GEF / UNEP Medium-sized Project Brief:
Development of the Econet for long-term conservation of biodiversity in the Central Asia Ecoregions
Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan
2002
Project Summary
Project IdentifiersProject name: Development of the Econet for long-term conservation of biodiversity in the Central Asia Ecoregions / 2. GEF Implementing Agency:
United Nation Environment Programme
3. Country or countries in which the project is being implemented:
Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan / 4. Country eligibility:
Kazakhstan ratified the CBD on 06.09.1994
Uzbekistan ratified the CBD on 06.08.1996
Turkmenistan ratified the CBD on 18.09.1996
Tajikistan ratified the CBD on 29.10.1997
Kyrgyzstan ratified the CBD on 19.07.1995
5. GEF focal area(s), and/or cross-cutting issues:
Biodiversity / 6. Operational program/Short-term measure:
Biodiversity – Operational Programs 1 on arid ecosystems with relevance to OP4 on Mountain ecosystems
7. Project linkage to national priorities, action plans and programs:
The creation of effective protected areas systems (Econet) and issues of biodiversity information management / dissemination are included in all National Strategies and Action Plans which have already been developed in the region (Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan[1]) and are expected components of those which are currently under development (Tajikistan, Turkmenistan). These issues were also identified as the main priorities for all States and for the region as a whole in the regional WWF report “Biodiversity conservation in Central Asia. An analysis of biodiversity and current threats and Initial Investment Portfolio”, which has been approved by the national authorities of all states in 1998. (see Annex 3, citation of above mentioned documents).
The project concept was formally endorsed by all national GEF focal points and national Environment Ministers at the “Meeting of the Interstate Commissionfor Sustainable Development (“ICSD”) – 12/04/2000 (see Annex 8, “ICSD Decision”).
- GEF national operational focal point and date of country endorsement:
81, Karl Marks Str, Kokchetau, 475000, Kazakhstan
PHONE: ((731622) 542 42 FAX : (731622) 50620
Uzbekistan – MR. Sherimbetov, Khallilula, Chairman, State Committee for Nature Protection,
7, A. Qodiriy k-si, 700128, Tashkent, Uzbekistan
PHONE: (998) 998712 41 04 42 FAX : (998) 998712 41 39 90/41 5633
Turkmenistan –MR.Rajapov, Matkarim Rajapovich, Minister, Ministry of Nature Use and Environment Protection
102 Kemine Street, Ashgabat 744000, Turkmenistan
PHONETEL: (9 9312) 35 43 17 FAX: (9 9312) 51 16 13
Tajikistan –MR. Shokirov, Usmonkool Shokirovitch Minister , Ministry of Nature Protection
12 Bokhtar Street 734025 DushanbeTajikistan
PHONE: (992 372) 21 30 39 FAX: (992 372) 21 18 39
Kyrgyzstan – MrR. Eshmambetov, Radbek Bakievitch, Minister, Ministry of Environment and
Emergencies
720033 str, Isanova 131, Bishkek, Kyrgyz Republic, Kyrgyzstan
Project OBJECTIVES and activities
9. Project rationale and objectives:
The basis for biodiversity conservation in various types of ecosystems is the system of protected territories of different ranks which would provide, to a certain degree, preservation of natural complexes in general, and rare species in particular. The existing protected areas of Central Asia historically had been created one by one, according to various urgent necessities and realities, and the system, lacks the representation of areas of special importance. But the regime of protection of zapovedniks exclude the areas from any type of economic development. On the other hand, it is obvious, that the needs of economic development of the states does not allow for an increase in the area of strictly protected territories to the extent of guaranteeing self-sustainable conservation of biodiversity including the majority of rare species. An approach is suggested for the region, which includes creation of ecological corridors between the PAs, as well as recommendations on specific, ecologically friendly economic development of some intermediate key areas. To identify these areas, a complex analysis is to be carried out, which will combine data, which hitherto has not been brought together and analysed:
-regional scale (data for the whole region);
-landscape analysis;
-all data on biodiversity (flora and fauna – both potential and existing variability);
-economic development of the regions (traditional, recent, planned, and potentially possible);
-existing system of PAs;
-plans on the PA system development (including regional priorities, which should be agreed between the States).
Goals: The overall goals of the project are the creation and integration into the regional and national plans of sustainable development a joint scheme of econet development in the Central Asian Region and the development and implementation of viable mechanisms for long term inter-state co-ordination and collaboration to conserve and sustainably utilise biodiversity.
Main objectives
1. To elaborate the scheme of econet development, based on a regionally unified and integrated information management system (GIS), combining existing data on biodiversity and natural resource (at the regional scale), existing system of protected areas, economic development (traditional, recent, planned and probable alternatives), together with newly obtained data through limited targeted research to fill key gaps.
