First set of project applications for the Green Climate Fund selected in Uzbekistan

Interagency Working Group of the project “Green Climate Fund Readiness Programme in Uzbekistan” selected first set of project applications for the Green Climate Fund.

The Interagency Working Group (IWG), consisting of representatives of various ministries and organizations, discussed ten project applications requesting funding from the Green Climate Fund for the total amount of 380 million USD. Representatives from nine ministries and organizations were given the opportunity to present their projects, which are aimed at climate change mitigation and adaptation.

Following the discussion, the members of the IWG selected and approved three project ideas, which are in line with national interests and priorities of the country as well as requirements of the Green Climate Fund. These projects deal with such questions as: 1) adaptation of the ecosystem, creation of forest range and green protective belt on the dried-up part of the Aral Sea; 2) achieving sustainable development of agriculture by introducing “Climate Smart Agriculture” approach; and 3) creation of a complex waste management system. The applicants, whose project applications were approved, were provided with information on accredited organizations under the Green Climate Fund, with whom, in the future, it will be possible to work further on the development of a full-scale project proposal for submission to the Fund.

This selection of project applications was held in Uzbekistan for the first time with support of the project “Green Climate Fund Readiness Programme in Uzbekistan”, which is implemented by the United Nations Development Programme in Uzbekistan jointly with the Center for Hydrometeorological Service under the Cabinet of Ministers of the Republic of Uzbekistan and the United Nations Environment Program. The aim of the project is to assist the Government of the Republic of Uzbekistan in strengthening national capacities for effective access, management, use and monitoring of climate finance, in particular through the Green Climate Fund.

It is to note that the Green Climate Fund was established by the Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change in 2010. The fund is a unique global initiative that addresses the issues related to climate change by investing in low-carbon and climate-resilient development. Projects funded by the Green Climate Fund are aimed at both climate change mitigation and climate change adaptation.