AGP Executive Report

Climate & Water Security: Tajikistan published a long-term power system plan for the Pamir’s Gorno-Badakhshan region, locking in hydropower-led development through 2050 and adding new sustainability tools (HydroSelect and a Hydropower Sustainability Standard) to guide future projects. Biodiversity & Wildlife: Central Asian countries agreed at the GEF Assembly in Samarkand to jointly preserve the snow leopard and strengthen mountain ecosystem resilience, including plans for ecological corridors and modern wildlife monitoring across Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan. Regional Conservation Science: China and Central Asia are pushing Aral Sea restoration research, using monitoring sites and remote sensing to track desertification and ecological rehabilitation after the sea shrank by over 90% since the 1960s. Energy & Environment: Tajikistan is positioning renewable energy and regional electricity exports as a climate-resilient strategy, noting hydropower supplies about 95% of its electricity while diversifying to reduce glacier-melt and seasonal-flow risks. Extreme Weather Watch: The UN’s WMO warns El Niño could bring unusually heavy summer rains to Central Asia in 2026, alongside drought and heatwave risks—urging preparedness for swings in weather. Clean Air Cooperation: Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, and Tajikistan discussed with UNEP a regional clean air push, including tackling health impacts from sand and dust storms via monitoring and a potential coalition. Sustainable Transport Culture: Turkmenistan marked World Bicycle Day with cycling events abroad, promoting an environmentally responsible lifestyle through sports diplomacy.

Climate & Water Security: Tajikistan published a long-term power system plan for Gorno-Badakhshan (2025–2050), putting hydropower sustainability tools into project selection and aiming for climate-resilient, diversified renewables. Biodiversity & Wildlife: Central Asian countries agreed at the GEF Assembly in Samarkand to jointly preserve the snow leopard and strengthen mountain ecosystem resilience, including ecological corridors and wildlife monitoring. Regional Ecology & Land Restoration: China and Central Asian partners highlighted Aral Sea recovery research, including monitoring and restoration work tied to water conservation and desertification control. Air Quality & Dust Storms: Uzbekistan met UNEP on expanding Central Asia environmental cooperation, with a focus on improving air quality and reducing health impacts from sand and dust storms. Extreme Weather Watch: The UN’s WMO warned El Niño could bring unusually heavy summer rains to Central Asia, alongside higher risks of droughts and heatwaves. Energy Diplomacy: Pakistan and Tajikistan set a three-year roadmap to boost trade to $200m, while also expanding cooperation in energy and other sectors that support connectivity. Sustainable Transport Culture: Turkmenistan marked World Bicycle Day with cycling events abroad, promoting a more environmentally responsible lifestyle.

GEF Biodiversity Push: Central Asian countries, including Tajikistan, agreed in Samarkand to jointly preserve the snow leopard and strengthen mountain ecosystem resilience, with plans for ecological corridors, protected areas, and modern wildlife monitoring. Tajik Energy Planning: Tajikistan published a hydropower-led power system plan for the Pamir region through 2050, adding sustainability screening tools for future projects and aiming to boost climate resilience and energy security. Hydropower Mega-Project Spotlight: Coverage renewed attention on Rogun Dam’s decisive construction phase, framing it as a long-delayed hydropower backbone for national power needs. Climate Risk Alert: The UN’s WMO warns El Niño could bring unusually heavy summer rains to Central Asia, raising flood and extreme-weather risks alongside drought and heat. Regional Water Diplomacy: A Dushanbe-hosted water conference wrapped up, reinforcing global commitments on water security, sustainable development, and climate resilience. Trade for Connectivity: Pakistan and Tajikistan advanced a three-year roadmap to lift bilateral trade to $200 million, including cooperation in energy and agriculture—key for greener regional links. One Health Cooperation: Central Asia reviewed progress on a One Health approach linking health, veterinary, and environmental work, preparing a regional report for the Pandemic Fund.