2. To elaborate and achieve agreement for a regional “Econet” development plan implementation.
3. To establish the necessary legal, institutional, technical and financial capacities and mechanisms within the region to allow the effective joint implementation of the Econet plan. / Indicators:
For goal: Regional plan for econet development is worked out (integrating biodiversity conservation and sustainable development approaches), approved by the Interstate Commission for Sustainable Development (ICSD), integrated in the Regional Environmental Action Plan (REAP) and used by all 5 states as a base for the national system of PAs reorganisation and expansion by yr. 4.
- A regional biodiversity database and GIS in existence by 3q. Yr.2 and mechanisms for its maintenance approved and put in place by the countries.
- A regional ECONET plan approved by the ISDC ICSD (in consultation with land- and resource-use bodies) by 1q. yr.3
- Base national components included in the national plans of econet development with committed governmental funding, and funding committed from various donors for its implementation of the key transboundary elements by year 4.
-Legal, institutional and technical capacity in place by yr. 3:
- Model legislation concerning econet establishment worked out and distributed;
- Representatives (at least 2-3 key persons) of the appropriate institutions of all states are trained in the questions of econet development and management;
- Joint database and GIS accessible and usable for all the states of the region;
-Financing mechanisms for implementation of ECONET plan identified, national commitments made and approved for the next 3-5 years; system of joint financing of transboundary elements of econet put in place by yr3.
- Project outcomes:
1.2: Existing and newly gathered data computerised and accessible to all stakeholders for analytical purposes and dissemination
1.3: Institutional responsibilities and roles in the development and maintenance of the GIS agreed and adequate technical capacity in these institutions to fulfil responsibilities/roles present
1.4: GIS providing concrete analytical and modelling outputs necessary for developing a scientifically and socio-economically sound plan for regional econet development.
2.1: Planning framework needed for designing a regional “econet” agreed (definition of needs and objectives, full stakeholder identification, discussions, activity mapping and scheduling).
2.2: Regional plan for the development of an “econet” able to maintain the integrity and functioning of the major ecosystems of the region, capable of conserving the highest feasible level of biological diversity, and sustainable within the practical socio-economic conditions of the region.
3.1.: Mechanisms for regional co-operation and integrated actions to conserve biodiversity in place
3.2. Financing strategy for ensuring the long-term financial viability of the econet plan implementation developed, and funding solicited from donors and governments concerned.
3.3. A legislative basis for regional co-operation and integrated action provided through the development of model legislation within one of the countries of the region.
3.4. Increased capacity of relevant institutions and protected areas administrations within the region to effectively plan and implement biodiversity conservation activities.
3.5. Mechanisms for dissemination of information generated by the GIS in place and awareness of key stakeholders increased. / Indicators:
Design and setting up of GIS in host organisation (Laboratory of Geobotany Institute of Botany & Phytointroduction -–Environment Research Centre ENVIRC) by 3q. yr.1
-All readily available data (existing and key additional data) uploaded to GIS by 2q. yr.2
-Operational guidelines developed and approved by 4 q. yr. 2;
-- Technical capacity developed by 2 q.yr.3
-Maps and analytical results that are of direct use in planning protected areas in the region by 4q. yr.2
-Document detailing the design framework for econet by 1q. yr.2
-Draft plan available by 4q.yr.2
-Final agreed plan by 1q. Yr.3
-Tangible mechanisms such as regional co-ordination focal points and periodic regional co-ordination and information sharing meetings occuring by 2q. yr.3, financially self sustaining once GEF funding is over
-Increase of at least 25% more (compared to before the project, see Annex 9) of collaborative transboundary efforts to conserve biodiversity by 4q. yr.3
-Report identifying options for ensuring long term financing of econet plan implementation and strategic plan approved by the governmental agencies- 3q. yr.2
-Pilot initiatives to test mechanisms/options for long term financing of model transboundary protected areas creation in place 3q. yr.3
-Demonstration legislation relevant to inter-regional co-operation and co-ordination developed and enacted by 4q. Yr.3
-Effectiveness of relevant institutions planning and management reinforced by special training of the staff and distribution of methodological materials by yr.3
-Internet access to GIS products and data base possible by 2q.yr.3
-Email networks created by 1q. Yr3.
