Draft as of January 8th 2001
UNDP-GEF Block A Proposal
PART 1 – ELIGIBILITY
1. Project name: Conservation of “Tugai”
Forest” in the Amu Darya Delta of
Karakalpakstan.
3. Country/countries in which the
project is being implemented:
UZBEKISTAN
5. GEF focal area(s), and/or cross-cutting
issues: Biodiversity
2. GEF Implementing Agency: UNDP
4. Country eligibility:
CBD: Uzbekistan ratified the Convention on Biological
Diversity on 19/07/95
6. Operational program/Short-term measure:
GEF OP# 1: Arid and Semi-arid ecosystems
GEF OP# 2: Coastal, Marine and Freshwater Ecosystems
7. Project linkage to national priorities, action plans and programs:
This project will address the national priorities specifically indicated in the NEAP (1998) and State
Program of Environmental Protection and Rational Use of Natural Resources up to the Year 2005, of ecological
protection and restoration in the Southern Aral and Amu Darya delta region of Uzbekistan (Republic of
Karakalpakstan). In addition, it will directly contribute to the implementation of Section 1, 2 and 3 of
the National Biodiversity Action Plan (the System of Protected Areas; Education, awareness and
participation; Sustainable use) launched in September 1998. It will build upon and be complementary to
the major national, regional and international efforts underway to address the “Aral Sea Crisis” and has
strong linkages with other regional/national level initiatives to introduce more integrated and
participatory approaches to biodiversity conservation, including the Lake Sudoche Wetlands
Restoration Project (GEF/WB), the Western Tien Shan Biodiversity Project (GEF/WB), the proposed
Nuratau-Kyzylkum Biosphere Reserve Project (GEF/UNDP) and regional Bukharan Deer Project
(WWF). There are additional strong linkages with the National Environmental Action Plan.
8. GEF national operational focal point and date of country endorsement:
Submitted:
Acknowledged:
Endorsed: 15/11/2000
9. Project rationale and objectives:
Background: Tugai is a “Turkic” word to describe the unique desert flood-plain forests which occur in
the Central Asian arid steppes and lowlands. Though “tugai” is generally accepted as referring mainly to
the forested areas it is, in ecological terms, a more complex feature incorporating the transition from
open water to sand or mud banks and shoreline, reed formations ( Phragmites and Typha sp.), dense
gallery forest ( Populus and Salix sp.), fringe shrub (Tamarix), and finally desert (Haloyxlon, Carex ). This
diversity of habitats is matched by a corresponding diversity of flora and fauna including a number of
species or sub-species which are restricted only to tugai habitats and are entirely endemic to limited
areas of Central Asia, such as the highly endangered Bukharan Deer (Cervus elphus bactrianus).
These ecosystems were widely spread in previous times in Central Asia but now remain only as
fragments within the basins of the rivers Atrek, Murgab, Tedgen, Tarim, Chu, Ili, Zaravshan, Syr Darya
and Amu Darya. In line with the global tend for riparian forest, tugai cover has declined catastrophically
and by 1998 covered barely 10% of the area covered 20/30 years previously. The most extensive areas
remaining, which in total cover about 300 km2, are in the Amu Darya delta in the Southern Aral Sea
area1. Although this is only about 10% of the original occurring in the delta and is heavily fragmented, it
is estimated as now constituting 75% of the total remaining in Uzbekistan and 20% remaining within
Central Asia as a whole.
Though isolated fragments of tugai exist along most of the rivers as linear “points” there are no areas comparable with the Amu
Darya delta except perhaps the Vakhsh and Piandzj river valleys in the upper Amu Darya catchment in Tajikistan (an estimated
100km2 of tugai) – however this area faces the difficulty of a prolonged civil conflict and its aftermath.
1
1
Draft as of January 8th 2001
Despite the rapid historical loss of tugai and the continuing threats , tugai is one of the least protected
ecosystems in the country constituting less than 1 % of the total protected areas system and a mere 2 %
of strictly protected areas (IUCN Cat. I & II) in Uzbekistan2. As a result “tugai” ecosystems, particularly
in the Amu Darya delta, have been identified in the National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan for
Uzbekistan as one of the ecosystem in the republic requiring urgent conservation measures.
Furthermore, the Bukhara Deer, a highly endangered sub-species of which globally there maybe less
than 500 individuals remaining, have been identified as a priority for conservation. The Kyzylkum
desert surrounding most of the Uzbekistan tugai along the Amu Drya is also recognized as being of
global biodiversity importance and is included in the WWF Global 200 list (Eco-region 130 Central Asian
deserts including tugai).
Though the area sustained a high level of ecological damage in the past, including the degradation of
the Aral Sea ecosystem and damage to the surrounding delta and deserts, the situation has begun to
stabilize and major national, regional and international efforts to redress the key causal factors have
begun. Furthermore, not all areas of the region were equally impacted by the direct effects of the delta
and Aral Sea desiccation. For example, most of the valuable desert ecosystems to the west remain
relatively unaffected by the direct impacts of the “Aral Sea Crisis” and, though greatly reduced through
clearance and from changes to the flood patterns and river water availability /quality, tugai forest still
survives in significant areas along the Amu Darya river and delta. Thus there is still a viable opportunity to
conserve and restore the unique and globally important Tugai biodiversity of the region.
Description of Southern Aral Tugai Biodiversity: Tugai formations of the Amu Darya delta are some of
the longest established and most diverse in Uzbekistan. In addition, the significant numbers of closely
distributed areas remaining in the delta has helped maintain better overall ecological integrity of the
delta tugai formations than most other “upstream” areas which are geographically more dispersed.