Aral Sea Restoration: Xinhua reports on Muynak, Uzbekistan, where rusting fishing boats sit on the former seabed after the Aral Sea shrank by over 90% since the 1960s; it highlights China’s Central Asia ecology research push, including monitoring sites and remote-sensing work aimed at water conservation and land rehabilitation. Snow Leopard & Biodiversity: At the 8th GEF Assembly in Samarkand, Central Asian states—including Tajikistan—agreed to boost cooperation to conserve the snow leopard and protect transboundary mountain ecosystems, with plans for ecological corridors and wildlife monitoring. Water Diplomacy Shift: A regional analysis says Central Asia’s water politics are moving beyond Soviet-era quotas as glacier retreat and climate pressure force countries to rethink shared river management and infrastructure. Tajikistan Energy Planning: Tajikistan published a hydropower-led power system plan for the Pamir region through 2050, adding sustainability screening tools for future projects. Climate Risk Alert: The WMO warns El Niño could bring unusually heavy summer rains to Central Asia, alongside drought and heatwave risks, urging preparedness. Clean Air Cooperation: Uzbekistan and Tajikistan discussed expanding UNEP-backed regional climate and environmental work, including a clean air coalition and joint action against sand-and-dust impacts. Trade Roadmap (Energy Link): Pakistan and Tajikistan agreed a three-year roadmap to raise trade to $200m, with cooperation spanning energy, agriculture, health, and connectivity.

Snow Leopard Protection: Central Asian countries agreed at the 8th GEF Assembly in Samarkand to boost cooperation to conserve the snow leopard and other transboundary wildlife, with plans for biodiversity investment under GEF-9 and stronger mountain ecosystem resilience. Climate & Water Diplomacy: A new regional push is moving beyond old water quotas as Central Asia’s glacier retreat forces states to rethink river management and shared infrastructure. Tajikistan Energy Planning: Tajikistan published a hydropower-led power system plan for the Pamir region (2025–2050), adding sustainability screening tools for future projects. Extreme Weather Watch: The UN’s WMO warns El Niño could bring unusually heavy summer rains to Central Asia in 2026, alongside drought and heatwave risks. Air Quality Cooperation: Uzbekistan met UNEP to explore a regional clean air coalition and joint action to reduce health impacts from sand and dust storms. One Health in the Region: Central Asian countries reviewed progress on a One Health approach linking health, veterinary and environmental work, aiming to report results to the Pandemic Fund. Corruption Snapshot: Uzbekistan ranked 124th in Transparency International’s Corruption Perceptions Index; Tajikistan placed 166th, highlighting ongoing institutional challenges.

Water Diplomacy Shift: A new look at Central Asia’s water politics says the old Soviet-era quota system is breaking down as glaciers retreat, pushing countries toward joint control of strategic water infrastructure. GEF Biodiversity Message: Ahead of the GEF Assembly in Samarkand, a UNDP-style call argues that protecting species like the snow leopard is really about safeguarding water, livelihoods, and climate resilience across shared landscapes. Tajikistan Energy Planning: Tajikistan published a long-term hydropower-led power system plan for the Pamir region to 2050, adding sustainability tools to guide future site selection and project choices. Regional Climate Risk: The WMO warns El Niño could bring unusually heavy summer rains to Central Asia in 2026, alongside higher heat and drought risks—urging preparedness for extremes. UN Water Agenda in Dushanbe: A major water conference in Dushanbe wrapped up, reinforcing global commitments on water security and climate resilience. Clean Air Cooperation: Uzbekistan, with Tajikistan and others, discussed a regional clean air coalition and joint work to reduce health impacts from sand and dust storms. Rogun Spotlight: Coverage from inside Tajikistan’s Rogun mega-dam project highlights its scale and the push to power the country through hydropower. Trade Roadmap: Pakistan and Tajikistan agreed a three-year plan to raise bilateral trade to $200 million, including energy and agriculture cooperation.

Hydropower Planning: Tajikistan has published a long-term power system plan for Gorno-Badakhshan, locking in hydropower-led development through 2050 and adding tools like HydroSelect and a Hydropower Sustainability Standard to screen sites and assess environmental and social performance. Regional Climate Risk: The UN’s WMO warns El Niño could bring unusually heavy summer rains across Central Asia, including Tajikistan, while also raising heatwave and drought risks—urging countries to prepare for extremes. Water Security Diplomacy: Dushanbe hosted the 4th High-Level International Conference on “Water for Sustainable Development,” bringing global partners together on water security, climate resilience, and actionable commitments. Glacier & Cryosphere Science: Tajikistan-backed events during the same conference pushed for better glacier monitoring and shared forecasting methods, stressing transboundary water stakes. Women & Water: A “Women and Water” forum in Dushanbe highlighted women’s leadership in water governance and climate adaptation. Energy Transition Link: Tajikistan also framed its renewable push around hydropower and regional electricity exports to cut climate and seasonal supply risks.