11. Project activities to achieve outcomes
(including cost in US$’000 of each activity):
1.1.1: GIS host organisation[2], with the support of regional/international specialists, to assess the actual information management needs for a regional biodiversity IMS and on this basis design work for an optimal GIS (85 000 USD)
1.1.2: Establishment of the project steering committee and identification of other institutions and organisations within the region with compatible GIS capability and interest in participating in the project. (45 000 USD)
1.2.1: Gathering (of existing and newly obtained data via specified research), computerising and uploading of information to GIS (786 000 USD)
1.3.1.: Preparation of guidelines for the operation and maintenance of the Regional Biodiversity GIS (31500 USD)
1.3.2: Technical capacity development / training of the host and partner institutions to ensure their capability to meet the roles and responsibilities agreed in the Operational guidelines (72 500 USD)
1.4.1: Initial experimental use of the GIS by the host organisation for typical biodiversity information management and analysis tasks to check functionality and remove “bugs”. (25 000 USD)
1.4.2: Full scale use of the GIS for relevant development of the land use management strategy, combining economic development and biodiversity conservation - data management, analysis and dissemination (140 000 USD)
1.4.3: Dissemination of the information uploaded / generated in test phase from the host organisation to all regional partners. (35 000 USD)
2.1.1: Agreement of a framework for the planning of a regional Econet (58 000 USD)
2.2.1: Elaboration of a technical plan for econet creation based on scientific analysis and criteria (203 000 USD)
2.2.2: Identification of the important national and regional legal, institutional and financial changes and inter-regional level harmonisation required to effectively implement the technical plan. (31 000 USD)
2.2.3: Development of a final econet plan which integrates technical, legal, institutional and financial actions required (88 000 USD)
2.2.4: Review, consultation and approval of Econet Plan (29 000 USD)
3.1.1: Develop a clear regional structure/mechanisms for co-ordinating and ensuring co-operation of regional biodiversity conservation efforts. (85 000 USD)
3.2.1: Develop viable plans for ensuring the long term financing of entities or initiatives created by the project (econet plan implementation) (66 000 USD) / Indicators
Document listing outputs and products of the GIS required for planning and monitoring biodiversity conservation in CA by 2q. Yr.1
A documented design for a GIS to meet requirements by 3q.yr1.
-Project steering committee established by 2q. Yr.1;
-Records of organisations identified, details of capacity and agreement to participate by 3q.yr1
- Relevant data available in computer database and the GIS by 2q.yr2
-Operational guidelines developed and approved by 4 q. yr. 2;
- Technical capacity developed by 2 q.yr.3
- Experimental products available by 4q.yr1
- GIS fully functional and problem free by 4q. yr1
- Computer maps covering the whole region available by 4q.yr2
- Identified collaborative institutions (including land- and resource- using bodies) have full information package by 3q.yr2
- Document elaborating the framework available and agreed by 1q.yr2
- Technical plan available by 4q.yr2
- Report identifying national and regional supporting reforms/actions required for the technical plan to be viable by 4q.yr2
- Final plan document by 1q.yr3
- Project Steering committee and ICSD written approval (in consultation with land- and resource-use bodies) by 2q.yr3
- Documented evidence of the existence of regional structures/mechanism 2q.yr3
- Assessment report details viable financing options, identification and approval of national commitment by 3q.yr2
- Planning document for development of selected financing options by 2q.yr3
3.3.1: Development of model legislation in one country (most probably in Kazakhstan) within the region as a basis for replication in other countries and thereby allow eventual regional harmonisation (44 000 USD)
3.3.2: Disseminate information on model legislation developed and provide practical advice/ facilitation/ assistance to other countries in the region to replicate (13 000 USD)
3.4.1: Undertake regional and national training workshops on national/regional biodiversity conservation planning and management and on econet components design and management.
(93 000 USD)
3.4.2: Assist at least five NGOs of the region involved in nature conservation education to improve quality of training materials with special explanation of the econet concept and possibilities for integration of biodiversity conservation in the economy development of the region through alternative development and sustainable use of nature resources. (91 000 USD)
Activity 3.5.1: Design and develop an appropriate website for the sharing of data produced by project and the dissemination of biodiversity information generally, and the Econet plan in particular, to all stakeholders. (50 000 USD)
Activity 3.5.2: Develop an Email network (based on the example of the UNEP Bioplan network) to allow dissemination of the similar information to those without access to internet. (64 000 USD) / Enacted legislation available by 1q.yr3
Information materials available by 2q.yr3
Number of individuals/institutions who received information by 4q.yr3
One regional and 5 national training workshops undertaken by2q.yr3
New and adapted curricular materials for different layers of society available and distributed to key NGOs by 2q.yr3
Website in existence by 2q.yr3
Email network established by 1q.yr3
Information on institution submitting project brief
13. Information on project proposer:
Name: WWF – Russian Programme office (WWF-RPO) is submitting this project
Date of establishment, membership, and leadership: WWF, an international non-governmental environmental organisation officially established in 1961. The WWF Russian Programme Office was opened in 1994. However, WWF's active involvement in Russia started in the late 1980s dealing primarily with projects in the Russian Arctic. Now WWF RPO runs about 80 projects in various regions of the Russian Federation with an annual budget of about $US 6,000,000. The WWF RPO is supervised by the Russian Country Team, which currently consists of a Board comprised of members of major WWF National Organisations involved with the Russian Programme. Apart from the Head Office in Moscow, the WWF Russian Programme has offices in Vladivostok, Syktyvkar, Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky, Ufa, Abakan and Pskov.