Vegetation within the gallery forest and fringe shrub zone of the Amu Darya tugai consists of
approximately 65 species, belonging to 21 families and 47 genera of which the most representative
families are Chenopodiaceae, Asteraceae and Fababaceae. Tree species are dominated by Saliaceae (5
species), and Elaegnaceae (1 species) and compose about 11% of gallery forest/shrub flora. The shrub
zone, which constitutes about 12% of flora, is dominated by Tamaricaceae. Herbaceous perennials
consists of about 40% of flora (26 species) and annual/biannual herbs about 37%. Globally significant
plants found within tugai complexes (including peripheral desert) include the following IUCN Red
Data Book species: Calligonum paletzkianum, C. elegans, C. matteianum, Cousine strobulocephala, C. sogdiana,
and Tithymabus scerocyathium.
The tugai forests of the Amu-Darya delta contain 28 species of mammals, 43% of the total species
diversity of mammals in Southern Aral Sea zone (R.Reymov, 1985). The most significant globally
important mammal is the highly endangered Bukhara deer Cervus elaphus bactrianus – it is estimated
that around 60% of the Uzbekistan population of this species and 25% of the global population, survives
in the Amu Darya delta at Badai Tugai. Other significant mammal species include: Myotis capaccinii, the
Turkmen gerboa Jaculus turkmenicus, the Piebald shrew Diplomesodon pulchellum, two species of
hedgehog (Long-eared hedgehog Hemiechinus auritus and Brandt’s hedgehog H. hypomelas), Marbled
polecat Vormela peregusna, Long-clawed ground squirrel Permophilopsis leptodactylus, the Reed cat Felis
chaus, the Steppe/Asiatic wildcat F. silvestris (ornata), the Sand cat F. margarita, the Red and Corsac fox
Vulpes vulpes and V. corsacs, Eurasian badger Meles meles, Golden jackal Canis aureus, Grey wolf Canis
lupus, Wild boar Sus scrofa, and the Persian gazelle Gazelle subguttarosa subguttarosa. Saiga antelope (Siaga
tartarica) historically occurred south of the Aral Sea and in the Kyzylkum and some reports indicate
small numbers still occur in these areas.
There is a high rate of endemism within the reptiles, with 30 of the 58 recorded species endemic to
Uzbekistan or Central Asia (including 9 species of Phrynocephalus, 5 species of Gekkonidae and 2
species of Viperidae, amongst others). Species of particular significance include the Grey monitor lizard
Varanus griseus , the Central Asian tortoise Agryionemys horsfieldi and Rhynococephalus rossikovi.
2
2
According to figures in NBSAP the total PA system of Uzbekistan covers 20,520 km2. Strictly protected areas, i.e. zapovedniks
Draft as of January 8th 2001
and national parks, cover 8,225 km2. Of this 3 zapovedniks covering a total of 189.5 km2 are mainly intended to protect tugai.
Within Karakalpakstan PA’s for tugai constitute less than 1% of total.
3
Draft as of January 8th 2001
Avifauna of tugai forests includes 91 bird species, of which 39 are breeding, 16 are resident, and 18
hibernate and flying through (Lim, Abdreymov, 1977). These include the rare Khiva pheasant
(Phasanicus calchicus chroysomeles) as well as a significant number of globally important migratory birds
which use the more open wetter areas (flowing water, sand/mud banks and reed) including: Pelicanus
crispus, Oxyura leucocephala, Marmaronetta angustirostris and Aythya nyraca (Collar et. al., 1994).
The fish fauna of the Amu-Darya river (including delta branches) is represented by 36 fish species from
9 families. Most of the species (23) belong to the Cyprinidae family. Of particular interest globally are the
critically endangered, endemic “shovelnose” sturgeons Pseudoscaphirhynchus hermani and P. kaufmanni,
bastard sturgeon Acipenser nudiventris, Turkestan barbal Barbus capito conocephalus, Aral barbel B.
brachycephalus, Aral white-ear Abramis sapa aralensis, Aral pike Aspius aspius iblioides, Aral shemaya
Chalcalburnus chalcoides aralensis, Turkestan gudgeon Gobio gobio lepidolaemus and the Aral roach Rutilus
rutilus aralensis.
Current Threats: The basic underlying causes of the initial ecological decline in the area date back to
inappropriate irrigation and land use policies and practices during the Soviet Union. These are now
being addressed by large scale international, national and regional efforts, such as the Aral Sea Basin
Programme (WB/UNDP/UNEP/GEF). However, the collapse of the Soviet Union and the emergence of
an independent Uzbekistan has spawned a number of additional threats which must also be countered if
the global biodiversity value of the area is to be conserved.
These new threats are principally related to the economic decline brought about by the difficult
transition to a free market economy which, combined with the stresses of the ecological “crisis”, has
resulted in the over intensive utilizing of the remaining natural / semi-natural areas by rural
populations for grazing, fuel wood, hunting and other purposes. In addition, restricted government
budgets have loosened the state controls over resource use as well as undercut its ability to carry out
conservation activities. The inadequate historical valuation of biological resources and, therefore the
lack of a well-developed plan for their management and conservation or consideration within other
sector plans, exacerbated this situation. For example, the protected areas system in Karakalpakstan is
totally inadequate both in terms of size and ecosystem coverage with less than 0.1 % of land area and
only one ecotype strictly protected. Water management plans rarely considered impacts on biodiversity
and general ecological stability.
Compounding these problems, management approaches to nature protection and use are outdated and
unrealistic in the face of the current environmental and socio-economic conditions, and no strategic
planning for biological resources conservation and use has as yet been attempted in Karakalpakstan.
It has been recognized by the Government of Uzbekistan that, to achieve sustainable development, the
stabilization of ecological conditions through the conservation of existing ecosystems and the restoration
of damaged ecosystems, is an important issue for the nation as a whole and Karakalpakstan in particular
(NBSAP 1998). Without actions to ensure this the other massive efforts both by the government and
donors to address the underlying causes of the “Aral Sea Crisis” will not fulfill their full objectives.
Furthermore tugai is recognized as being a nationally important biological, socio-economic and cultural
resource and that its conservation and wise use is necessary for the sustainable development of the
region. This is the national priority, and the global priority is the conservation of unique tugai gallery
forest ecosystems of global biodiversity importance and the sound management and restoration of
degraded habitats to ensure survival of globally threatened species.
