One of the key elements of the NAP project is the engagement of all stakeholders in the preparation of adaptation measures at the regional level. As evidenced in practice, incorporating adaptation into planning activities at the regional and local levels has been limited. Therefore, at this stage, involving interested parties is crucial, allowing regional government bodies to plan adaptation measures more effectively. This direction requires continuous capacity building and participation of officials in the development and implementation of climate change adaptation policies, including monitoring and evaluation, coordinating actions to achieve set goals, and fulfilling national commitments.

The ultimate goal of this initiative is to establish a robust collaboration mechanism among stakeholders, especially women and vulnerable groups, in planning climate change adaptation strategies for regional authorities. To achieve this goal, training materials have been developed to enhance the capacity of stakeholders at the regional level in developing climate change adaptation measures and subsequently incorporating them into regional development plans.

In line with the above, within the implemented UNDP Project from February 13 to 29, 2024, a series of seminars took place in seven regional centers of the Kyrgyz Republic. These seminars, organized by UNDP in collaboration with CIVITA and AVEP, were supported by the Ministry of Economy and Commerce of the Kyrgyz Republic and in cooperation with the Presidential Representatives in Chui, Issyk-Kul, Talas, Naryn, Osh, Batken, and Jalal-Abad regions. The seminars aimed to enhance the capacity of stakeholders in the development and implementation of a unified climate change adaptation policy, covering the following areas:

• The right to a favorable environment for life and health in changing climate conditions;
• Territorial and sectoral development programs in changing climate conditions;
• The decision-making process in changing climate conditions;
• Implementation of climate change adaptation policies.

The list of participants was diverse, with active involvement not only from regional representatives of the Presidential Representatives' Office but also from the Ministry of Natural Resources, Ecology and Technical Supervision, Water Resources, Ministry of Health, of the Kyrgyz Republic Ministry of Emergency Situations of the Kyrgyz Republic, and Ministry of Economy and Commerce of the Kyrgyz Republic. Representatives from civil society and academic circles also actively participated.

The capacity-building phase has concluded, and a plan for involving stakeholders at the regional level has been developed. Plans include creating and approving an effective mechanism for vertical coordination between national and regional levels for climate change adaptation planning. This mechanism aims to engage regional authorities in comprehensive national adaptation planning processes while providing them with the necessary tools and opportunities to enhance adaptation potential at the local level.

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The project " Advancing development of a National Adaptation Plan (NAP) process for medium and long-term adaptation planning and implementation in the Kyrgyz Republic" is implemented by UNDP in Kyrgyzstan with financial support from the Green Climate Fund.

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) is the leading UN organization fighting against injustices caused by poverty, inequality and climate change. Working with a broad network of experts and partners in 170 countries, we help create integrated,  long lasting solutions for people and planet. Learn more about us at undp.org/Kyrgyzstan or join us at @UNDPkg.

For more information, please contact Ainagul Abdrakhmanova, UNDP Communications Officer, at ainagul.abdrakhmanova@undp.org or phone: 0770 755776.