The Asian Development Bank (ADB) and the Committee for Environmental Protection under the Government of Tajikistan today launched a Climate Finance Plan for Tajikistan’s Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC).

Press release issued by the ADB Tajikistan Resident Mission (TJRM) says the plan estimates 8 billion US dollars of financing needs by 2030 to achieve the country’s climate adaptation and mitigation targets.

“As one of the most climate vulnerable countries in Central Asia, Tajikistan faces significant climate risks that can lead to irreversible economic, social, and environmental damage”,  said ADB Country Director for Tajikistan, Ms. Shanny Campbell.  “The impacts on rural communities, that make up a major part of the population, will be most severe, especially on women, elderly and children.”

The risks include melting glaciers affecting irrigation and hydropower, increased frequency and severity of flooding, heat stress, food insecurity, drought, damage to critical infrastructure due to rising temperature and deforestation.

Tajikistan has committed to an ambitious program of climate mitigation and adaptation investments to achieve its updated NDC.  Priority investments focus on expanding renewable energy in all end-use sectors, maximizing energy efficiency, expanding green transport, and greening industry and waste management.

Sustainable agriculture is another priority sector, including efficient drip irrigation; resilient crop rotation, and crop diversity; scaling of climate-smart agroforestry, horticulture, viticulture; soil protection and integrated pest management; improved pasture management; livestock breeding; and increased reforestation.

The NDC Climate Finance Plan is a strategic financing plan, which requires ownership of all government ministries and agencies.  Investments for its implementation should come from different sources and instruments, both domestic and international.

As Asia and the Pacific’s Climate Bank, ADB aims to provide US$100 billion in cumulative climate financing from its own resources from 2019 to 2030 across all its developing member countries.

In Tajikistan, ADB helps the government reduce disaster risks, build resilient infrastructure, and improve food security, including through modernizing irrigation and agriculture production.  Going forward, all ADB projects will be developed through the lens of climate impact.

Established in 1966, the Asian Development Bank is owned by 68 members—49 from the region.