Final Report
By the PEP Consultants (Abduvaliev A.K., Prudskikh.D. and Mamadov D.)
Outlining the work on the 19 DDPs in 2015.
In accordance with the terms of reference the consultants developed methodology on how the work should be organized to integrate the PEP issues in the 19 DDPs located in Khatlon (10 districts), the Sugd (3 districts) provinces and 6 districts of Republican Subordination (RRS). All the work was divided into three stages:
1.Undertaking the review of the current situation, including an assessment of development vision and key environmental issues in each district, in order to determine the starting points for the promotion of PEP aspects. Develop a set of social, environmental objectives and objectives associated with the development of each target district. Identifying gaps at the district level in the potential promotion of PEP issues. Improvement of the training modules for the working groups on the district development planning that aimed tointegratePEP issues in the DDP. Development of the project "Guidelines for taking into consideration PEP issues when developing DDP."
2.Rendering support in establishment of the environmental sub-groups as part of the working groups on district development planning. Implementation of capacity building activities of the working groups for district development planning on the issues of gradual integration of PEP issues in the DDP (conducting trainings). Provision of technical and methodological support to the targeted district working groups and environmental sub-groups in the drafting of DDP sectoral sections in view of integrating the PEP issues in them.
3. Screening Environmental Protection section in the district DPs and sections of the DDP for including the PEP principles taking into consideration district characteristics. The basis of the screening isthe developed sections of sub-working groups "Environment Protection" to the DDP. The inclusion of PEP indicators in the monitoring and evaluation frameworkof each DDP. Provision of support for the selection of projects, taking into account issues of environmental assessment, compliance with environmental legislation of RT and following the PEP priorities that were identified during the review of DDP implementation.
- Overview of the current situation, including an assessment of development vision and key environmental issues in each district, in order to determine the starting points for the promotion of the PEP aspects when developing DDP.
Analysis of materials that were collected by the consultants from various sources showed that all 19 districts can be divided both in terms of their economic development, and geographical location.
By economic development features districts are divided:
- Agroindustrial (Istravshan, Aini, Penjikent);
- Agricultural, with some industrial production (Khatlon regiondistricts and DRS: Faizabad, Rogun, Varzob);
- Agricultural (Jirgatal, Tojikobod, Rasht).
Geographically, these districts are divided:
- Mountain (Aini, Penjikent, Jirgital, Rasht, Tojikobod, Varzob);
- Intermountain, plain (districts of Khatlon region).
Strategic planning of a district is not possible without taking into account its economic development in the present period and the peculiarities of its geographical location, climatic conditions and availability of natural resources.
Sugd region (Istravshan, Aini, Penjikent). Industrial development of Istravshan district is the predominance of the construction industry, particularly the production of construction materials. There are about 20 brick plants in the district with their quarries. Their work (in a season) is associated with discharge to the atmosphere of significant amounts of dust and gases (including greenhouse). In order to reduce their emissions and the negative impact, it is necessary to use modern technological devices and low-waste technologies.
Given the characteristics of the districts location, climate, topography and natural wealth, it should be noted that in Penjikent and Aini districts the mining industry got the most dynamic development. Extraction and processing of natural resources is associated with a significant human impact on the environment and human health. Zeravshan Mountains–is a treasure trove of priceless natural resources. In various parts of Penjikent there are large deposits of gold, silver, mercury, antimony, tungsten, fluorite, phosphate rock, coal, marble, in a complex number of natural deposits is 328 units.
Industry in Ayni district takes an important place in its economic development. The share of industry in total district gross domestic product is 39.2%. The volume of industrial production in the last three years has a tendency to growth. The main environmental polluters are the enterprises of mining sector. The operations of these enterprises associated cause the formation of the bulk of industrial waste, which is placed in dumps and tailings, water use and waste water, air emissions of harmful substances, a violation of the land topography.
On the one hand the development of this sector leads to the formation of the new jobs, to improvement of local community living standards, on the other hand can lead to significant negative consequences for the environment and the poverty rate of the population in these districts.
In order to preserve and restore juniper forests on the territory of Aini district, since 1972 a nursery "Soyvota"is operational and it is located on the northern slope of the Zeravshan Range on the territory of 4 million hectares. However, to date there is only a natural recovery of juniper that exists. There is still no anyconifers’nursery - juniper, cade, pine, etc., which would promote reforestation. Today, the pace of reforestation lagging behind its log and degradation. The problem of district electricity provision also contributes to it.
Another protected area is a nature reserve "Iskanderkul", which was organized in 1969 on the territory of 30 thousand hectares. The reserve is located around the lake Iskanderkul. The main objective of the reserve - is the protection, preservation and promotion of the unique flora and fauna of high mountains and midlands of Pamir-Alai plateau, considering the development of ecological tourism.
The fauna and flora of the reserve is characterized by its richness, originality and uniqueness. For example, a unique mountain sheep, or as it is called Severeev sheepharbours there.
