on access to information, public participation in decision-making and access to justice on environmental issues.

Dr Tim Kränzlein is an Environmental Affairs Adviser supporting the environmental cooperation portfolio at OSCE with a special focus on sustainable water management, water diplomacy and nexus-related questions to food security. He has almost 20 years of experience in the context of sustainable development, quantitative analysis, trade-related questions as well as the nexus to food security and food systems in different parts of the world (including Southeast and Central Europe as well as Southeast Asia). Prior to joining OSCE very recently, he worked with the Swiss Federal Department of Foreign Affairs in the context of thematic issues related to the Rome-based UN agencies (food systems transformation, food security-conflict-development nexus, youth engagement, water, sustainable finance) and within the Swiss Federal Department of Affairs, focusing on bilateral and multilateral trade and links to sustainable development and forward-looking analysis. His doctorate studies at ETH Zurich focused on food systems & climate change as well as true cost of food.

Tais Reznikova has almost 10 years of experience working in the water sector in Central Asian countries focusing on integrated water resource management, basin planning and sustainable water management. She has a sound professional expertise in project management including reporting and

financial budgeting. Tais developed a profound expertise in coordination and network strengthening amongst local and international stakeholders on various levels from the CSO, governmental, public and private sector, as well as in-depth knowledge on dialogue promotion and the development of policy briefs for systemic change in the water sector. Tais is skilled in strengthening public participation in water resources management, promotion of inclusive approaches and empowering women’s participation in water management and governance. She is a local coordinator of the Network of women in water management of Central Asia and Afghanistan. She holds a master's in Environmental Science, Policy and Management from Central European and Lund Universities, and in IWRM from Kazakh-German University.

Ms. Tulieva is the Focal Point on “Gender and Social Equality” in the “National Water Resources Management Project” in Tajikistan, which aims to support the “Tajikistan Water Sector Reform Program for 2016-2025”, HELVETAS Swiss Intercooperation in Tajikistan.

Moreover, Ms. Tulieva is the President of the Association "Woman and Water" of Central Asia and Afghanistan with the aim of developing networking and increasing the potential of women specialists in the water sector.

Ms. Tulieva, contributed to the development of social, gender issues in water resources management, taking into account the principles of Integrated Water Resources Management (IWRM), focusing on the development of the "Bottom-Up" approach with 14 experience in Central Asia.

HELVETAS Swiss Intercooperation in Tajikistan.

I.Somoni Ave., 1 A

Mobile: (+992) 98-888-49-93 (Taj)

e-mail: shohida4993@gmail.com

Dr Saule Ospanova is a Senior Environmental Affairs Advisor heading the environmental cooperation portfolio at OSCE with activities in sustainable water management, water diplomacy, disaster risk reduction, good environmental governance and hazardous waste management. She has over 20 years of experience contributing to international multi stakeholder initiatives, managing and implementing sustainability projects in different parts of the world (including Eastern Europe, Central Asia, Africa and China). Prior to joining OSCE, she worked with the International Institute for Environment and Development, the World Bank, UN and other institutions on policy development in water, climate change, energy and green economy, as well as accountability in the extractive sector. Her doctorate studies at the University of Michigan Ann Arbor focused on resource governance and environmental justice.

Matus is a public policy expert at The Economist Intelligence Unit’s (EIU) Resources, Climate & Sustainability, and Globalisation & Trade practices. Matus oversees the execution of projects focused on sustainable development and trade, including the Blue Peace Index partnership with the Swiss Agency for Development and Co-operation (SDC) on sustainable management of shared water resources and promotion of transboundary cooperation. Matus also leads programmes with the UN International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) and USAID in Central Asia. Prior to joining the EIU, Matus worked at energy policy, sustainable development, and international trade projects at UNESCAP, Chatham House and Harvard Kennedy School Belfer Center. He holds a Master's degree in Public Policy from Harvard Kennedy School of Government, where he specialised in Economic and Political Development, Energy Policy and International Trade and Competitiveness.

Kerry serves as SIWI’s Senior Programme Manager for the Shared Waters Partnership programme, a multi stakeholder platform aimed at advancing cooperation over shared water resources in regions where political tensions could be a source of conflict. He contributes to the development of research and project management in a number of fields including transboundary water management, climate change, and capacity building Kerry holds a Master’s degree in International Humanitarian Action from Uppsala University, Sweden Prior joining SIWI in 2013 Kerry worked for Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI).

Kerry has supported the Women in Water Diplomacy Network in the Nile, since it was initiated as part of Shared Waters Partnership in 2017, as well as the Women in Water Management Network since 2021.