Project strategy: The basic strategy of the project is to use a programmatic approach to securing the
conservation of the unique tugai gallery forests in the Southern Aral Sea region through the
establishment of an extensive conservation management system which incorporates all the major
remaining areas of tugai within an established legal and management framework. Key elements within
this strategy will be the use of traditional strict management approaches to the protection of a limited
number of important “core “ sites combined with new integrated conservation and sustainable use
approaches for the majority of areas.
4
Draft as of January 8th 2001
In addition, where feasible, wildlife corridors (both aquatic and terrestrial) will be established to link
tugai fragments. Local community involvement and the devolution of resource ownership, utilization
and management responsibility will form essential components of new management approaches. This
will include assistance to local communities to improve local land use practices to reduce pressure on
remaining areas of tugai/encourage restoration.
Thus the project will not focus just on the protection of specific sites but also on the conservation of
remaining Tugai and wetland mosaics within the overall productive landscape. Lessons learned during
the project are intended to be replicated within other tugai areas of Central Asia including, if feasible,
the Vakhsh and Piandzj river valleys in the upper Amu Darya catchment in Tajikistan.
The project is provisionally estimated as requiring approximately 1.5 million US Dollars of which
around 600 thousand USD will be co-financed (in cash and in kind) by the Government, UNDP, WWF ,
the NATO project, and other donors to be concretely identified during the PDFA activities. The project
will incorporate lessons and share experience with other UNDP/GEF initiatives in the country,
particularly the “Establishment of Nuratau Biosphere Reserve as a Model for Conservation in
Uzbekistan” project which should be able to provide tried and tested approaches of application in this
project.
Objectives: The project has 6 main objectives:-
1. To bring about the legal establishment of a Tugai Conservation Programme (TCP) on the basis of a
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
new or adapted legal framework appropriate for combining traditional “strict protection”
approaches to tugai conservation with integrated conservation and community management
approaches.
To develop an overall integrated and inclusive master plan for the TCP including detailed local
management plans for individual priority sites3
To establish effective local management structures and build their capacity to effectively execute
master / local management plans.
To test, demonstrate and replicate sustainable use activities and models
To increase commitment for biodiversity conservation through awareness building, particularly at
the decision making and local community level.
To assist in the establishment of a biodiversity information management system in Karakalpakstan,
on the basis of considerable indigenous capacity and in cooperation with other international donors.
3
An important aspect of ensuring the effective conservation of tugai will be the need to maximizing the inter-connectivity of the
remaining tugai areas to minimize gradual decline in ecosystem diversity from “island bio-geography” processes and thus ensure
the ecological integrity of many of the most fragmented forest patches. To this end the conservation of “tugai clusters” and the
maintenance or development of wildlife corridors between areas will be a priority objective within the Master Plan for the TCP.
5
Draft as of January 8th 2001
10. Expected outcomes:
1. Baseline biodiversity, socio-economic, conservation management, and sustainable use data related
to tugai conservation available
2. Appropriate legal framework for implementation of required management prepared and approved
3. A Tugai Conservation Programme (TCP), incorporating strictly protected core sites and local
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
community orientated sustainable utilization sites, established
An over-arching long term TCP master plan and individual site management plans developed
Local conservation agencies, authorities and rural communities with sufficient technical, legal, and
organizational capacity to effectively execute management plans.
Decision makers, local authorities and rural communities aware of the importance / value
biodiversity resources and more specifically of tugai and related ecosystems
Water resource decision makers and operators give adequate consideration to tugai water
requirements and ensure inclusion of concrete measures in operational plans and activities
Local conservation agencies, authorities, rural communities, NGO’s and other local stakeholders
participating in the conservation management and sustainable use of tugai gallery forests
Sustainable use approaches and models tested, demonstrated and replicated
More informed management decision making for tugai and other ecosystems on the basis of an
effective biodiversity monitoring and information management system.
The long term conservation of tugai gallery forests secured and an improved overall basis for effective
conservation of globally important biodiversity in the region due to demonstration of new approaches by
the project and increased experience / capacity of local conservation agencies
6
Draft as of January 8th 2001
11. Planned activities to achieve outcomes:
1
Baseline Inventory and Assessment Work: Collection and processing of existing data, identification
of gaps and carrying out of additional field research required for further planning including:
a.
b.
c.
d.
e.
2
3
4.
Inventory of remaining tugai resources in the Amu Darya delta4, detailed description of tugai
and peripheral area biodiversity, analysis of basic ecological processes and key issues for long
term ecosystem maintenance and management,
Detailed socio-economic assessment of communities associated with tugai,
Assessment / audit of current management and resources,
Institutional and legal assessment / recommendations
Assessment and study of the sustainable use potentials of tugai forests, particularly for local
communities, and identification of appropriate models for community management and
utilization.
Preparations for Establishment of a Tugai Conservation Areas Programme (TCAP)
a.
Site selection: Final selection of component sites and principle management approaches for each
site (Strict protection / sustainable use / combination of both through zonation) on basis of
biodiversity values, practical management considerations and consultation with local authorities
and communities.
b.
Institutional roles: On basis of assessments and through extensive consultation and discussion
reach consensus on institutional roles of conservation agencies, agriculture and water
management authorities, Academy of Science, local governments, communities and NGO’s in
the management of the TCAP
c.
Legal Instruments: On the basis of assessments and recommendations develop adapted or new
framework legislation required for the establishment of the TCAP, ensure stakeholder
agreement through consultation and follow-up on government review and approval.
Site Management Plans Development and TCAP Master Plan:
a.
Site Management Plans: To include some or all of the following (depending on site objectives):
in-depth background information section; description of threats; conservation and sustainable
utilization objectives of site; legal status, boundaries and zonation; key management activities
for conservation and sustainable use, approaches and methodologies for community
participation and benefit sharing; local land use plans to maximize sustainable livelihoods and
minimize conflict with conservation goals; research and monitoring; required administrative
structure (personnel, equipment, infrastructure); estimated annual budgets; funding sources and
financing mechanisms.
b.