Rogun Power Push: A new deep-dive on Tajikistan’s Rogun dam shows the mega-project moving into a decisive phase, with tunnels, diversion works and turbines taking shape as the Vakhsh River is diverted underground. Water Security in Dushanbe: Tajikistan’s water diplomacy stays in focus after the 4th High-Level International Conference “Water for Sustainable Development” wrapped in Dushanbe, keeping glacier and climate resilience on the agenda. Waste-to-Energy Plans: Dushanbe is considering a modern waste-to-energy facility with Chinese support to cut landfill pressure and generate electricity from municipal waste. Glacier Monitoring Drive: Central Asian experts met in Tajikistan to strengthen glacier monitoring and forecasting for transboundary water planning under climate change. El Niño Rain Warning: The WMO warns El Niño could bring unusually heavy summer rains to Central Asia, alongside heat and drought risks—urging preparedness across Tajikistan and neighbors. One Health Coordination: Central Asia reviewed progress on a One Health pandemic-preparedness project linking health, veterinary and environmental work. Regional Trade Boost: Pakistan and Tajikistan agreed a three-year roadmap to raise bilateral trade to $200 million, including energy and agriculture cooperation. Green Expo in Samarkand: Eco Expo Central Asia 2026 opened alongside the GEF Assembly, spotlighting clean tech, water-saving and biodiversity-focused initiatives. Forest Mapping Win (Region): Uzbekistan completed full digitized mapping of state forest boundaries under the RESILAND project, a major step for climate and forest governance. Energy Transition Talk: Tajikistan reiterated that renewables—especially hydropower—remain central to its energy security and diversification strategy. Women and Water: Forums in Dushanbe pushed gender-responsive leadership in water management and climate adaptation. Drug Seizure (Border Risk): Kyrgyz authorities seized over 34 kg of suspected hashish allegedly smuggled from Tajikistan, underscoring cross-border enforcement pressures.

EBRD Leadership Shift: Nodira Mansurova was named the new EBRD regional head for Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Turkmenistan, based in Bishkek and starting Sept. 1, 2026, with a track record that includes energy transition and municipal/environmental infrastructure. Green Expo & Regional Policy: Kazakhstan showcased circular economy and waste management at ECO EXPO CENTRAL ASIA 2026 in Samarkand, where ECO environment ministers also backed cross-border climate resilience via the Samarkand Declaration. Tajikistan Energy Transition: Dushanbe is doubling down on renewables and regional power exports, noting hydropower supplies about 95% of electricity while glacier melt and seasonal river shifts push diversification. Waste-to-Energy Plan: Dushanbe is considering a modern waste-to-energy facility to cut landfill pressure and generate electricity, with talks involving a Chinese waste-treatment firm. Water & Cryosphere Science: Tajikistan hosted Central Asia-focused glacier monitoring and cryosphere modeling discussions, stressing better data sharing for water forecasting under climate change. Glacier Alarm: A new regional assessment says Central Asia’s glaciers lost ice at record levels in 2025, with extreme losses hitting nearly all ranges at once. Pasture Restoration in Khatlon: Monitoring in Khatlon found improved winter grazing productivity after rotational grazing, fenced restoration and pasture user unions. Transboundary Water Diplomacy: A Dushanbe seminar on shared waters highlighted trust-building through scientific data exchange and more inclusive water negotiation, including women’s participation.

Renewables & Power Trade: Tajikistan is doubling down on renewable energy and regional electricity exports, with officials stressing that hydropower (about 95% of electricity) must be paired with diversification to cut climate and seasonal supply risks. Waste-to-Energy Push: Dushanbe is considering a modern waste-to-energy plant with a Chinese partner to reduce landfill pressure and generate electricity from municipal solid waste. Water Diplomacy in Dushanbe: A Dushanbe seminar under the Blue Peace Central Asia project focused on using shared water data and inclusive talks to build trust for transboundary cooperation. Glacier Monitoring Drive: Central Asian experts met in Tajikistan to strengthen glacier and cryosphere monitoring, improve data sharing, and sharpen water forecasting as ice loss accelerates. Women & Water Leadership: Tajikistan hosted “Women and Water 2026” and related parliamentarian meetings, pushing gender-sensitive water governance, climate resilience, and glacier conservation. Regional Water Security Politics: Kyrgyzstan called for compensation mechanisms for shared water resources as glacier melt and declining precipitation threaten the whole region’s rivers and livelihoods. GEF & Eco Expo Spotlight: Samarkand hosted the GEF Assembly and Eco Expo Central Asia, with CAREC promoting practical ecosystem restoration and a water-land nexus program.

