As part of the implementation of the Tajikistan Resilient Landscapes Restoration Project (RESILAND Tajikistan), the seventh implementation support mission with the participation of World Bank representatives took place from March 31 to April 8, 2026.
The main objective of the mission was to assess the current progress of the project, review the implementation of previously agreed actions, discuss financial aspects, and agree on the next steps toward achieving planned results.
During the mission, meetings were held with representatives of the Committee for Environmental Protection, the Forestry Agency, and the Pasture Reclamation Trust. Field visits were also conducted to the Ayni and Panjakent districts of Sughd region, the “Tigrovaya Balka” Nature Reserve, and the forestry enterprise of Qubodiyon district in Khatlon region.
Special attention was given to the implementation of the National Forest Inventory, which is a key tool for sustainable forest management. To accelerate progress, the number of field teams has been increased, quality control has been strengthened, and modern data processing methodologies have been introduced.
The project demonstrates significant progress in ecosystem restoration and strengthening community resilience:
- more than 5,017 hectares of forests restored (out of 8,000 hectares planned);
- 3,886 hectares of forest plantations established;
- 29 hectares of nurseries created;
- 27,718 hectares of pastures improved;
- 3,683 specialists trained, including more than 1,000 women.
To support forestry and pasture management, machinery, equipment, and transport have been provided, including trucks for safe livestock transportation.
Key infrastructure solutions are being implemented under the project:
- construction of a bridge for safe livestock crossing in Murghab;
- drilling of wells and provision of water supply;
- introduction of irrigation and drip irrigation systems;
- establishment of an irrigation system in Ayni district, supplying water to over 150 hectares of land.
Development of forest management plans for 8 forestry enterprises and one nursery is ongoing. Large-scale tree planting activities are being carried out, including pistachio, saxaul, and fruit tree species.
In the first months of 2026 alone, more than 879,000 seedlings and 7,000 kg of saxaul seeds were supplied, enabling the restoration of over 2,000 hectares of land.
The project actively engages local communities:
- 750 interest groups established;
- more than 20,000 beneficiaries reached;
- support provided to rural initiatives, including greenhouses, beekeeping, and livestock farming;
- strong focus on women’s participation (43%).
Management plans have been developed and approved for four protected areas, including:
- Tajik National Park
- Yaghnob National Park
- Zorkul Nature Reserve
- Tigrovaya Balka Nature Reserve
Monitoring systems are being introduced in these areas, technical capacity is being strengthened, and measures to combat poaching are being implemented.
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The Tajikistan Resilient Landscapes Restoration Project is part of the World Bank’s RESILAND CA+ program, aimed at strengthening landscape resilience across Central Asian countries. Similar national and regional activities are also being implemented in Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan.
The Regional Environmental Centre for Central Asia (CAREC) implements the regional component of the Tajikistan Resilient Landscape Restoration Project.
Additional Information:
Solijon Mirzoev — RESILAND Tajikistan Project Manager, Center for the Implementation of Investment Projects under the Committee for Environmental Protection of the Government of the Republic of Tajikistan.
Dilovarsho Dustzoda — Deputy Team Leader of the Project Implementation Group for “Sustainable Landscape Restoration in the Republic of Tajikistan: Regional Component”, CAREC