TCAP Master Plan: A framework document providing an overall description of objectives,
management approaches, institutional responsibilities and coordination, system level
conservation activities plus summarized versions of the individual site management plans and
budgets.
Establishment and Capacity Building of Management Structures, Key Institutions and
Stakeholders:
a). technical and managerial capacity building of conservation, water management agencies and relevant
communities, including: formal and practical “on job” training and national / international study tours,
limited provision of important equipment and infrastructure
b). support to Academy of Science , local environmental NGO’s, authorities and communities to play an
active role in the management of the TCAP and individual sites
7
4
Substantial data on forestry resources exists but is not immediately accessible (is held at district level only or between an number of agencies)
Draft as of January 8th 2001
5
Demonstration and testing of selected approaches, models and methodologies for sustainable use in
tugai:
On the basis of options identified during the initial stages of the project, carry out specific activities to
demonstrate/test sustainable use approaches/models/methodologies for conservation agencies and local
communities and to support their replication at other sites5.
6
Awareness and education:
Building public, local authority and rural community awareness, support and participation in biodiversity
conservation and sustainable use, including: the establishment of an information centre to act as a focal
point and resource base for public awareness, education and participation development; production of
conservation/environmental education materials and development of effective dissemination mechanisms,
training of educators/multipliers, including protected areas staff, local teachers, traditional and religious
leaders etc.
7
Information management and monitoring system:
Design and establish a cost effective and sustainable system for systematic collection, storage and
processing of relevant information on biodiversity which is based on existing local technical and hardware
capabilities and which builds upon related international donor activities (NATO Remote Sense project).
12. Stakeholders involved in the project:
Local level: Council of Ministers of Republic of Karakalpakstan, Karakalpakstan State Committee for
Nature Protection, Karakalpakstan State Committee for Forestry, Karakalpakstan Ministry Agriculture
and Water Management, Rayon (district) authorities within which territory for TCAP may be required,
local communities, local NGO’s.
National level: National Biodiversity Commission, National Action Plan Coordination Group, State
Committee Nature Protection (Biological Control Unit), State Committee Forestry, National Sustainable
Development Commission, Ministry of Macro-Economics and Statistics, national NGO’s
Regional level: International Fund for the Aral Sea (IFAS)
International level: UNDP, WWF International, NATO Science For Peace Programme.
plus requires updating. Current data suggests that the largest concentration of Tugai forests is in Bozatau District (see Annex 1 and 2) but no
systematic forestry mapping for the delta exists as yet. However the NATO funded remote sensing and GIS activities currently being initiated
will shortly be involved in carrying out such mapping.
5Initial WWF sponsored work into the potential of sustainable use of Bukhara Deer, principally for antler velvet and possibly live
sale/translocation, suggest this would be a viable activity with both benefits for local communities and the conservation of the sub-species (
increased total numbers and overall security). To strengthen the gene pool in Karakalpakstan it will be necessary to introduce/exchange breed
stock with other viable populations in CA.
8
Draft as of January 8th 2001
PART II - INFORMATION ON BLOCK A PDF ACTIVITIES
13. Activities to be financed by the PDF:
Block A PDF funds are sought to finance the initial collection of baseline data and fuller consultation
with stakeholders necessary for the preparation of a MSP Project Brief. Specific activities will include the
following:A. Initial Baseline Assessments: . USD36,000
i.
Inventory of remaining tugai using survey /cross checking of existing data (local government,
State Committee Forestry and Nature Protection, local Academy of Science), remote sensing
data and analysis (satellite and aerial photos), and field visits
ii. Broad socio-economic data including: population of communities near or utilizing tugai,
principle livelihoods, use of tugai (if any) and impact, cultural values, existing traditional
controls on use.
iii. Identification of principle threats, management issues and options
iv. Initial assessment of existing legal framework and institutional structures
v. Initial assessment of sustainable utilization potentials of tugai and models for community
management and use.
vi. Initial assessment of baseline, co-financing and IC analysis
B. Consultation and initiation of collaboration / integrated planning with other relevant regional
and international partners USD 2,000
WWF Bukharan Deer Project, NATO Remote Sensing Centre project, Lake Sudoche Wetlands
Restoration component of GEF / WB Regional project, UNDP Micro-credit project, etc.
C. Project elaboration and design (Logframe exercise) and Stakeholder consultation:: USD 10,000
i.
ii.
iii.
Initial logframe exercise by project working group composed of key stakeholders (prepare initial problem
/ objective/stakeholder analysis and on this basis a draft logframe matrix with objectives, outcomes and
activities)
Dissemination of logframe exercise results and holding of individual and group consultative
meetings with all stakeholders to gather feedback and identify implementation responsibilities
/ institutional arrangements
Incorporate changes required on the basis of above review and consultation.
D. Incremental Cost Analysis and Co-financing
i.
Carry out detailed budgeting for the project on basis of project design elaborated and agreed
ii. Carry out full IC analysis
iii. On basis of gaps in co-financing identified within IC analysis follow up with donors and
identify required additional co-financing.
E. Preparation of Project Brief: USD 5,000
i.
On the basis of initial work carried out prepare a MSP Project Brief including fully worked
out IC assessment and logframe matrix.
ii. Dissemination and review of draft Project Brief document
iii. Finalization and submission to GEF
Total cost of PDFA is USD53,000 (GEF25,000, UNDP20,000, NATO3,000, GOU/GOK5,000)
9
Draft as of January 8th 2001
14. Expected outputs and completion dates:
1.
2.
3.
4.
