FAO Regional Office for Europe and Central Asia

Consultation meeting: Integrated Water Resources Management for Agroforestry Restoration in the Syrdarya/Naryn River Basin

Bishkek (Kyrgyzstan), 01/08/2024

In this region, forests and wetlands are crucial for maintaining water quality and quantity, however they are threatened by agricultural expansion and climate change, leading to ecosystem degradation, soil erosion, and water security concerns.

The FAO project on integrated water resources management for agroforestry restoration in the Syr Darya/Naryn River Basin aims to protect ecosystems in Kyrgyzstan. Under part of the regional programme “Central Asia Water and Land Nexus”, funded by the Global Environment Facility (GEF). 

The Amu Darya and Syr Darya basins are the primary source of water for the five countries, supporting around 60 million people and much of their agriculture and energy generation, as well as being critical for other ecosystem services and livelihoods. 

The project focuses on supporting small-scale farmers with sustainable practices to improve food security and agricultural resilience. It introduces innovative solutions, such as water-saving technologies, agroforestry, and environmentally friendly farming methods.