On 23 January 2026, within the framework of the regional component of the World Bank–supported RESILAND CA+ program, the first online regional consultation was held under the project “Restoration of Sustainable Landscapes in Kyrgyzstan”, implemented by the Regional Environmental Centre for Central Asia (CAREC). The consultation focused on the development of a regional roadmap and a regional online catalogue on transboundary mudflows and floods in Central Asia.
The meeting brought together 42 representatives from five countries of the region, including officials and experts from ministries of emergency situations, hydrometeorological services, water resources agencies, environmental authorities, as well as research, academic, and expert organizations.
Why this meeting was of fundamental importance
“Hazardous natural processes, including climate-induced mudflows and floods in Central Asia, are characterized by high dynamics and significant spatial extent, resulting in substantial socio-economic losses and damage in affected areas. Given the transboundary nature of natural emergencies, risk management exclusively at the national levels is insufficient and requires interstate and regional approaches. The practical implementation of such approaches presupposes the availability of coordinated instruments for cooperation, joint planning, and the implementation of collective measures for risk reduction and emergency response,” said Daurbek Sakyiev, Director, Department of Monitoring and Forecasting of Emergencies under the Ministry of Emergency Situations of the Kyrgyz Republic.
The consultation became the first platform where specialists from government agencies of the five Central Asian countries were introduced to the idea of developing joint documents and platforms on transboundary mudflows and floods, as well as to the goals, objectives, and opportunities offered by the KG RESILAND project for the benefit of all countries participating in the RESILAND CA+ program.
Experts noted that without a shared understanding of processes, harmonized data, and agreed priorities, measures to reduce the impacts of mudflows and floods remain fragmented and less effective. The recommendations received and professional contacts established during the consultation will serve as the basis for the next stage of developing the regional roadmap and online catalogue.
The meeting marked a key step in the transition from analytical understanding of the problem to the formulation of practical regional solutions.
Why the regional roadmap and online catalogue are important
“The Regional Roadmap on Transboundary Mudflows and Floods in Central Asia is viewed not as a strategic document, but as a practical tool that will help systematize priority areas, define a sequence of actions, and link them with potential investment solutions. It provides a foundation for long-term and coordinated planning of mudflow and flood risk reduction measures at the regional level,” emphasized Zhyrgylbek Ukashev, Expert on the development of the Regional Roadmap.
The Regional Online Catalogue on Transboundary Mudflows and Floods in Central Asia, in turn, is being developed as a specialized geoportal for the collection, storage, analysis, and graphical visualization of geospatial data on climate-induced natural hazards. Its key value lies in the ability to integrate fragmented datasets into a single system, enhance their clarity, and improve accessibility for experts, researchers, and decision-making authorities.
The consultation confirmed the need to continue regional consultations aimed at developing shared planning instruments, data exchange mechanisms, and joint project preparation in order to effectively address climate-induced emergencies and reduce their socio-economic impacts across Central Asia.
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The project “Resilient Landscape Restoration in the Kyrgyz Republic” is part of the World Bank’s RESILAND CA+ program, aimed at strengthening landscape resilience across Central Asian countries. Within the RESILAND CA+ program, similar landscape restoration projects are also being implemented in Tajikistan and Uzbekistan, pursuing comparable national and regional objectives.
Additional information:
Lyudmila Kiktenko – Deputy Team Leader, “Restoration of Sustainable Landscapes in Kyrgyzstan: Regional Component” Project, CAREC
Azamat Kauazov — Deputy Team Leader of Uzbekistan Resilient Landscape Restoration project: regional component, CAREC
Dilovarsho Dustzoda — Deputy Team Leader of the Project Implementation Group for “Sustainable Landscape Restoration in the Republic of Tajikistan: Regional Component”, CAREC