Baseline studies / assessments completed (June 2001)
Basic project design elaborated/logframe exercise completed (May 2001)
Stakeholder consultation completed and consensus reached (July 2001)
Project Brief prepared, reviewed, finalized and submitted to GEF/NY (Oct 2001)
15. Other possible contributors/donors and amounts:
 UNDP: Consultant costs, translation, sundries (USD 20,000)
 Government of Uzbekistan/Karakalpakstan (SCNP/SCF/local authorities/others): In-kind - information/data
and local expertise, and workshop/meeting facilities (USD 3,500 )
 Karakalpak Academy of Science: In-kind biodiversity and cartographic data, local scientific expertise (in-kind
USD 1,500)
 Nato Project - Remote Sensing Center in Karakalpakstan: Remote Sensing, GIS mapping and analysis (in-kind
USD 3,000)
16. Total budget and information on how costs will be met (including the Block A grant):
PDF A: International and National Consultants
(Baseline Surveys )
US$25,000 (GEF)
International Consultants: Project design facilitation and
Project Brief Preparation, overall project management,
National Consultants and Support staff: Baseline surveys &
PM/Admin. staff.
US$ 9,000 (UNDP)
US$ 3,000 (UNDP)
Data / Information materials: Provision of maps.
US$ 8,000
(GoK1.5/AS1.5/UNDP2/NATO3) remote sensing, hydrological/other records and data
Translation/dissemination/sundries
US$ 3,000 (UNDP)
Equipment (computer, printer, GPS)
US$ 2,000 (UNDP)
Stakeholder meetings/workshops/consultation: Facilities,
local travel
US$ 3,000 (GoK2/UNDP1)
TOTAL
US$ 53,000
10
Draft as of January 8th 2001
PART III – INFORMATION ON THE APPLICANT INSTITUTION
18. GEF Implementing Agency:
17. Name: The State Committee of Nature Protection of
UNDP Tashkent
Karakalpakstan (project executing agency).
The Dept. for Hunting and Protected Areas of Karakalpakstan
Forestry Agency (project implementing agency)
The Bio-ecology Institute of the Karakalpakstan Academy of
Science (project proposer and sub-implementer)
19. Mandate/terms of reference:
The SCNP for Karakalpakstan is responsible for the overall
observance of environmental protection legislation in
Karakalpakstan and for related policy and planning. This
includes responsibilities for the conservation of biodiversity.
20. Country eligibility:
CBD: Uzbekistan ratified the
Convention on Biological Diversity on
19/07/95
Glavahota is responsible for the management of Badai Tugai
Zapovednik and has responsibilities and experience related to
the conservation and use of forestry and biodiversity
resources throughout Karakalpakstan.
The Institute of Bio-ecology of the Karakalpak Branch of the
Uzbek Academy of Sciences was established in 1994 on the
basis of the biological laboratories of the Institute of Natural
Sciences and the Department of the ecological problems of the
Aral Sea area. The objective of the institute is to research the
natural resources, plants and animals of the Aral Sea area and
to prepare for the appropriate governmental organizations
proposals for measures for biodiversity conservation and
sustainable use of the ecosystems of the region.
21. Recent activities/programs, in particular those relevant to the GEF:
The SCNP has been involved in a number of projects and initiatives related to the Aral Sea Crisis and the
WB/UNDP/UNEP Aral Sea Programme.
Glavahota in Karakalpakstan has been responsible and has experience in the management of Badai Tugai
Zapovednik and other protected areas in Karakalpakstan, including the successful captive breeding and
release of Bukharan deer and culling of Saiga antelope. In addition, Glavahota has for a number of years
worked with WWF as part of a regional project to conserve Bukharan Deer.
The Institute of Bio-Ecology has participated in the UNESCO/BMBF (German Ministry of Science and
Education) Aral Sea Project for a number of years. Scientists of the Institute also took part in the
preparation of the materials for the pilot phase of The Aral Sea Wetland Restoration Project and
participated in the GEF/WB financed Sudochye Lake Project. The Institute consists of the following
laboratories/research departments:-ecology and physiology of plants, - geobotany, - phytocenology and
Ustyurt desert station, - ecology of microorganisms, - hydrobiology, - ecology of lower plants (algae and
myco), - parasitology, - icthyology, - ecology of animals, - soils and biotechnology, and - Museum of nature.
PART IV – INFORMATION TO BE COMPLETED BY IMPLEMENTING AGENCY
22. Project identification number: Not yet determined
11
Draft as of January 8th 2001
23. Implementing Agency contact person: Mr. Ajiniyaz Reimov (GEF/UNDP Officer), Mr M. Anstey
(GEF/UNDP Regional Biodiversity Adviser) UNDP Tashkent.
24. Project linkage to Implementing Agency program(s): National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan
(UNDP/GEF),
National Sustainable Development Commission Project (UNDP),
Anti-desertification Action Plan (UNSO),
Regional Aral Sea Capacity Development Project (UNDP),
Nuratau Biosphere Reserve Project (GEF/UNDP),
Wetland Conservation Project (GEF/UNDP).
12
Draft as of January 8th 2001
ANNEX 1: RELEVANT MAPS OF SOUTH ARAL SEA AREA .
13
Draft as of January 8th 2001
ANNEX 2: DESCRIPTION OF CURRENTLY KNOWN & SIGNIFICANT AREAS OF TUGAI FOREST
BADAI-TUGAI ZAPOVEDNIK (Strict Reserve)
Location: Badai Tugai Zapovednik (Strict State Reserve) is located on the banks of the Amu Darya river in
Buruni rayon (district) in the south east of Karakalpakstan. The river forms the boundary with Khoryzem
Oblast (region) to the south west of the reserve. The area consists of low lying flood plain with a gentle
transition to desert highlands (Sultanuizdag). The Kyzylkum desert component lies to the NE of the
reserve and consist of low mountains and undulating plains.
Status / Purpose: Badai Tugai is a zapovednik or strictly protected area (see Uzbek Law on Protected
Natural Areas) established to provide protection of a classic example of Amu Darya tugai forest and
conservation of the highly endangered Buhkaran deer. Theoretically no use beside scientific research is
allowed but, in order to bolster falling financing, a limited number of foreign tourists are allowed entry
for a small fee. Total numbers of international visitors in recent years have equaled around 150 to 200 /
annum. Most of these are primarily visiting the nearby famous historical site of Khiva (50 to 60 km
distant). There is significant potential to increase this number of visiters.
