TAJIKISTAN

Region:	Europe, Central Asia and the Middle East
Country:	Tajikistan
Title:	Community Participation in Solving Land and Water Problems in the Runoff Formation Zone of the Aral Sea Basin
Authors:	Sirodzhidin Aslov
Other Info:	(i) Original language: English; (ii) Partners: United Nations Development Program (UNDP), United Nations (UN), World Bank

Abstract: This case study explains the participatory planning process adopted by the Central Asian States jointly with the above mentioned partners for the project 'Program for Specific Actions for the Aral Sea Basin' . One of the aims of the program is to develop measures for comprehensive use of land and water resources, and for improving the ecological conditions in the runoff formation zones of the Aral Sea Basin. Realizing that one of the causes of the Aral Sea crisis was the lack of public involvement, this program adopts a participatory approach of involving various strata of the community, both at the planning stage and during implementation. A traveling working group of scientists and specialists, trained as resource persons by program implementors in a similar program undertaken in the Fergana Valley of Uzbekistan, conducted seminars and training in Tajikistan. Different types of sociological survey methods were used by this team to assess the priorities of the multi-level stakeholders consulted in the process. The upper reaches of the Tairsu River basin was selected as the pilot research area zone by the respondents. The paper details out the methods adopted and the priorities elicited by the respondents for further action.

Theme: 2

Subsistence Practices (prioritized): Pastoralism, Agriculture, Gathering

Resource Types & Ecosystems (prioritized): Water, Domesticated animals, Land

Key Terms: Community consultation, Land use management, Research, Training, Water resource management

Contact Person: Mr. Sirodzhidin Aslov, EC-IFAS Advisor

Contact Address: Executive Committee, International Fund to Save the Aral Sea, 5a A. Kadiri Street, Tashkent 700128 Uzbekistan

Telephone: + (7 3712) 414-840 / 415-719

Fax: + (7 3712) 410-730 / 410-914

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