Central Asia Climate Projects Presented in Samarkand

Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — Results of five projects implemented with support from the Small Grants and Climate Innovation Fund (SGCIF) were presented in Samarkand during the Eco Expo Central Asia 2026 international exhibition.

The fund, established in 2025, aims to strengthen resilience of Central Asian countries to the impacts of climate change.

The event was opened by British Ambassador to Uzbekistan Timothy Smart, who highlighted the importance of regional cooperation in addressing climate challenges. The session was moderated by Elena Zanardi, head of the Climate Risk Management in Central Asia programme component at GIZ.

Participants noted the importance of financial support for achieving climate goals and strengthening regional cooperation. During the event, results of five projects implemented in Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan were presented.

One of the largest projects focuses on introducing regenerative agriculture methods in Kazakhstan and Tajikistan.

Within the project, pilot sites covering more than 30,000 hectares were established, an international soil carbon accounting methodology was introduced, and a basis was prepared for registering carbon reductions in the Verified Carbon Standard international registry. Expected emission reductions are around 38,000 tonnes of CO2 equivalent per year.

Another project focuses on energy innovation in the agricultural sector in Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan. It included information campaigns reaching more than 480,000 people, training and certification of 350 specialists, and the creation of demonstration sites for solar pumps, drip irrigation systems and other energy-efficient solutions.

A project on irrigation development in the Ferghana Valley supported the expansion of water-saving technologies. Specialized fairs for farmers and equipment suppliers were organised, with sales of modern irrigation systems exceeding 145,000 euros. An instalment payment mechanism was also introduced to support the purchase of climate-resilient equipment.

Another initiative focused on construction of energy-efficient housing in Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan.

Under the project, agreements were signed for the construction of 144 low-energy homes. Standard designs for energy-efficient buildings and digital tools for energy-saving calculations were developed. These solutions are expected to reduce carbon emissions by around 30% while improving living comfort.

The fifth project focused on climate finance development in Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan. The initiative developed mechanisms for issuing green and sustainable bonds for financial institutions in both countries, with a potential mobilisation of at least US$100 million.

In addition, 85 financial sector specialists received training, and programmes were organised for Uzbek banks on implementation of green banking standards and environmental and social management systems.

Organisers said a new round of applications for SGCIF small grants is expected to be announced by the end of 2026.