Size: Badai Tugai is currently about 64 km2 in area including a significant part of the Amu Darya River
(which is varies between about 3 km and 500 metres in with). There are current plans to add about 20 km 2
- one area which is contiguous, and one area on the opposite side of the river. In addition to the “tugai”
areas there is a potential to include substantial areas (several hundred km2 ) of contiguous Kyzylkum
desert including part of the Sultanuizdag hills, where various desert ecosystems exist and which contain a
number of globally rare or endangered species including Persian Gazelles (Gazelle subguttarosa
subguttarosa), desert monitor lizards (Varanus griseus) and breeding sites of the Houbara bustard
(Chlamydotis undulata).
Special Features:
Bukhara Deer (Cervus elaphus bactrianus), whose habitat is restricted to Central Asian tugai, have been
reintroduced to the wild at Badai Tugai (based on an original population of 2 females and one male
brought in 1976 from Aral Paiganbar in upper part of Amu Darya in Uzbekistan). They now number
approx. 100 individuals in the wild (probably close to carrying capacity) mostly as a result of a very
successfully captive breed and reintroduction programme (currently about 16 individuals are in captivity
for this purpose). Badai Tugai thus contains about 60% of the total population in Uzbekistan and 25% of
global population (see Annex 3). This area is therefore of critical importance for the survival of the subspecies. Other areas of significant tugai within the delta are also critical for the sub-species in-situ
conservation as they provide suitable habitat for reintroduction. However, because of the limited genetic
base of the current population will be necessary to actively promote the exchange of breeding stock
between the various populations in CA.
Provisional conjecture indicate that the connection of different “fragments” of tugai by the Amu Darya
and its branches plays a significant role as a wildlife corridor. This could be enhanced by ensuring that
existing legislation regarding protection of the river channel and vegetation along river banks is enforced
/ reapplied to provide a secure terrestrial as well as aquatic corridors.
Threats and Key Management Issues:
The key threat for tugai ecosystems relates to changes in river flood patterns due to reduction in total
river volume, and more importantly, the impact of water infrastructure such as dams and their
management. The latter impacts both the level of floods and their timing. The effects of this are clear in
Badai Tugai Zapovednik where areas of higher relief have degraded to shrub and desert vegetation. On
the other hand, recent better flood years and attempts to artificially flood using pumping have
demonstrated that such areas recover rapidly under improved conditions. Also, consideration of
“ecological” water needs/users should in the future improve as a WB sponsored strategy and operation
plan for water management decision making and infrastructure use is under preparation which should
14
Draft as of January 8th 2001
lay emphasis on this. In addition, WB financed irrigation and drainage improvements should improve
water quality and eventually volume. However, in view of this issue, the viability of conserving areas
such as Badai Tugai in the long term must be looked at in depth during the PDFA.
Other important management issues, most of which are shared by the other sites, include: insufficient
annual financing, lack of sufficient professional training, lack of adequate management planning and
scientific monitoring, total absence of local authority or community involvement, few if any tangible
benefits for local authorities and communities.
BOZATAU RAYON (District).
Bozatau Rayon is located in central Karakalpakstan and is flanked on its western border by the main
channel of the Amu Darya river and a number of lakes (see map). The Rayon has a total population of
about 20,000 people located in 26 settlements in an area of approximately 2832 km 2 (approx. 7 people /
km2). The major economic activities and livelihood is dependent on livestock breeding rather than
irrigated agriculture. In the summer months people and livestock undertake extensive movement to
ensure sufficient pasture (moving from the south where settlements and some irrigation is located to the
northern rangeland part of the rayon). In this context the population retain more aspects of their
traditional nomadic lifestyle than many other areas where large scale irrigation development has brought
about permanent settlement.
On the basis of discussions with specialists in Karakalpakstan and a field visit in September 2000 it
appears that significant areas of relic tugai remain within the Bozatau rayon. According to local
authorities there remains in total 260km2 of tugai forest of which the largest single area is Erkin-Tugai
(approximately 40km2) located between Dautkul Lake and Amudarya river.
Currently the forests appear to be utilized to some extent by local people for grazing, hunting and
collection of useful plants / fuel wood. However, there seems to be some level of traditional or local
authority (or both) controls on use which has prevented their total destruction and provides a potential
basis for the development of more established, extensive and effective conservation and sustainable use
activities. Furthermore the local authorities expressed a strong interest in the establishment of a
zapovednik (strict state reserve) and other conservation activities.
OTHER AREAS.
As far as is currently known there are no other areas as extensive as Badai Tugai or the forest of Bozatau
Rayon. However, undoubtedly there will remain many smaller areas within other parts of the Amu
Darya delta that may be viable for conservation and sustainable use purposes. This can only be
ascertained by work undertaken in the PDFA.
15
Draft as of January 8th 2001
ANNEX 3: Bukharan Deer Populations Based on WWF Data 1998 And UNDP Field Mission in 1999
NB. Where WWF figures are inexact (i.e. between 5-7) minimum figures have been used (i.e. 5) Tajikistan 1990 figures based on assumption that war has caused the removal of all Tajik populations
except Tigravaja where WWF report an estimated 40 - Badai Tugai figures from field notes in June 1999
based on reserve staff reports (100 wild, 20 captive)
In addition to those indicated here there is a small possibility that small populations exist along the
Syrdarya river - however, no reports are known at this time.
Country/place
Uzbekistan
Aral-Pajganbar zap.
Kyzylkum zap.
Badai Tugai zap.
Zarafshan zap.