There are trees that grow on the banks of Iskandarkul and many relict samples of the ice age. But in recent years, there is more impact of the anthropogenic influence. One of the sources of funding is the tourism industry, including ecotourism. The lack of the necessary appropriate infrastructure,sector development strategy contributes to the development of unauthorized "wild" tourism, which causes a negative impact on the environment.
Target districts of Khatlon region, especially districts, due to their geographical location (bordering the Republic of Afghanistan) and the development features, have the same socio - economic and environmental problems that directly affect the living standards of the population. With the exception of some features, all thedistricts have the same goals and objectives to improve living standards and reduce poverty through sustainable and careful use of their natural resources, especially in the agricultural sector. As in other Central Asian countries, agriculture plays a more important role in the economy of Tajikistan than in a more developed market economies. An estimated 24% of GDP, 66% of employment, 26% of exports and 39% of tax revenues make agriculture the main component of the economy of Tajikistan. Agriculture is a source of income for 64% of the population. However, there is a widespread opinion that this development is not sustainable in the long term. A particular feature of these districts is the presence of large areas under cultivation of cotton, which determines the high cost of water resources, and land degradation.
Agricultural districts DRS (Jirgatal, Tojikobod, Rasht) are characterized by almost complete lack of industrial facilities. The basis for the development of these districts is gardening, horticulture and animal husbandry. In the other three districts, there are a small number of industrial facilities that are engaged in processing of agricultural products.
All the project districts, in spite of their differences, have a common problem, one way or another related to the PEP issues and hinder their sustainable development:
- Unsustainable use of natural resources (land, water, forests, pastures, etc.);
- Lack of access to clean drinking water;
- Lack of uninterrupted power supply;
- High vulnerability to natural disasters and climate change
Land degradation is a particular problem for Tajikistan. It is the result of deforestation, desertification, land degradation and erosion of land degradation that adversely impact the ability of farmers to generate income and avoid poverty. While only 7% of the country is suitable for economic land use, agriculture is the main source of income for about two-thirds of Tajikistan's population living in rural areas. The rural population is 70% and the poverty rate mainly covers this part of the population, so it is easy to conclude that the land condition has a direct impact on living standards.
Given the fact that Tajikistan has only 3% of the land occupied by forests, which is below the desired level of 10% (Tajikistan Forestry Department), afforestation is a key to reducing soil erosion. Existingforestareasarereduced eachyear.
In nearly all districts there is a shortage of irrigation water. This is due to the large losses of water in the supply to the customer (they account for up to 20-25%), use of the old irrigation technologies, deterioration of irrigation systems, etc.
Other key issues of poverty and the environment are the lack of uninterrupted power supply and the use of alternative energy sources, high vulnerability to natural disasters and climate change, as well as water and food insecurity.
Climate change is seen as a growing threat to the environment in Tajikistan. The main threat considered is the increase in temperature, which poses a serious threat to glaciers and water resources. Surface air temperatures are rising in the most districts at high altitudes. Highest temperature rise was noted in Dangara (1.2°C) and Dushanbe (1.0°C) for 65-year observation period. In mountainous districts, temperature rise 1.0-1.2°C was noted in Khovaling, Faizabad and Ishkashim. Also it increased the number of days with maximum temperatures reaching 40 °C, and more. In the high parts of the district in recent years there has been intensive melting of glaciers. The overall decrease in the glacier was more than 30%, and the melting is continuing more intensively. Experts predict that in Tajikistan by mid-21st century the level of ice can fall to 450 cubic. km., and it is now 567cub.km. (RT glaciers. MinistryofNatureProtection2003).
Considering that in the summer nourishment of rivers of Tajikistan is 70% dependent on the melting of glaciers, this process threatens the country with the emergence of severe droughts and reduced water availability from 10% to 30%, increasing numbers of droughts, floods and landslides. It is predicted that with temperature increasing, these events will become more frequent and severe and will have a particular impact on the most vulnerable groups - women, children and the rural population. Besides the negative impact on livelihoods and infrastructure, climate change will also have an impact on energy security and ecosystems.
The main environmental problems of thedistricts. The quality of the environment directly or indirectly affects the economic development and employment of the population. Based on the collected materials, and the environmental, social and economic data from the districts, theanalysis and synthesis were made. It can be concluded that, in general terms, the main sectors, which are affected by the environment are: agriculture, energy, forestry, animal husbandry. The successful operation of each of these sectors dependent on natural resources, natural ecosystems, natural resources stocks, biodiversity and natural beauty. When the quality of the environment is deteriorating, there is a direct correlationbetween environmental damage and a reduction in income. Similarly, the key economic sectors, listed above, can get a lot of benefits if their activities would include poverty and the environment issues; one of the key benefits is the potential employment growth.
The main environmental problems of these districts that directly affect the living standards of the population and are a potential for promotion of PEP, refer to the following areas:
- The state of land resources (agro-ecosystems);
- Reducing the forests areas and pasture degradation;
- Lack of drinking and irrigation water;
- The problem of municipal solid waste (MSW), industrial and hazardous waste;
- Depletionin numbers of fauna and flora;
- An increase in the anthropogenic impact of industrial enterprises;
- Lack of environmental awareness;
- High risk of emergency situation(ES) and climate change.
