National experts and academic authorities from Afghanistan, Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan gathered in Kyrgyzstan for a five-day study tour to exchange experiences and best practice on ecosystem based disaster risk reduction (Eco-DRR).

As floods, droughts, and other extreme events become ever more common, policy-makers and practitioners are increasingly turning to natural solutions. This study tour with representatives from Afghanistan, Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan provided a unique opportunity to share experiences across countries with similar landscapes and ecosystems.

Over the course of the study tour, participants examined local ecosystems, project sites, and reviewed the latest technology in geospatial mapping. Site visits showing land management, engineering, ecology, and Eco-DRR approaches were also arranged. Kyrgyzstan is home to a number of national parks and conservation areas including the Naryn and the Issyk-Kul areas where ecosystems and ecological activities are being linked with public works and development schemes.

In these three countries, Eco-DRR remains a nascent concept. The study tour sought to capitalize on this growing field by improving understanding, acquiring lessons learned and connecting regional experts to existing networks in the country. Alongside technical excursions, exchange networks were established with university, government, NGOs and community groups.

The tour was part of Eco-DRR pilot projects in Afghanistan, Sudan, Haiti and the Democratic Republic of the Congo, supported by the European Union.

More information: Andrew.Scanlon@unep.org, Cassidy.Travis@unep.org

Photo: Experts from Afghanistan, Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan visited local ecosystems and project sites as part of an eco-DRR tour in Kyrgyzstan