KULOB, February 23, 2011, Asia-Plus  -- Italian humanitarian organization, Cesvi, has launched a new environmental protection project in Khovaling district, Khatlon province.

The Cesvi field officer in Khovaling Rustam Miraliyev says the project targets Khovaling and Temourmalik districts in Khatlon and Ghonchi and Spitamen districts in Sughd province.

“Designed for three years, the project provides for construction of eight drain sumps for intake and regulation of water in the most flood prone areas in Khovaling,” said Miraliyev, “Besides, the project will help local residents build 200 greenhouses and shape land to control erosion on slopes of rolling land used for cropping and other purposes (terracing).”

According to him, Cesvi has worked in Khovaling since 2005 and over this period, it has implemented a number of water pipeline construction and water sanitation projects.  “Now the organization has decided to help local population tackle and degradation and flood safety problems,” the Cesvi field officer noted.

Cesvi (Cooperation and Development) is one of the biggest humanitarian organizations in Italy.  Founded in 1985, it has about 30 offices all over the world.

Cesvi provides assistance in emergency situations (including famine and epidemics), helps refugees and flood victims, supports reconstruction after disasters (earthquakes, tsunami), and implements projects for sustainable development and environmental protection in poor countries.  The organization is sponsored by Italian private donors (34%), public donors (European Union, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Italy, and United Nations agencies), foundations, companies, local authorities.  Among its fields of expertise are the problems of food/nutrition, HIV/AIDS, health, refugees and internally displaced persons (IDPs), shelter, water and sanitation.