The project “Women of the Fergana Valley at the Forefront of Climate Resilience, Adaptation and Peace,” funded by the UN Peacebuilding Fund, implemented by UNDP and the BIOM Public Association, is carried out in close coordination with the plenipotentiary representatives of the President of the Kyrgyz Republic in Osh, Jalal-Abad and Batken regions.

The Fergana Valley has significant potential to build resilient, peaceful communities, with effective water resource management, awareness of climate risks, and inclusive resident participation as the foundation for long-term sustainability. The analysis showed that strengthening skills in assessing climate and water risks, joint decision-making, and peaceful dispute resolution creates new opportunities to prevent tensions and identify sustainable, community-based solutions.

In this context, the project covered 20 pilot aiyl aimaks (rural municipalities) through capacity-building activities from December to March: 10 core and 10 satellite municipalities selected based on data analysis and focus group discussions.

In the 10 core aiyl aimaks, two-day trainings on scenario planning were conducted. Participants learned to analyze climate and water risks, incorporate gender perspectives, and move from risk assessment to identifying joint solutions for integration into local socio-economic development plans. A total of 173 people participated in the trainings, including 99 women (57%) and 74 men.

In addition, practical trainings on the introduction of low-cost climate-resilient irrigation methods and the development of small grant proposals were organized in the same municipalities. These trainings engaged 164 participants, including 120 women (73%). This focus helped strengthen the role of women not only as one of the groups most vulnerable to climate stresses, but also as active contributors to adaptation solutions.

In the 10 satellite aiyl aimaks, training was delivered as a practical peacebuilding tool aimed at reducing social tensions through the application of the conflict-sensitive “Do No Harm” approach, particularly in irrigation-related issues that are intensifying under climate stress. A total of 300 people participated in these activities — representatives of local self-government bodies, municipal institutions, civil society organizations, and local communities, including 185 women and 115 men.

The training component of the project laid the foundation for a basic package of peacebuilding and climate-sensitive competencies at the local level. Communities gained tools to better understand the climate–water drivers of conflict, strengthen dialogue, and develop transparent mechanisms for resource management. The next phase will support practical community initiatives through small grants aimed at strengthening trust, social cohesion, and more effective water resource management.

The initiative directly contributes to the implementation of the National Development Programme 2030 of Kyrgyzstan, particularly in strengthening climate resilience, promoting effective water resource management, and developing strong local self-governance.

UNDP serves as a platform for bringing together local communities, experts, and partner organizations to support the development of practical skills and tools for sustainable natural resource management. It also facilitates the introduction of international experience in climate adaptation, gender equality, and conflict-sensitive approaches, helping local institutions and residents jointly identify solutions that strengthen trust, social cohesion, and resilience to climate challenges.

The project aims to strengthen the resilience of communities in the Fergana Valley to climate change, reduce the risks of conflicts related to water resources, and support inclusive governance at the local level — in line with the national sustainable development priorities of Kyrgyzstan.