Glacier & Water Security: New research warns Central Asia’s glaciers lost ice almost everywhere at once in 2025, with losses of about 2% of remaining ice in a single year—raising alarms for transboundary rivers that power life in valleys. Women & Water Diplomacy: In Dushanbe, Tajikistan hosted “Women and Water 2026” and related meetings, pushing gender-sensitive water governance, glacier conservation, and women’s leadership in climate adaptation. Dushanbe Water Talks: A three-day seminar on “Promoting Cooperation over Shared Waters” wrapped up, focusing on using scientific data in water negotiations and making transboundary policy more inclusive. Rogun Dam Scrutiny: Reporting on Rogun highlights how the megaproject is testing Central Asia’s water-and-energy ambitions, with the EU positioned as a major funder as regional influence shifts. Waste-to-Energy for Dushanbe: Tajikistan is considering a modern waste-to-energy plant with Chinese partners to cut landfill pressure and generate electricity. Pasture Restoration in Khatlon: Monitoring in Khatlon found improved pasture productivity from rotational grazing, fenced restoration, and pasture user unions. Regional Water Cooperation: Tajikistan also discussed water management and environmental protection with Libya, while Tajik and Chinese officials pointed to joint work on glacier preservation and water conservation.

Border & Diplomacy: Tajikistan’s envoy says the Tajik–Kyrgyz border settlement is a “historic breakthrough,” citing the Khujand Declaration and a trilateral border-junction treaty, while also pointing to water and energy cooperation. Green Expo & Finance: Uzbekistan’s Eco Expo Central Asia 2026 opened in Samarkand alongside the Global Environment Facility assembly, spotlighting protected areas, clean tech, green cities, water-saving tools, and green finance. Rogun & Energy Transition: A new report frames the Rogun dam as a major test of EU influence in Tajikistan’s strategic hydropower future. Waste-to-Energy for Dushanbe: Tajik officials are considering a modern waste-to-energy plant with a Chinese partner to cut landfill pressure, improve sanitation, and add electricity capacity. Glaciers & Water Science: Tajikistan hosted Central Asian expert meetings on glacier monitoring and cryosphere modeling to strengthen transboundary water forecasting under climate change. Women & Water Governance: Multiple Dushanbe events pushed gender-sensitive water policy, linking women’s leadership to climate resilience, glacier conservation, and water diplomacy. Pasture Restoration in Khatlon: Monitoring in Khatlon reports improved pasture productivity from rotational grazing, pasture user unions, and landscape restoration measures. Food & Climate Risk: A water expert warns salinization can trigger food crises and migration, tying saltwater intrusion and irrigation stress to regional stability. Regional Water Trust-Building: An OSCE/UNU-INWEH/CAREC seminar in Dushanbe focused on using shared data and inclusive approaches to build trust in transboundary water negotiations.

Rogun Dam Watch: The EU is set to become a major funder of Tajikistan’s Rogun megaproject, as Russia’s influence in Central Asia faces pressure—while the dam’s scale and power ambitions keep it at the center of regional energy and water debates. Salinization Risk: A water expert warns that saltwater intrusion and salinization can undermine irrigation, threaten food security, and drive migration pressures in vulnerable regions. Glacier Monitoring Push: Central Asian experts met in Dushanbe to strengthen scientific approaches to glacier monitoring and cryosphere modeling, aiming to improve water forecasting as climate change accelerates. Women and Water Diplomacy: Dushanbe hosted the “Women and Water 2026” forum and related meetings of women parliamentarians, focusing on gender-sensitive water governance, climate resilience, and glacier conservation. Pasture Restoration in Khatlon: Monitoring in Khatlon’s Shahritus, Qubodiyon, and Nosiri Khusrav found improved pasture productivity tied to rotational grazing, fenced restoration, and pasture user unions. Waste-to-Energy for Dushanbe: Tajikistan is considering a modern waste-to-energy plant with Chinese partners to cut landfill volumes, improve sanitation, and add electricity capacity. Energy Transition Framed as Development: Tajik officials say renewable hydropower is the backbone of the national energy transition and a key condition for security and growth. Water Cooperation Beyond Borders: Tajikistan also discussed water management and dam cooperation with Libya, reinforcing the push for integrated transboundary water solutions.