Uzb. Total
Turkmenistan
Borli
Djigerbent and Karagiir
Gorelde (Amudarya zap)
Kabakli (Amudarya zap)
Nargis
Tcharshanga
Turk. Total
Tajikistan
Tigrovaja Balka
Vakhsh and Piandj
Ramit
Taj. Total
Kazakhstan
Karatchingil
Kaz. Total
OVERALL TOTALS
late 1980’s
Currently (end 1990’s)
100
150
0
0
250
0
70
116
7
193
Unknown
“
“
“
“
“
“
7
10
20
5
6
20
78
250
100
150
500
40
0
0
40
80
80
830
200
200
511
Zap. = Zapovednik (Strict State Reserve)
16
Draft as of January 8th 2001
ANNEX 4: OTHER RELEVANT PLANNED / ONGOING INTERNATIONAL DONOR ACTIVITIES
IN PROJECT REGION.
World Wide Fund For Nature International (WWF):
WWF, through their regional office in Moscow, has actively pursued conservation development in the
Central Asian states since independence. Initial consultation and investigation resulted in the preparation
of a report and “Investment Portfolio” for each country and region as a whole including descriptions of
numerous priority project outlines and financial estimates.
In more concrete terms they have initiated a number of field activities in collaboration with local
(Institute Zoology, Gosbiokontrol and Goskomles) and international partners (CNRS France). Past
activities relevant to the GEF project were initial efforts to conserve the highly endangered Bukharan Deer
in the 4 CA states where it still occurs. These included experimental captive breeding and translocation,
artificial reproduction assessment/preparation, inventory of population and habitat in the Amu Darya
valley and delta, and initial assessment of economic potential of Bukharan deer “farming” (biochemical
analysis of “velvets” to determine bio-medical value, suitability for husbandry).
A project to ensure the continuation of this work within the 4 relevant CA states has been elaborated and
financing of approximately USD200 thousand identified ( Large Herbivore Initiative – WWF and Gov.
Netherlands). The principle objectives of this project are:
 to guarantee the long term existence of the species in-situ and in balance with the ecological carryingcapacity of the ecosystem
 to support reintroduction of the Bukharan deer in suitable habitats within its historic area.
 to support restoration and normal functioning of riparian forests of the region, for which Bukharan
deer is a natural and important ecological component.
An additional objective is “to test and develop a basis for the sustainable use of the species for the benefit
of local people and conservation of biodiversity”
Clearly the WWF project and this GEF proposal, have strong linkages and potential for collaboration..
Discussion and joint planning will be essential to avoid duplication and maximize mutual efforts.
World Bank:
The world Bank is acting as the main player in the international efforts to address the “Aral Sea Basin”
crisis both at a regional and national level. Specific projects or activities of most significance to the GEF
project proposed are as follows:
Lake Sudoche Wetlands Restoration Component of Regional Water and Environmental Management
Project (GEF/WB): This component of the above project, which will seek to stabilize/improve the
biological productivity and benefit both biodiversity and local peoples livelihoods, is essentially a pilot
project for wider wetlands restoration activities in the Amu Darya Delta. These projects and future
activities will therefore strongly compliment this Tugai project proposed.
North Bank Amu Darya Drainage Project and related Irrigation Improvement Projects: The project is
mainly aimed at improving the water quality of the Amu Darya river (particularly in regard to salinity)
by diverting highly polluted / saline irrigation waste water discharge away from the river to desert sinks
or the Aral Sea. Pollution of the Amudarya and resulting impacts for downstream users will become an
even bigger issue in the future when activities are commenced by other projects to improving irrigation
efficiency (such as the Karshi Irrigation Project). This is because, initially, this will result in increased
salinity of drainage waste water while fields are flushed of salts and overall volume decreases. In the long
17
Draft as of January 8th 2001
term this project should have an impact on river volume as well as quality as improved efficiency of use
since it will reduce off take from the river. These projects have relevance to biodiversity in
Karakalpakstan firstly, because they will impact water quality, (and in long term volume), in the delta
area (hopefully with secondary benefits for tugai as well as wetlands) and secondly, because a new and
extensive waterway will be created by the diversion of Beruni drainage water down a former riverbed of
the Amudarya directly to the Aral Sea. The later development is predicted to become, in time, an
important new site for wetlands and riparian biodiversity.
NATO Project Plan for Science for Peace Proposal 974101:
Sustainable Development of Ecology and Land and Water Use through Implementation of a GIS and
Remote Sensing Center in Karakalpakstan, Uzbekistan.
Background
The problem to be addressed by the proposed project is the lack of an accurate, current, comprehensive,
and usable system of information on water, land, and the environment for the Amu Dar’ya delta. Such a
system is a sine qua non to provide decision-makers, planners, and the public with the data, information,
and analytical capabilities necessary to make optimal choices to overcome or mitigate the most critical
problems of water, land, and environmental management in this area. The system also can play a major
role in sensitizing governmental leaders and the populace of the region to the often subtle and complex
mutual interactions between agricultural practices on the one hand and the desiccation of the Aral Sea
and concomitant ecological impacts on the other.
A GIS (Geographic Information System) which incorporates as a major component the use of digital data
from low earth-orbit satellites with medium and high resolution resource sensing capabilities offers an
efficient, quickly achievable, and cost effective solution to the problem delineated above. Spatially
organized conventional attribute (characteristics) data on water, land, and the environment (and other
physical and human variables, as needed) can easily be stored in the system database. Digital satellite
images with medium and high temporal and spatial resolution may also be stored here. The two basic
types of information may then be processed, arranged, analyzed, and combined to provide new types of
data and information output specifically tailored to the needs of decision-makers, planners, and the
public.
The same group of collaborators on this proposal implemented a small-scale, prototype GIS for the delta
and Aral Sea in 1995-1998 as part of a NATO Linkage Grant (see section 1.2 above). The President of
Karakalpakstan (Mr. Timor Kamalov), republican governmental agencies with land, water, and
environmental management responsibilities, Karakalpakstan State University, and local NGOs
recognized the value of this work in helping cope with the most serious agricultural and environmental
problems of the republic. They expressed great interest in the continuation and expansion of the project
that would lead to establishment of a permanent, locally sustained, well-equipped GIS Center in Nukus,
Karakalpakstan. This facility could not only produce state-of-the-art GIS products of practical importance
in mitigating/solving key water, land, and environmental management problems, but could train local
experts in GIS and remote sensing techniques.
