Improving the regulatory framework to stimulate the implementation of adaptation measures to climate change: opportunities and prospects

August 27, 2019

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In the context of global climate change, in order to reduce losses in the agricultural sector, it is necessary to develop an integrated approach to managing climate risks and implementing measures to adapt to climate change. Such an approach would significantly reduce possible losses resulting from the negative impacts of climate change and hazardous climate-dependent phenomena, creating the basis for climate-resilient farming. Improving the regulatory framework in this direction will provide state support for the implementation of international adaptation experience at the farm level for its subsequent large-scale dissemination.

Proposals to improve the regulatory framework in order to stimulate the implementation of adaptation measures to climate change were made public for wide discussion on August 22, 2019 at the Nukus branch of Tashkent Agrarian University during a training seminar on “Expertise and assistance in the development / improvement of the regulatory framework for stimulating the widespread use of well-tested agricultural climate change adaptation measures” organized with the support of UNDP.

Since 2014, the United Nations Development Program in Uzbekistan, jointly with the Center of Hydrometeorological Service under the Cabinet of Ministers of the Republic of Uzbekistan (Uzhydromet), have been implementing the project “Developing climate resilience of farming communities in the drought prone parts of Uzbekistan” with financial support from the Adaptation Fund. Among the main goals are the introduction of climate-resilient crop production practices, as well as the implementation of an approach to adapt to the risks of increased aridity due to climate change at a landscape level. Project experts conducted an analysis of the current regulatory framework aimed at implementing adaptation measures, which today cannot do without innovative solutions.

“By the Decree of the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan, the International Innovation Center of the Aral Sea Region under the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan was established with the aim of developing research and practical work, improving the ecosystem and sustainable life, introducing best practices for research and innovation in the saline lands of the dry bed of the Aral Sea. Our task is to support this initiative to create a legislative and legal framework that will stimulate adaptation agronomic practices. It is important to remember that the risks to agriculture due to climate change outweigh any potential benefits that such a change can bring,”- Khasan Mamarasulov, Project Consultant.

During the seminar, it was noted that it is necessary to strengthen work with farmers and dekhkan farms for the introduction of climate-resilient agriculture, as well as the practice of effective management of water and land resources. It is expected that as a result of ongoing reforms in agriculture and the enlargement of farms, farmers and dekhkans will increasingly become agents of agricultural modernization, they can equally become agents of transformation of agricultural and pasture practices towards increasing their climate resilience through the introduction of new technologies and methods. Therefore, the ongoing and future changes in the country's legal framework should take into account the factor of climate changes that affect the efficiency of agricultural production and contribute to the widespread adoption of adaptation practices.

The representatives of ministries and departments of the Republic of Karakalpakstan, namely Jokargi Kenes, the Committee of Women, the Ministry of Agriculture, the Ministry of Water Resources, the Council of Ministers, the Council of Farmers, the Ministry of Finance, the Ministry of Economy, the Center for Innovations, the Nukus branch of Tashkent State Agrarian University, and the Commercial and Industrial Chamber and The State Committee of the Republic of Uzbekistan on Land Resources, Geodesy, Cartography and State Cadaster (Goskomzemgeodezkadastr) were invited to the workshop. The event was held until August 27 inclusive in Kegeyli, Chimbay, Kanlykul, Takhtakupyr and Muynak districts of Karakalpakstan with a total coverage of 580 participants.