Diego Jara is a Legal Officer at the IUCN Environmental Law Centre. Since 2015, he has been involved in policy, legal and institutional processes for the promotion of transboundary water cooperation in Latin America, Africa and South East Asia. His research interests focus on international environmental law, sustainable development and water diplomacy. Diego holds a Law degree from the Catholic University of Ecuador, as well as a postgraduate degree in Environmental Governance from the University of Freiburg (Germany).

Бо Либерт, консультант, в течение 16 лет работал региональным советником по вопросам окружающей среды в Европейской экономической комиссии ООН и имеет большой опыт работы в Центральной Азии и Восточной Европе по широкому кругу экологических вопросов в ОЭСР, Шведском агентстве по охране окружающей среды и ООН.

В последние годы он участвовал в развитии водного сотрудничества в нескольких трансграничных бассейнах, включая Чу и Талас, Днестр, Дрин, Куру, Неман и Западный Буг. Г-н Либерт является автором ряда научных статей, в том числе по вопросам развития трансграничного водного сотрудничества на практике. В настоящее время он базируется в своей родной стране - Швеции.

Dosbol Bekmagambetov was born in 1979 in Karaganda region.

He graduated from Karaganda Economic University Kazpotrebsoyuz, Karaganda State University named after Buketov, Karaganda State Technical University, Kazakh Agricultural University named after Seifullin.

He began his career in 2007 as Acting Chief Specialist of Labor Legislation Control Department of Labor and Social Protection of the Karaganda region.

In 2007-2008, he was a chief specialist of the authorized state inspector on environmental protection in Nurinskiy region of Karaganda city.

2008-2012 he was chief specialist of authorized state inspector on environment of Nurinskiy district of Karaganda region.

In 2012-2016, he was Deputy Akim of Nurinsk district of Karaganda region.

From 2016 to 2017 he was an expert of the Department of Legal Support and State Procurement of the Committee of State Inspection in the Agroindustrial Complex of the Ministry of Agriculture of the Republic of Kazakhstan.

In 2017-2019, he was a chief specialist of the Division of State Control and Protection of Water Fund; deputy head of the Esil Basin Inspection for Regulation of Use and Protection of Water Resources of the Committee for Water Resources of the Ministry of Agriculture of the Republic of Kazakhstan.

2019-2021 he was deputy head; head of the Esil Basin Inspection for Regulation of Use and Protection of Water Resources of the Committee for Water Resources of the Ministry of Ecology, Geology and Natural Resources of the Republic of Kazakhstan.

2021-2023 Deputy Chairman of the Committee for Water Resources of the Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources of the Republic of Kazakhstan.

Currently he is Vice-Minister of Ecology and Natural Resources of the Republic of Kazakhstan 

Creative director of the “AKMENA” public association (Kyrgyzstan), member of the IUCN CEC and Central Asian group of experts on Sustainable Development. General working experience in environmental sphere -   25 years. She has master's degrees in Biology and Psychology.

Since 2015 she has been working on creation of the “Eco-house on fast stream” (Lebedinovka village, bordering Bishkek) a circular economy and urban food systems demonstration and education facility. 

In 2012-2018 Evgeniia was responsible for management of the GEF/UNDP Small Grants Programme in Kyrgyzstan. At the position of the National coordinator she was participating in more than 100 community-led projects on sustainable irrigation, agriculture, adaptation to climate change, biodiversity conservation, renewable energy, transboundary waters, etc.   In 2009-2012 was working for the OSCE Centre in Bishkek and was responsible for environmental projects, including creation of the young scientists' network on monitoring water quality in Kyrgyzstan and creation of the Water museum in Bishkek. She is the author of more than 30 publications, including Integrated water Resource Management course/textbook.   Ms. Postnova has rich experience of work in eco NGO sector. In 1997-2009 she was working in "BIOM" ecological movement , coordinating project on Education for Sustainable Development.

Capacity Building and Education Lead at USAID Regional Water and Vulnerable Environment Activity since March 2022. 
Previously worked as a Water Programme Coordinator at the Institute of Water Resources and UNESCO Chair on Water Resources Management under Kazakh-German University (2019-2022); an Advisor to the regional project on “Ecosystem-based adaptation to Climate Change in high-mountainous regions of Central Asia” at GIZ Tajikistan (2016-2018) and Researcher and Fellow Teacher at Kazakh -German University IWRM Master program (2011-2015).
Ms. Yodalieva has degrees of certified specialist in Management in the social sphere and Linguistics (Khorog State University in Tajikistan), and a Master's degree in Political Science (OSCE Academy in Kyrgyzstan).

