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DUSHANBE, TAJIKISTAN – On 16-17 May, the key findings of the European Union funded project “Nexus Dialogue in Central Asia” were presented in the course of the 5th Central Asia Climate Change Conference (the CACCC). Two thematic sessions were devoted to the role of the Nexus approach in mitigating climate vulnerability, while ensuring more efficient use of water, energy and food (WEF).
The participants discussed the project’s deliverables and experts’ conclusions. The following topics were covered: institutionalization of the Nexus approach, innovative solutions piloted at the small-scale demo projects, the Nexus-based investment proposals and next steps towards enhancing the WEF Nexus security in the region.
“In times of increased geopolitical competition, we support countries who seek to enhance their resilience in a sustainable manner. Sustainable water and energy are key priorities for the EU in Central Asia. The Nexus approach ensures a coordinated and more efficient use of such vital resources as water, energy and food while accounting for environmental and climate risks. Our new Global Gateway Team Europe Initiative on Water, Energy and Climate Change in Central Asia is our contribution to making the region more resilient to climate change through viable investment projects ,” stated H.E. Mr Raimundas KAROBLIS, Ambassador of the European Union to the Republic of Tajikistan.
For the Tuyamuyun hydro complex, a transboundary facility between Uzbekistan and Tukrmenistan, the demo project developed a technical solution for producing bricks from the sediment. The demo project on the afforestation of the Aral Sea bed in Kazakhstan showed positive results of the closed-root planting of saxaul seedlings. In Tajikistan, the demo project studied possibilities for modernization of pumping stations through automated monitoring of electricity consumption. The outputs of the demo projects were showcased at a special exhibition at the CACCC.
“The NRD team, spread across five different corners of the world, can look back with pride to an impressive portfolio of activities and products to raise awareness of the Nexus approach and mainstream it in relevant policy and institutional structures. Holistic and integrated planning and actions are the only way forward to manage the world’s natural resources, vital for social and economic growth. NRD leaves behind a wealth of knowledge as well as practical tools and guidelines to continue breaking silos,” noted Ms Irene Sander, Coordinator of the Global Nexus Secretariat, German Society for International Cooperation (GIZ).
The importance of institutionalizing the Nexus approach was highlighted in the CACCC Outcome Document, which will be submitted to the Central Asian countries’ top leadership for further consideration.
CAREC implements the “Nexus Dialogue in Central Asia” project in partnership with the Global Nexus Secretariat with the financial support of the European Union. The project’s duration: June 2020 – June 2023; total budget: EUR 1.25 million, including the EU’s contribution of EUR 1 million.
