Kick-off Workshop on Rural Community Resilience in Central Asia

On 17 October 2025, SIC ICWC participated in the Kick-off workshop of stakeholders on the project “Researching Adaptive Resilience of Rural Communities in Central Asia” (CARe) led by the Leibniz Institute of Agricultural Development in Transition Economies (IAMO, Germany) in cooperation with the Regional Environmental Centre for Central Asia (CAREC), with the support of the Volkswagen Foundation (VolkswagenStiftung).

The workshop addressed the matters related to resilience of rural communities in Central Asia and their adaptation to climate, economic and social challenges. The workshop discussed the key research objectives of the project, the region’s climate vulnerability, and the role of partnerships in developing solutions for sustainable development.

The main goal of the workshop was to present and discuss the project’s research issues, methods, and expected outcomes.

The event featured brief presentations by members of the project team from IAMO and CAREC, followed by interactive group work and an open discussion.

During the group work, participants discussed the factors determining the resilience of rural communities in Central Asia, as well as the transformational processes influencing their vulnerability to climate change.

During the thematic group discussion, A. Dolidudko from SIC ICWC noted that within the framework of the EU–UNEP Climate and Environment Partnership, SIC ICWC is implementing the project “Facilitating Region-Specific Approaches to Addressing Climate and Environment-Related Risks for Socio-Economic Stability in Central Asia” in Central Asia. He shared experience in conducting research aimed at helping local communities achieve and maintain sustainable development by addressing climate and environmental risks through nature-based solutions.

In conclusion, a shared understanding was reached to help define the project’s direction and promote long-term cooperation. The main findings were summarized, and the next steps were set.