Dilovarsho Dustzoda is Climate Change and Sustainable Energy Programme Manager and ReCATH Project Manager at the Regional Environmental Center for Central Asia (CAREC).

Dilovarsho has more than 19 years of experience in biodiversity, biosafety, genetic resources, climate change and adaptation.

Prior to CAREC he managed international relations and environmental conventions department in the Committee for Environmental Protection under the Government of the Republic of Tajikistan and served as the Director of the Agency for Hydrometeorology of Tajikistan.

Previously Dilovarsho was Permanent Representative of Tajikistan to WMO, UNFCCC National Focal Point from Tajikistan, UNCBD SBSTTA and BCH National Focal Point for Tajikistan.

Dilovarsho served as the member to the several committees and advisory bodies under the UN Convention on Biological Diversity and its Protocols. As well he served for two terms as the COP\MOP Bureau member in UNCBD representing the Central and Eastern Europe countries.

Dilovarsho holds a master’s degree in international relations from the Tajik National University.

Vladimir Grebnev has extensive experience in climate change and environmental sustainability issues, having worked in this field for over 20 years. During this time, he has successfully implemented more than 30 development projects focusing on environmental protection, climate change adaptation, and green growth. He has developed numerous project documents, national, sub-national, and sectoral strategies, as well as analytical documents and conducted various research studies. Vladimir has also served as a Team Leader or Project/Programme Coordinator for more than 10 assignments, leading multidisciplinary teams in developing government plans and strategic documents, including those related to climate change mitigation and adaptation. His expertise in this area has been widely recognized, and he has contributed significantly to developing and implementing climate change policies and strategies at the national and regional levels, such as the Central Asian Climate Change Adaptation Strategy

Sanzhar is Procurement Specialist of the Climate Adaptation and Mitigation Program for the Aral Sea Basin (CAMP4ASB) project.

Sanzhar has more than 20 years of experience work in CAREC and the 8 years of experience work on procurement in CAMP4ASB. Prior to that, he worked in various CAREC program areas as a specialist and project manager.

Ms. Oxana Kravtsova currently serves as the Project Coordinator for the initiative focused on enhancing transparency in climate actions at the Regional Environmental Centre for Central Asia. Her role centers on building the capacity of national experts and fostering networking opportunities in Central Asia. The primary goal of this undertaking is to empower countries in the region with robust and sustainable climate action transparency systems, facilitating international knowledge exchange, and ensuring the effective implementation of the Paris Agreement.

Over the past few years, Ms. Kravtsova has strengthened her expertise in climate action transparency, UNFCCC reporting, MRV systems and GHG emissions calculations. She has also contributed significantly to projects involving the implementation of the Water, Energy, and Food Security Nexus (WEF Nexus) approach in Central Asian countries, as well as initiatives combating droughts and desertification under the UNCCD convention.

With a background in international organizations, Ms. Kravtsova brings a wealth of experience to her current role. Her dedication to climate change mitigation and environmental sustainability is evident in her dynamic and passionate approach to her work.

Dr. Kauazov is a coordinator Central Asia Climate Information Portal (CACIP). He has over twenty years of experience in satellite climate change research, space monitoring visualization and software development, with a particular focus on drought, snow cover and satellite monitoring. 

Dr. Kauazov's work experience includes working at the National Center for Space Research and Technology as Deputy Director of the Department of Remote Sensing of the Earth, the National Hydrometeorological Service Kazhydromet as the Head of the Department of Meteorological Research, the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) in Kazakhstan as an expert on adaptation to climate change and water resources management. Dr. Kauazov has been involved in a large number of projects on a wide range of issues related to climate change, water resources, droughts, emergency situations, satellite monitoring and web GIS. 

Dr. Kauazov holds a Ph.D. in Geographical Sciences in Hydrology (Postgraduate from the Space Research Institute, Kazakhstan, Almaty), an MSc in Ecology and a BSc in Meteorology from the Kazakh National University. 

He also completed internships and training courses at the University of Reading (UK), the Technical University of Berlin (Germany), the Korean Aerospace Institute (Daejeon), Spatial Dev (Seattle, USA), as well as a number of courses in Russia.

Rajat is passionate about empowering enterprises to do better with less and work towards sustainable growth. He is co-founder and technical lead at STENUM Asia in training, consultancy, audit and implementation support for enterprises. He has been actively practicing Resource Efficient Cleaner Production at various levels for over a decade having undergone extensive training on sustainable development in Europe. He is also developing strategies for enterprises to make a transition towards the circular economy. With over 20 years of experience managing manufacturing operations, also as an entrepreneur, he brings to his consulting work, a deep understanding of the issues and challenges businesses face.