Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) —  According to the World Bank, in the past two decades, the urban population of the largest cities in Central Asia has grown by an average of 48%, occupying 538 square kilometers of land.

This rapid urban expansion has placed significant pressure on infrastructure (electricity, water supply, transportation, healthcare, food security), increasing their vulnerability to climate change.

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), with support from Japan, has launched a regional project titled Enhancing the Resilience of Cities to Disaster Risks and Climate Change in Central Asia.

The project, which is scheduled to run from 2024 to 2027, focuses on enhancing climate resilience, particularly in urban areas, through regional cooperation and innovative urban planning methods. The project budget exceeds USD 5 million.

The project is being implemented in Uzbekistan in cooperation with the Ministry of Ecology, Environmental Protection, and Climate Change.

The Central Asian region is particularly vulnerable to natural disasters and the impacts of climate change (earthquakes, floods, droughts).

The project aims to establish a solid foundation for the sustainable development of cities in the region by bringing together the efforts of various Central Asian countries and aligning with national action plans.

Aziz Abdukhakimov, the Minister of Ecology, Environmental Protection, and Climate Change of Uzbekistan, noted at the project’s inaugural meeting that scientific studies predict an increase in average temperatures in Central Asia by 3-5 degrees Celsius by the end of the century. This, in turn, will lead to a reduction in snow cover, changes in the hydrological cycle, and an increased risk of extreme weather events (floods, dust storms, droughts), negatively impacting the region’s ecosystems and economy. However, he believes that the UNDP project will support sustainable development efforts by strengthening regional connectivity.

Takashi Hattori, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Japan to Uzbekistan, emphasized Japan’s advanced expertise in disaster risk reduction. According to him, the goal of the meeting was to bring together partners to exchange experiences, address challenges, and strengthen partnerships.

Akiko Fujii, UNDP Resident Representative in Uzbekistan, highlighted the seriousness of the threat posed by climate change to the ecological and socio-economic stability of Central Asia. Rapid urbanization only amplifies the need to incorporate resilience strategies into urban planning. UNDP aims to develop a regional approach to tackling these complex issues.

The shared history and interconnected ecosystems of Central Asia underscore the importance of regional cooperation.

This project, supported by Japan and based on the concept of sustainable urban development, aims to leverage existing coordination platforms to address issues related to urban development, water resource management, transportation, and energy. It represents a significant step in addressing the region’s climate challenges.