In 1996 WWF (via RPO WWF) initiated preparation of the Package of proposals on the urgent measures on biodiversity conservation of Central Asia, which was later approved by all National Nature Conservation authorities of the States and published in 1998. Following this WWF initiated a number of projects in the States of Central Asia. According to the decision of WWF-International RPO WWF is responsible for the management and administration of on-going projects in Central Asia and development of new ones at least for the initial phase of the Central Asia Programme development.
Membership: Supporters comprised of individuals, organisations and private companies.
Leadership: Director - Igor Chestin, WWF Manager for Central Asia – Olga Pereladova
14. Information on executing agency (if different from project proposer):
WWF – Russian Programme office (WWF-RPO)
Scientific-Informational Centre and its departments – Environmental Centres of the States – newly created informational structures, established 18.10.2000 under the umbrella of Interregional Sustainable Development Commission. Being NGOs, they nevertheless have an access to a variety of sources of information. Moreover, as a ICSC structure, they interact and have a right to apply for any information to different Governmental statistical services, Ministries, dealing with economy development (agricultural, mining, etc.), to implicate them in the process of econet planning and to influence the further planning process of these agencies, integrating biodiversity conservation needs.
15. Date of initial submission of project concept: November 2000
Information to be completed by implementing agency
16. Project identification number: tbd
17. Implementing Agency contact person:
Implementing Agency contact person: Mr. Ahmed Djoghlaf, Executive Co-ordinator, UNEP GEF Co-ordination Office; Sheila Aggarwal-Khan, Medium Sized Projects
18. Project linkage to Implementing Agency program(s):
This project will feed into the development and implementation of the Central Asian Regional Environment Action Plan (REAP) with which UNEP is assisting countries in the subregion. To date, the five Ministers of the participating countries have signed the decision to approve the REAP concept and UNEP has appointed a Task Manager to assist the countries in the further development of the action plan and provide assistance to the Regional Environment Centre (REC). UNEP has had detailed consultations with Governments and agencies on the priority issues. Outputs from this medium sized project will feed into the further development and implementation of the REAP particularly given that mountain ecosystems are one of main identified priority areas in the REAP.
In addition, under UNEP's Programme Element IV "Establishment of the Pan-European Ecological Network (PEEN)" of the Pan-European Biological and Landscape Diversity Strategy (PEBLDS), the Committee of Experts for the Pan-European Ecological Network prepared "The Guidelines for the Development of the Pan-European Ecological Network", which proved useful in, inter alia, the Baltic countries – this experiences could be of use to this project. There are two projects under the PEBLDS of direct relevance to this GEF project, namely "Identification of the special circumstances and problems facing PEEN in the NIS, focusing on the identification of ecological elements of particular importance for those states" and "Establishment of ecological networks via existing and restored steppe ecosystems from Moldova in the West, to Uzbekistan in the East". The relevant partners for this activity include the Council of Europe, the European Centre for Nature Conservation (ECNC) and IUCN European Office whose experience in this initiative will be sought for this project. In addition, the gap analysis work under this project will be co-ordinated with the Biodiversity Service, operated by UNEP/ROE, IUCN, ECNC and the Regional Environmental Centre. The Biodiversity Service has recently undertaken a very detailed assessment of the state of implementation of the Convention on Biological Diversity in Kyrgyzstan and is starting the review of the implementation of National Biodiversity Strategies in the NIS with a focus on identification of related problems, gaps and needs for assistance.
PROJECT DESCRIPTION
Project Rationale and Objectives
The Central Asian ecoregion covers almost 4mln square km of territory with various types of natural complexes, among which are plain steppes, deserts, mountain forests, high mountain meadows and tundra cushion plant formations. The ecoregion is represented by more than 7,000 species of angiosperm flora, 900 species of vertebrates and more than 20,000 species of invertebrates. Many of the species are listed in the Red Data Book of the IUCN. Among them there are such species as Asian cheetah, leopard, snow leopard, kulan, markhor, Bukhara deer, various species of predatory birds, houbara bustard, Central Asian cobra, grey monitor, and many others. The biodiversity of the region is characterised by a high degree of endemism. In some territories up to 18-20% of angiosperm flora are endemic or of very localized distribution. The intersection of the Asian and Mediterranean flora and fauna zones passes within the boundaries of the Central Asian Region as do two of the worlds major migratory bird flyways (the Afro-Eurasian and Central Asian / Indo Flyways). Central Asia was early described by the famous academician N.I. Vavilov as an area of global biodiversity, and particularly agro-biodiversity, important as it includes the centres of origin of wild ancestors of cultivated plants with their unique gene pool (including apples, apricot, pomegranate, tulip, hops, currents and many others).