Such an Information and Planning Center would enhance the application of modern science in the
planning sectors of the republic. In the water management area, it could provide fast, accurate, objective
and full coverage satellite data in combination with GIS modeling algorithms in order to develop
alternative agricultural models to reduce water consumption. In the ecological realm, the center could
furnish the information base and the analytical tools to fully describe landscape dynamics necessary to
forecast the key ecological changes in the delta. Currently there is no monitoring tool to document the
desiccation of the Aral Sea on a monthly or yearly schedule and to gain insight into the. The GIS Center
could provide this valuable service through processing and analysis of digital satellite imagery.
The GIS Center would, therefore, function as a planning and monitoring instrument for issues of
economic and ecological importance to not only Karakalpakstan but also the entire Aral Sea Basin and
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Draft as of January 8th 2001
countries of Central Asia. Additionally, it would serve as a center for training local scientists and
technicians in contemporary GIS and remote sensing methodologies. Great care would be taken to ensure
input from local experts to ensure the center would be attuned to local needs and to guarantee its longterm sustainability.
Science and Technology to be Developed and Applied
The main focus will be on the use of state-of-the-art satellite remote sensing and Geographical
Information Systems methodologies and technologies. Satellite information will be utilized for the
following specific purposes.
 Derivation of current and accurate land use classification for the Amu Dar’ya delta (and possibly
adjacent desert regions).
 Utilization of GIS/remote sensing to develop scenarios of improved crop spatial distribution and
crop substitution (e.g., soy beans for cotton and rice) that could lead to improved yields and
lower per hectare water consumption.
 Long term evaluation of satellite images (e.g. 1970-1998) to document ecological changes and to
describe landscape dynamics.
 Accurate monitoring of the desiccation process of the Aral Sea on a monthly and yearly basis.
Geographical Information Systems will be used for the following purposes.







Data capture, storage and organization in one common database for the entire delta (scales
of 1:200,000, 1:500,000 and smaller) and at a more detailed scale for selected, critical small
administrative districts (rayons) as a demonstration of the power and usefulness of this
method of data management
Synergy of conventional information (geolocational factors, statistics, scanned or digitized
maps, etc.) with remote sensing information to produce new, unique data layers. An
example would be areas planted to cotton characterized by low yields, high per hectare
water use, salinized soils, which are prime candidates for removing from production or
switching to other crops.
Developing scenarios of the future desiccation of the Aral Sea on the basis of long term
satellite monitoring combined with hydrologic models of surface inflow, subsurface inflow,
surface evaporation, and surface precipitation.
Modeling of future landscape dynamics on the basis of ground investigations, long term
satellite monitoring, and use of process (temporal stage) models of landscape change.
Modeling of “normative” agricultural water demand by combining satellite-derived
information (on crop types and growth stages) with conventional information (e.g. soil
infiltration rates and capacities, evapo-transpiration rates, etc.).
Suggesting optimal use of the irrigation network for water allocations and deliveries to
agricultural fields via distance and network analysis.
Providing a user-friendly interface for local GIS operators.
The GIS database will consist of a variety of geolocational data about the physical environment, including
characteristics of the soil, groundwater, salinization, and vegetation cover. In addition, statistical
information on the administrative districts will be gathered and georeferenced in the GIS in order to
provide a consistent and homogeneous database. The entire database will be used for modeling purposes.
Satellite information will be primarily derived from NOAA-AVHRR, SPOT4-VEGETATION, Resource
MSU-SK, Landsat MSS and Landsat-TM, IRS-1C. Classification algorithms, vegetation indexes, spectral
analysis of crops, etc. will be applied to analyze accurately the water management, land use, agricultural
and ecological situation in the Amu Dar’ya Delta and adjacent areas. Satellite imagery will be used to
monitor the spatial characteristics and their change of the Aral Sea.
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Draft as of January 8th 2001
Tugai Sub-project:
The Subproject will be focused on the following activities:



Developing a specific GIS system for Badai-Tugay zapovednik (Strict State Reserve);
Evaluation of ecosystems dynamics in the non-irrigated part of the Amu Dar’ya Delta;
Forecasts of ecosystems changes under the influence of periodic flooding by reservoirs (in
co-operation with SfP project 974357).
Badai-tugay Zapovednik is the single natural reserve (zapovednik) in Karakalpakstan. It contains a large massive of
tugai forests and rare animals, such as the Buhara deer, Gold peasant, etc. In order to better plan, maintain, and
preserve natural ecosystems and wildlife, a GIS system will be compiled and implemented for the Preserve. The
prototype system exists. The GIS should be adapted to the preserve regulations and management, and will integrate
high-resolution remote sensing data with a GIS database. The managers and scientific staff of the preserve will be the
users of the system.
Goskompriroda of Karakalpakstan could use this subproject as a demonstration of what could be implemented in
other protected areas (e.g., the GEF/WB Sudochye Lake wetlands project). The concept of this GIS might be
integrated into planning of the GEF project on wetlands conservation in the Amu Dar’ya Delta. The Moscow GIS
group together with the Nukus GIS Center will have responsibility for this activity. Necessary training will be
provided for the end-users.
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Draft as of January 8th 2001
Annex 5: GEF Focal Point Endorsement
Translation
15 November 2000.
No. 05-1301
To: UNDP Resident Representative
Dear Mr. Kral,
As the GEF Political Focal Point in the Republic of Uzbekistan I have reviewed an
application for PDF’A’ “Conservation of “Tugai” Gallery Forest in the Southern Aral Sea
region of Uzbekistan”. In spite of great value of tugai forests there was little or no
consideration of them. Therefore, I fully support and consider development of the
project as timely and very important.
Sincerely Yours,
Kh. Sherimbetov
GEF Political Focal Point
in the Republic of Uzbekistan
21