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Central Asia faces major ecological challenges and is
directly affected by climate change. Water availability
is a key strategic issue. Stored in the mountain gla-
ciers of the Kyrgyz Republic and Tajikistan, water is
one of the most precious resources in the region and
can be a significant source of tension.
As part of its Central Asia Strategy, the EU-Central Asia
Environmental Dialogue has been established to foster
environmental protection and better manage water re-
sources. Italy, in close cooperation with the European
Commission, leads the coordination of EU activities.
EU action on water resources in Central Asia plays
a major role in its overall programme to protect the
envir onment in the region.
The EU has also stepped up work with the fi ve Central Asian
countries to improve the management of land and forestry
resources, support the stabilisation of the Aral Sea, mitigate
effects of climate change and to reduce the impact of nat-
ural disasters. Recent activities include:
• promotion and Capacity building for renewable energy
sources; improving energy effi ciency and setting up
frame works for appropriate investment conditions. This
is done by, inter alia, conducting trainings and semi-
nars for governmental offi cials and fi nancing feasibility
studies regarding the installation of small sized hydro-
power stations and the use of renewable energy sources
in the region;
• helping the Kyrgyz Republic and Tajikistan set up the
Pamir-Alai conservation area on the border between the
two countries, helping to enhance biodiversity;
• support to government authorities to adapt to climate
change and the better implementation of the Kyoto
Protocol;
• support to government authorities with the implementa-
tion of the Aarhus Convention on Access to Information,
Public Participation in Decision making and Access to
Justice in Environmental Matters;
• support to government authorities for the imp