United Nations Environment Programme Regional Cooperation and Coordination Experiences Marieta Sakalian Programme Management/Liaison Officer Biodiversity UNEP/FAO/CGIAR UNEP Division of GEF Coordination

Objectives –Conservation of the unique high diversity of –wild and cultivated fruit species in CA –Enhancement of farmers’ production and livelihood –strategies Policy and legislation: Providing options to policy- makers for strengthening legal and policy frameworks; increase awareness on agrobiodiversity value Knowledge and methodologies: Assessing, documenting and managing local varieties of horticulture crops and wild fruit species in a in a sustainable way; Capacity building: across all relevant aspects meant to strengthen diversity conservation at local, national and regional levels. Collaboration and partnership: Promote broad stakeholder participation in agrobiodiversity management to ensure sustainability project activities In Situ/On farm Conservation of Agricultural Biodiversity in Central Asia ( Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan,Turkmenistan Uzbekistan)

The Region is one of the centres of origin and domestication for any globally important, vegetables, cereals, etc.) by N.I. Vavilov; Common threats to genetic diversity: - Overgrazing, Deforestation, Logging, industrialization in the wild, using of uniform high-yield varieties, chemical fertilizers and pesticides Shared environment degradation problems - Genetic erosion, loss of traditional diversity-based farming systems and loss of biodiversity, arable lands degradation, soil erosion pollution, deforestation Socioeconomic similarities Traditions in working in partnership Why Regional Multi-country Approach?

Keys for Success Global Environment benefits and development needs Multy stakeholder participation Country ownership Project development in respond to country needs Open, transparent and inclusive decision making process Builds on national and regional strategies for biodiversity conservation and strengthens the regional network “CATCN-PGR” Consistent with the GEF OPs and BD Focal areas SP Farmers EAs with national networks

Mechanisms for cooperation Regional Steering Committee, Multidisciplinary Site Committees in each pilot site; Participatory management methodologies Scientific and technical cooperation - Joint research and Exchange of information - Crops working groups - Promotes shared responsibilities among countries within the project and the CATCN-PGR); Regional training centres on pomegranate, walnut, molecular markers, marketing strategies and centres on priority fruit species in different countries; Training programes for Decision makers, farmers and local communities, protected areas managers, researchers and instructors; Genetic Resources Information System (GRIS)- Shared digital database on assessment of diversity distribution and level of genetic resources of targeted fruit species; Collaborative agreement on access and exchange of information on database between/among institutions involved in work on genetic resources of fruit crops at national and regional levels.

Cooperation and shared objectives within the region The project builds on the Regional Environmental Action Plan (REAP) – initiated by UNEP office in Asia and the Pacific and developed as a joint venture between UNEP, UNDP and ADB (in 2000); Facilitates the coordination between the National Strategies for PGR Conservation and supports implementation of the Regional Strategy on PGR Conservation; Strengthening of CATCN-PGR Promotes coordination and collaboration between Ministries of Environment and Agriculture in partner countries; Complements other GEF supported initiatives in the region.

Constrains Farmers have not historically been included in the process of documenting and decision-making for conserving genetic diversity; Traditional weak links within the scientific community – among natural scientists and between natural and social scientists and economists; Some differences in political and economic reforms.

Contribution to Biodiversity Conservation and Well-being in the Region Strengthened Policy

Increased Knowledge Contribution to Biodiversity Conservation and Well-being in the Region

Ecosystems Rehabilitation

Broad Participation and Strong Partnership Contribution to Biodiversity Conservation and Well-being in the Region

Increased Capacity

Thank you Questions?