Under the influence of natural and anthropogenic factors the ecosystem area, for the past 20 years, has changedmuch. Currently, many natural ecosystems are under anthropogenic influence, and some of them are threatened with degradation. Land degradation is particularly noticeable in the pilot districts of Khatlon region. The deterioration of land reclamation is due to the rise in the groundwater level, which leads to increased mineralization of water and salinization. The main cause of rising groundwater levels are:
- Unsatisfactory operation of efflux pumps reclamation of wells;
- Not carrying the full cleaning of drainage networks, especially the intrafarm;
- Significant deterioration of irrigation systems and high water loss, irrational irrigation technology.
Due to the land reclamation the area of lowland and middle natural ecosystems has reduced. In recent years, the area of agro-ecosystems, which are located in all natural high-altitude zones, has expanded through the reclamation of new land and permanent pastures. Together with the grazing land now up to 33% of the country was transformed into man-made ecosystems.
The second reason for the deterioration of the land can be a decrease in the area of the zone of the machine (pump) irrigation, which currently makes up to 40 percent of the irrigated land of Tajikistan. Reduction of the area of such land is caused by the failure of the pumping stations and the lack of funds for their rehabilitation, the increase in electricity prices, which can make suchirrigation unprofitable.
Agro landscapes located in higher areas are exposed to other threats - land degradation and soil erosion, which is linked to an infringement of technology of land processing with steep slopes and irrigation. Mid and high altitude territories, is mainly the area of summer pastures, eroded because of the felling of forest plantations, which are already scarce, as also due to the irregular grazing.
Pastures still do not have a clear status of their use, and this may lead to a breach of "extreme possibilities" in bio-productivity of pastures, to irreversible degradation and loss.
To improve the condition of pastures it is necessary to:
- Regulate grazing land management,
- To prevent overgrazing, observe the rules of grazing pastures, set turnover and prevent their degradation,
- Put efforts to improve communication and infrastructure of livestock, for the rational use of distant grazing lands,
- Implement measures to improve the productivity of pastures and hayfields, by irrigation (grassing) and planting annual and perennial grasses with the preservation of natural grass.
Lack of drinking and irrigation water. So far, the region's population has limited access to clean drinking water. The existing water supply system is worn out, water treatment (sludge, chlorination, feed, etc..) does not meet sanitary standards. Irrigation water supply system (irrigation) requires repair and rehabilitation. In this regard, the supply of drinking water to the population ranges from 8.5% to 80%.
The problem of solid waste and hazardous waste (medical, mercury-containing lamps and veterinary waste). In districtscommunal service are often located only in the district centers. In Jamoats such services are completely absent, resulting in numerous unauthorized landfills, littering the land, the banks of the water constructions and increasing the risk of infectious diseases.
Other sources of hazardous waste formation are districthealth structures and veterinary service. Health facilities should be provided by a burner for incineration of the hazardous waste, and for the animals died of diseases the Becker pits are needed. Currently, such environmental protection devices are not available in the districts. All this may lead to an increase in diseases amongst population, an increase in their expenses for treatment, reducing the standard of living and increasing poverty.
Along with the solid waste problem in a number of project districts there are industrial waste disposal facilities. There is apolygon for radioactive waste disposal in Faizabad district, Vakhsh district has a repository for toxic chemicals, in Varzob, Aini and Penjikent districts there is are special storage facilities for industrial waste. All of these sites pose a potential threat to the environment and the population in these districts and require systematic environmental monitoring of their condition.
In the districtsthe processes of degradation of wood - shrub and herbaceous vegetationareenhanced(deforestation, uprooting Eurotia, overgrazing, collection of medicinal plants). Felling of natural trees and shrubs in districts occurs in mountain forests and riparian forests due tothe failure to supply the fuels to population. Especially the local population and herders extensively use juniperin their summer pastures. Afforestation of mountain slopes increases erosion, and also has a negative impact on water conservation processes. The risk of landslides and avalanches increases accordingly. Generally, due to the deforestation, many animals lose their ecological niches.
The process of uprooting Eurotia (Ceratoides) has intensified in the highlands of the Rasht Valley. This factor has a strong negative impact on the high mountain ecosystem, since for Eurotia very slow process of renewalis indicative, and the land free of Eurotia bushes is quickly exposed to wind and water erosion. These factors cause rapid desertification, deterioration of the high-desert ecosystems and directly have a negative impact on the populations of graminivore mammals. Eurotiacommunity for the wild fauna of these territoriesis not only important forage value, but also provides shelter from enemies and bad weather for many species of animals and birds.
Reduction in the number of faunal forms is largely due to poaching and uncontrolled hunting. The local population is generally very poor and this situation forces to poaching. Argali and ibex are preferred ungulates for hunting. In relatively large settlements the population is also engaged in hunting, moving into more affordable hunting areas. During the hunting season, some residents are specially engaged in the preparation of wild ungulates’meat for sale.