1. GEF IN TAJIKISTAN Dr. Neimatullo SAFAROV CBD and CPB National Focal Point Republic of Tajikistan

3. GEF Focal Point In February 2008 the Committee on Environmental Protection under the Government of the Republic of Tajikistan was established. Chairman of the Committee, His Excellency Mr.Zikirov, is the GEF Political and Operational Focal Point. The contact person responsible for the liaison with the GEF is Dr. Safarov. Republic of Tajikistan, 734025, Dushanbe, 47 Shevchenko str., Tel.: +(992 37) 2215351, Fax: +(992 37) 2218978, E-mail: NSafarov@biodiv.tojikiston.com

4. The following authorities were established for more efficient work with GEF:  Ad Hoc Group on consideration and submission of projects to the GEF Focal Point,  National Biodiversity and Biosafety Center,  National Center on the Implementation of the National Environmental Action Plan  And others.

5. The close partnership was established with:  United Nations Development Programme (UNDP)  World Bank (WB)  United Nations Environmental Programme (UNEP)  World wide Fund for Nature (WWF)

6. GEF Projects in Tajikistan 23 GEF projects has been implemented or is currently being implemented in Tajikistan:  Biodiversity – 6 projects  Climate change – 3 projects  Land degradation – 6 projects  Ozone depletion layer – 3 projects  International waters – 1 project  Persistent organic pollutants - 1 project  Multi-focused – 3 projects

7. Activities implemented with GEF finance support Information Database Enhancement of state budgetary allocations Multidimensional researches implemented to obtain updated information Transport and technical facilities procured. Office equipment procured. Data base created for broad scale use. Web-sites created. Several environmental regulations developed and adopted by the Government. Different trainings and study tours were conducted for the forestry and agriculture staff to enhance qualification and experience sharing. Increased allocations for research works, publications and education programs. Technical resourcesPersonnel Training Legislation improvement Analysis and assessment of the state of the environment Community involvement

8.  Improvement of political, legislative and regulation regime;  Poverty alleviation and improvement of community livelihoods;  Development and expansion of national protected areas network; Achievements gained in the course of community involvement and projects implementation funded by GEF next

9. Achievements gained in the course of community involvement and projects implementation funded by GEF Land degradation prevention and sustainable ecosystems management; Reducing environmental pressure and conservation of fragile mountain ecosystems and arable lands;  Strengthening of local capacity for conservation and use of natural resources;

10.  Public awareness raising with respect to biodiversity conservation;  Involvement of local communities and NGOs in decision-making and environmental activities. Achievements gained in the course of community involvement and projects implementation funded by GEF

11. The following environmental programs and strategic documents were developed:  National Environmental Action Plan, Tajikistan  National Reports on Biodiversity and Climate Change.  National Environmental Hygiene Action Plan;

12.  National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan;  National Climate Change Mitigation Action Plan;  National Program to Combat Desertification;  National Program and Action Plan on Ozone-Depletion Substances Mitigation; The following environmental programs and strategic documents were developed:

13. March 7-8, 2007, Istanbul, Turkey Sub-regional workshop for Europe and Central Asia Focal Points Outcomes Enhancement of data and experience interchange system through communication; Development of programs within implemented projects focused on further application of information obtained while decision- making on global environmental issues. Integration of GEF policy into NBSAP; Development of national GEF strategies and identification of priorities; Knowledge and resource management for experience interchange and replication; Regional cooperation on global environmental issues.

14. June 6-7, 2007, Berne, Switzerland GEF Council Meeting Analysis of previous experience with GEF projects and prospects for updated enhanced methods; Improvement of monitoring process based on the outputs reached; National and regional coordination. Outcomes Preliminary discussions on the issue of creation of best monitoring system through broader application of key GEF guidelines and principles.

15. June 21, 2007, Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan IUCN Meeting Political and institutional base strengthening for regional cooperation; Widespread involvement of civil society; Mobilization of resources and REAP implementation. Outcomes Development of regulations for regional cooperation strengthening; Preparation of initial proposals on REAP development

16. 29-30 October, 2007, Berne, Switzerland. GEF Constituency Meeting GEF Project cycle and updated thematic areas strategies Country experience in the GEF project implementation and the small grants program. Collaboration with the GEF agencies and priority concerns Outcomes Discussion of countries priorities related to the GEF financing Discussion of agenda for next meeting and the planned visit of Ms. Monique Barbut to Central Asia and Azerbaijan.

17.  Mountain ecosystems and biodiversity conservation  Biodiversity adaptation to climate change  Land Degradation  Biosafety regulatory regime  Watercourses pollution  Air pollution  Greenhouse gas emissions and air pollution  Waste management, including industrial and toxic waste National priority environmental issues

18.  Tajikistan Agrobiodiversity and Adaptation Project;  Support the Implementation of the National Biosafety Framework of the Republic of Tajikistan;  Promotion of Community Forestry in Rural Areas;  Promotion of the Energy Efficiency in Rural Areas of Tajikistan;  Development of the District Heating in the City of Dushanbe. National Projects submitted to GEF Secretariat