Glacier Crisis: A new international study warns Central Asia’s glaciers suffered their worst mass-loss year on record in 2025, shedding about 30 cubic kilometers of ice and threatening freshwater supplies for millions across the Pamir and Tian Shan. Water Diplomacy in Dushanbe: A three-day seminar on building trust through shared waters wrapped up in Dushanbe, feeding into the 4th Water for Sustainable Development conference. Women Lead Water Policy: In Dushanbe, women parliamentarians and the “Women and Water 2026” forum pushed gender-responsive water governance and climate resilience, linking inclusive decision-making to stronger transboundary cooperation. Tajikistan Waste-to-Energy: Dushanbe is considering a modern waste-to-energy facility with Chinese partners to cut landfill pressure, improve sanitation, and add electricity generation. Energy Transition: Tajik officials say renewable hydropower underpins the national development strategy, with energy transition framed as both climate action and energy security. Khatlon Pasture Recovery: Monitoring in Khatlon found improved pasture productivity after landscape restoration, rotational grazing, and pasture user unions. GEF Accountability Push: Delegates at the GEF council meeting urged stronger safeguards so local communities and smaller agencies aren’t left behind as environmental funding scales up. Regional Water Tensions: Kyrgyzstan called for compensation mechanisms for shared water infrastructure as glacier melt accelerates and water stress grows.

Glaciers Under Pressure: A new study warns Central Asia’s glaciers hit their worst year on record in 2025, with about 30 cubic kilometers of ice lost—nearly 2% of remaining volume—threatening freshwater for millions in Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan and beyond. Dushanbe Water Diplomacy: At Tajikistan’s Dushanbe Water Conference, officials pushed for stronger transboundary cooperation, faster implementation, and practical climate-resilient solutions as water stress increasingly spills into regional security. Tajikistan–China Green Push: Tajik FM Sirojiddin Muhriddin says Tajikistan and China are expanding joint work on glacier preservation, biodiversity, water conservation and “green energy,” including renewable power and disaster monitoring. Waste-to-Energy Talks: Tajikistan and Chinese partners discussed a waste-to-energy project aimed at cutting municipal waste, improving environmental conditions and boosting electricity generation. Kyrgyzstan’s Water Cost Debate: Kyrgyz water officials argued for mutually beneficial compensation mechanisms, saying upstream glacier melt and shrinking supplies are now a shared Central Asian challenge. Locust Threat: A locust surge in Iran’s Sistan-Baluchestan—linked to hotter, more erratic conditions—highlights rising climate-driven risks to regional food security. Water Meets the Digital Economy: Indonesia warned that AI, data centers and digital industries are driving huge water demand, calling it a looming global water-security crisis.

Glacier Alarm for Central Asia: A new study warns 2025 brought the worst glacier mass loss on record, with Central Asia losing about 30 cubic kilometers of ice—threatening freshwater for millions and worsening the regional climate crisis. Water Diplomacy in Dushanbe: At Tajikistan’s high-level “Water for Sustainable Development” conference, officials pushed for faster transboundary cooperation, more investment, and practical delivery—while Kyrgyzstan raised concerns that upstream countries need fair compensation for maintaining reservoirs and water ecosystems. Tajikistan–China Green Push: Tajik FM Sirojiddin Muhriddin says cooperation is expanding on glacier preservation, biodiversity, water conservation, and green energy, including joint science work and disaster monitoring. Waste-to-Energy Plans: Tajikistan and Chinese partners discussed a project to cut municipal waste, modernize processing, and boost electricity generation. Transboundary Water Funding Debate: Kyrgyzstan called for mutually beneficial compensation mechanisms as glacier melt accelerates and water resources decline across the region. Locust Threat to Food Security: A locust swarm in Iran’s Sistan-Baluchestan is intensifying, with farmers racing to protect crops as climate-linked pest outbreaks grow.