Ashgabat, Turkmenistan, 27 February – 2 March 2006 — The meeting of the Interstate Commission on Sustainable Development of Central Asia (ICSD) and the gathering of National Focal Points for the Regional Environmental Action Plan (REAP FPs) were held at the “President” Hotel in Ashgabat with the support of UNEP and the Government of Turkmenistan.
The events brought together approximately 50 participants, including members of ICSD, REAP Focal Points, representatives of the Scientific-Information Centre of ICSD, as well as representatives of international organizations (UNEP, WWF, ADB and others) and regional non-governmental organizations. The meetings addressed key issues of regional environmental cooperation, implementation of the REAP, and further steps to strengthen institutional and information mechanisms for sustainable development in Central Asia.
Objectives of the ICSD Meeting
The REAP Focal Points meeting, held from 27 February to 1 March, aimed to develop coordinated approaches and prepare draft decisions for consideration by ICSD. Central to the agenda was the discussion of the draft Framework Convention on Environmental Protection for Sustainable Development in Central Asia. Representatives of all countries in the region presented their proposals to the third draft of the Convention, followed by in-depth discussions to refine and harmonize the document.
Participants of the ICSD Meeting. Photocredit to SIC ICSD.
Participants also reviewed the Report on the Activities of the REAP Focal Points Assistants Network, discussed the revised Statute of the ICSD Scientific-Information Centre and the Concept for establishing a regional GIS Centre, and addressed issues related to enhancing civil society participation, including the work of the NGO Working Group and action plans under REAP Priority 3. Considerable attention was given to the Small Grants Programme, strategies and action plans for REAP priority areas, and pilot projects supported by the GEF.
In addition, discussions covered initiatives to establish a Regional Mountain Centre of Central Asian (RMCCA), strengthen cooperation with the Asian Institute of Technology, and prepare activities dedicated to the International Year of Deserts and Desertification. The meeting resulted in the consolidation of draft decisions and documentation for submission to ICSD.
Conclusions and Decisions
The ICSD meeting held on 2 March marked a significant milestone in advancing regional environmental cooperation. Participants considered and endorsed the ICSD Annual Report for 2005 and the Report on the REAP FPs Assistants Network, emphasizing the importance of continued support to the network with the assistance of UNEP. Progress on the development of the Framework Convention on Environmental Protection for Sustainable Development in Central Asia was noted, and the Steering Committee of Officials was mandated to finalize the draft for potential adoption at the next ICSD session.
In strengthening decision-making capacity, participants endorsed the Conceptual Framework for the Application of GIS Technologies for the development of the Decision Support System (DSS). Particular emphasis was placed on civil society engagement, with the approval of the NGO Working Group Report under REAP and the Small Grants Programme “Sustainable Development of Central Asian Communities”, as well as support for regional academic participation in UNEP educational initiatives.
In the area of resource mobilization and REAP implementation, the meeting approved the Strategies and Action Plans for REAP priority areas and endorsed pilot projects. Support was also expressed for the establishment of the Central Asian Regional Mountain Centre of Central Asia and a Regional Renewable Energy Network. Participants further endorsed activities dedicated to the International Year of Deserts and Desertification and supported the continued development of the Econet Central Asia initiative, including the preparation of a full-scale GEF project.
The meeting concluded with the formal adoption of ICSD decisions, outlining concrete steps for the continued implementation of the REAP. The outcomes reaffirmed the commitment of Central Asian countries to strengthening regional cooperation in environmental protection and sustainable development, and underscored the pivotal role of ICSD as a key platform for coordinated regional action.
Agenda of REAP Focal Points Regional Meeting (February 27 - March 1, 2006)
Agenda of ICSD Meeting (March 2, 2006)