Central Asian Countries Launch Regional Steering Committee to Accelerate Methane Reduction Efforts

Tashkent, Uzbekistan – July 10, 2025 representatives from five Central Asian countries gathered in Tashkent for the first meeting of the Regional Steering Committee (RSC) under the Central Asia Capacity Building for Methane Emission Reduction (CA CBMER) project. The meeting marked a significant milestone in regional cooperation to address methane emissions, particularly in the oil and gas sector.

The event was organized by the Regional Environmental Centre for Central Asia (CAREC), with support from the Global Methane Hub (GMH) and participation from key national ministries, technical experts, national oil and gas companies, and international partners.

In his opening remarks, Batyr Mammedov, Executive Director of CAREC, emphasized that the CA CBMER project represents the first regional initiative in Central Asia dedicated to strengthening national and institutional capacity to reduce methane emissions. He noted:

“The goal of this project is not only to provide training, but to help countries establish long-term, effective systems — including inventory improvement, MRV frameworks, and regulatory support — that will continue working beyond the project’s timeline.”

Dr. Manjyot Kaur Ahluwalia, Asia Regional Lead at the Global Methane Hub, reinforced the urgency of the initiative, highlighting that methane is responsible for approximately 30% of current global warming. She stated:

“We’re here to build not only capacity, but also regional coordination and political ownership. This Steering Committee will serve as a central platform for knowledge sharing and alignment with national priorities. Together, we can shape a methane-smart Central Asia.”

The CA CBMER project — launched in February 2025 — supports Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan in building capacity to monitor, report, and reduce methane emissions. Observers from Azerbaijan and Mongolia are also engaging in the regional dialogue.

The RSC is a key governing body within the project, responsible for providing strategic guidance, ensuring national alignment, and facilitating collaboration. During the meeting, the draft Terms of Reference (ToR) for the RSC were presented, discussed, and formally adopted. It was agreed that all decisions within the committee would be made by consensus, and countries may nominate replacement members with equal rights to ensure consistent representation.

The meeting followed a three-day regional training on methane inventory methodologies using the 2006 IPCC Guidelines, led by international experts. Participants from ministries, research institutions, and energy regulators shared their country-specific challenges, emission trends, and ongoing or planned activities.

Session highlights included presentations from:

·       EDF on advanced methane monitoring techniques;

·       Clean Air Task Force on methane inventory tools and abatement potential (CoMAT);

·       UNEP IMEO on the Methane Alert and Response System (MARS);

·       Carbon Limits, CCAC, and UNESCO ISEDC on regulatory support and emission estimates for the coal sector.

The meeting concluded with a summary of outcomes and planning for the second RSC meeting, as well as national consultations. Participants agreed to continue aligning methane reduction with national climate strategies, including NDC updates, while exploring cooperation on waste, agriculture, and health co-benefits.

“Central Asia has the potential to show collective progress on the global stage. All countries have joined the Global Methane Pledge, and this project is a strong step toward turning that commitment into action,” said Batyr Mamedov.

CA CBMER is implemented by CAREC with the support of the Global Methane Hub. It aims to build institutional, regulatory, and technical capacity to reduce methane emissions in Central Asia’s oil and gas sector, while promoting regional cooperation and access to climate finance. 

Dilovarsho Dustzoda - ReCATH Project Manager (recath_manager@carececo.org)

Kravtsova Oxana - ReCATH Project Specialist (okravtsova@carececo.org)