Inception Workshop 01 August 2012 United Nations Development Programme Ministry of Emergency Situations of the Republic of Azerbaijan

Many of the communities of the Greater Caucasus region of Azerbaijan, especially the mountain communities, are at risk from climate induced flooding and water stress. The people have become resilient to the difficult conditions of the region, but now climate change is exacerbating both problems. Reducing the vulnerability of these communities requires proactive adaptation to the impacts of climate change..

The project aims to reduce vulnerability of the mountain communities to climate change induced water stress and flood hazards by improved water and flood management. This will be accomplished through  addressing the management framework at the legislative and policy level,  strengthening institutional capacity by introducing new non- structural methods and providing training,  empowering communities to actively participate in water and flood management

The proposed project area encompasses the southern side of the Greater Caucasus Mountains, extending from the northwest of this region, in the area of the towns of Belakan and Zagatala, toward the southeast near the towns of Ismayilli and Gabala. This covers an area of just over 22,000 km 2. The whole area is part of the larger Kura River Basin, which is one of the two main rivers of Azerbaijan.

 Outcome 1: Water and flood management framework is modified to respond to adaptation needs and improve climate risk management.  Outcome 2: Key institutions have capacities, technical skills, tools and methods to apply advanced climate risk management practices for water stress and flood mitigation.  Outcome 3: Community resilience to floods and water stress improved by introducing locally tailored climate risk management practices.

 Total Budget 9,960,000  UNDP 260,000  GEF 2,700,000  Government (in parallel)7,000,000

 Project Document was signed between Ministry of Emergency and UNDP on 09 March 2012  Project Manager is recruited  National Project Director is appointed by the Minister of Emergency  Internal Working group comprising experts from the Ministry of Emergency is established  Allocation of Project Premises discussed and agreed  National Consultant for Inception Workshop and Inception Report is recruited  Recruitment of National Lead Adviser is ongoing.