SSDS in Central Asia: Process, Content, Impacts and Way Forward 12-13 september 200 9

1. SSDS in Central Asia: Process, Content, Impacts and Way Forward 12-13 september 2009

2. Central Asia

3. SD of Central Asia Common environmental disaster of Aral Sea Collapse of the USSR in 2001 Social and Economic challenges for Newly Independent States "The Aral crisis is the result of a shortsighted policy towards environment and natural resources. The main cause is the excessive use of water from the Amudarya and the Syrdarya for irrigation needs. This led to a drying up of the Aral Sea and is unprecedented in its scale of impact on the ecology of the Central Asian region and neighboring republics ". -- Nukus Declaration - 1995 3

4. Background for CA SSDS development • Almaty Declaration of Ministries of Environment of CA countries was adopted under the IFAS activity by the Heads of Central Asia States in 1997. It guides the development and implementation of the agreed Central Asia direction and approach towards sustainable development. • In 2003 ISDC IFAS decided to develop Sub-regional SD Strategy and requested support from UNEP • RRC AP provided resource and consultation support in 2004. Short-term, medium-term and long –term programs and strategic development documents were adopted by Central Asia Countries. • The process of CA regional cooperation and integration had been established;

5. Policy and legal basis for CA SSDS

6. CA SSDS development milestones • Inception workshop on NSDS/SSDS in Bangkok in June 2003 organized by UNEP • MoU between UNEP and SIC ISDC was signed in 2004 after Inception Workshop to develop CA SSDS CA • Review of countries inputs to CA SSDS draft during the three consultative meetings in June 2006 (Dushanbe), November 2007 (Bishkek) and December 2007 (Ashgabat) • Discussion of the CA SSDS phases of implementation in November 2007 (Special CA group discussion) • Round Table consultations in 5 countries (March-June 2008) • Sub-regional consultation in Bangkok (22-23 Nov. 2008) – review of the final document of CA SSDS • Ministerial meeting of ISDS – presentation of CA SSDS in (25-26 November 2008) • 05 March – document of CA SSDS was published

7. CA NSDS development process.Series of consultation meetings on regional and national levels

8. Goal 1: Assurance of Progressive Economic Development Goal 2: Assurance of Social Security Goal 3: Assurance of Environmental Sustainability Goal 4: Integrated Water Resources Management Goal 5: Creation of Mechanisms for Energy Security Goal 6: Conservation of Natural and Cultural Treasures Goal 7: Rendering Support to and Development of Measures for Effective Management Sub-regional Sustainable Development Strategy for Central Asia

9. CA SSDS implementation phases • First phase (until 2015) -ensuring transition of CA countries towards sustainable development. Main challenges include market transforming, increase of living standards and ensuring the conditions for stable and safe society development. • Second phase (2016–2030)– ensuring environmental friendly social – economic development of the CA sub-region. • CA SSDS shall influence priorities and implementation mode of National SD strategies, on-going plans and programs.

10. CA SSDS implementation arrangements • Mechanismsare considered critical to: - ensure interstate and interagency cooperation, - increase public awareness through media and NGOs - develop capacities of local communities in SD - involve private business • Instruments -Long-term and medium-term programs - Annual Social-Economic Development and Environmental Protection Plans

11. Council of the Heads of the states Discussions and decision making Approval and submission of the assessment Report to the IFAS Правление Council of Heads of the States Administration МФСА Preparation, analysis and approval of assessment ISDC МКУР Regional report Preparation, analysis and Approval of assessment NSDC (Councils and etc.) НКУР of country Report Primary Data National implementation Institutes Национальные институты Collection по реализации Monitoring and Evaluation

12. Challenges of CA SSDS • Status of SSDS document. Ownership. • National governments commitment to SSDS • SSDS implementation phases vs. national phases of SD Strategies • Harmony and synergies of SD levels: sub-regional – interstate - national – local • SSDS Action plan is to be developed • Measurement of SSDS progress: clear SD indicators and measurable targets to be defined yet

13. Thank you for attention!