Priority Area No 5 dedicated to SDG 15: “Protect, restore and promote sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems”
Based on the assessment conducted within REP4SD CA, the Interstate Commission on Sustainable Development (ICSD) recommends that all projects operating in Central Asian countries focus their efforts on the following priorities and outcomes:
| 5.1 Development of the “Sub-regional Action Programme to Combat Desertification,” including: | ||
| 5.1.1 | integration of the ecosystem approach for climate change adaptation at the strategic, programmatic and project levels to improve cross-sectoral collaboration (and sectoral plans) and ecosystem protection, restoration and sustainable management. | |
| 5.1.2 | capacity-building for sustainable management of forests, land, and pastures; | |
| 5.1.3 | development of a unified methodology for ecosystem assessment, inventory and mapping for Central Asian countries; | |
| 5.1.4 | development of a regional ecosystem restoration scheme in the region, including establishment of green belts, forest planting, restoration of delta lakes; | |
| 5.1.5 | exchange of experience, project data and methodologies for ecosystem services assessment; | |
| 5.1.6 | exchange of experience in the development of ecotourism in protected areas and at unique nature sites; | |
| 5.1.7 | use of modern monitoring methods to account for flora and fauna species, ecosystem conditions, land resources. | |
| 5.2 | Cooperation on biodiversity conservation, including: | |
| 5.2.1 | development of a Red Book of Central Asia (Regional Atlas); | |
| 5.2.2 | strengthening scientific cooperation on restoration of rare and endangered plant and animal species, taking joint measures for their protection; | |
| 5.2.3 | development of ecological corridors for migratory species of animals and birds, transboundary cooperation on protection of key habitats, including protected areas; | |
| 5.2.4 | organization of joint activities on conservation and sustainable use of genetic resources, as well as research to prevent invasion of alien species into the territory of Central Asia; | |
| 5.2.5 | organization of joint activities to control pests and diseases of agricultural plants and forest plantations in the border areas of the Central Asian countries; | |
| 5.2.6 | sustainable management of Central Asian wetlands by introducing best management practices; | |
| 5.2.7 | restoration of riparian forests in the Amu Darya, Syr Darya and Panj river valleys as protection measures from flood risks and biodiversity conservation; | |
| 5.2.8 | combating poaching in the border territories of the Central Asian countries. | |