United Nations Development Programme
Semiannual Project Report
REPORTING PERIOD: 01/01/2014-30/06/2014 PROJECT ID: 00076247 AWARD ID: 00059476
PROJECT TITLE: Climate Risk Management in Turkmenistan
EXECUTING AGENCY: UNDP Turkmenistan
PROJECT SITE: Nohur, Yerbent, Sakarchaga
SOURCE OF FUNDS (SOF): UNDP/BCPR
TOTAL BUDGET: USD 600,000
BUDGET for the year 2014: USD 220,000
START DATE: 2010
ESTIMATED END DATE: 2015
PROJECT EXPENDITURE IN Q 1- Q2: USD 95, 264.11
BALANCE: 124, 735.89; Delivery: 43, 3 %
Report prepared by:
Mahrijemal Hudayberdiyeva
Date: July 1, 2014
Content
1. Project Summary 3
2. Project Context Update 3
3. Progress in Project Implementation 3
4. Budget 6
5. Risks/Issues 7
6. Challenges/Lessons learned 10
7. Project Management/ Contracts 10
8. Contracts for implementation of project activities 10
1. Project Summary
Turkmenistan is exposed to both short- and long-term climatic risks. These include sandstorms, mudflows, landslides, floods, drought, desertification and sea level rise. Many of these risks result from natural climatic variability, but modelling indicates that such events are likely to become more severe and frequent due to man-made climate change. These risks have negative impacts across a range of economic sectors, particularly on the agriculture sector, and can impact the livelihoods of vulnerable populations in affected regions, and degrade natural resources and biodiversity.
Current climate risks and potential future changes in their severity and frequency are not clearly reflected in Turkmenistan’s institutional and legislative frameworks. From a legislative perspective, climate change is not mentioned in any of the main legal frameworks for key sectors (agriculture, water, energy, nature protection, disaster risk). Little institutional focus is currently given to identifying and reducing vulnerability to these impacts. In the Turkmenistan UNFCCC Second National Communication, there is only limited information relating to the geographical distribution and severity of such risks. Institutional responsibilities for short term weather forecasting and long term climate modeling/impacts are split between two bodies – Turkmenhydromet and Ministry of Nature Protection, with limited levels of cooperation.
The project will seek to strengthen the institutional, legal and technical capacity of key institutions, with a primary focus on Turkmenhydromet. It will work through Hydromet to establish a better understanding of climate risk and information requirements among key institutions (Ministry of Agriculture, Ministry of Water Facility, and Main Department of Extreme Events). A focus will be given to improving the provision of CRM information to vulnerable livestock and agricultural communities, with pilot assessments undertaken in 3 typical climatic zones (Nohur, Yerbent and Sakarchaga). Potential financing structures for the provision of climate risk information will be reviewed. Long range climate modelling capacity will be developed, and linkages between Hydromet and Ministry of Nature Protection/UNFCCC focal point strengthened. Support will be provided to improving national level communication of climate risks through the media. A national CRM network will be established, a national CRM profile developed, and best practice disseminated at both a national and local level.
There are three main Components (Activity Results) to report on:
-
Enabling environment for CRM at systemic, institutional and individual levels;
-
Effective use of climate risk information in rural communities with typical climatic zones;
-
CRM knowledge, lessons-learned and best practices in the CA-CRM project.
2. Project Context Update
In cooperation with one of the key project partner Ministry of Water Resources, the Project will engage local consultants to update the existing report (2010) on Assessment of Water sector in Turkmenistan in the context of climate change. Recruited consultants will cover institutional, technical and engineering issues of analytical report. Assignment outcomes will be presented to project stakeholder at the end of 3rd quarter as well as used by a new UNDP Project related to Water Management.
3. Progress in Project Implementation
In accordance with Annual work plan 2014, the Project implemented a number of training and capacity building activities for project stakeholders and target communities of Nohur, Sakarchage and Bokurdak pilot areas: climate risk assessment workshops, introducing water and resource-saving technologies, orchard management, soil fertility assessment, etc. The Project continues to strengthen cooperation and partnership with Adaptation Fund project and local authorities of project areas.
Activity Result 1:
Improved enabling environment for CRM at systemic, institutional and individual levels.
1.1.1: Produce and prioritize a list of key policies, strategies and legislation that can play an important role in mainstreaming climate risk management into GoT policy and assess current level of CRM readiness.
In February, a recruited local consultant on planning of the institutional and legal issues conducted a review of existing key national policies and plans of project stakeholders, particularly considering how they currently address climate change risks. The consultant facilitated a workshop for 10 national stakeholders to present guidelines for mainstreaming climate change into national policies and development plans. Recommendations were focused on rational and economical use of natural resources; streamlining the natural resource management system (separation of functions of natural resource management and nature protection, independent control in the field of nature protection); strengthening environmental requirements to economical and other activities; water management; charges for natural resources use and compensation for damages caused to environment; strengthening interagency coordination and interaction with CRM. Feedback on practical implementation of climate change response measures, incorporating actions from the stakeholder workshop will be collected by local consultant on assessment of stakeholder capacity before the end of 2014.
1.1.6: Develop a long-term strategy detailing the timelines for the rest of the revisions.
In accordance with assignment targets and basic tools of the national policy, CRM consultant on planning of the institutional and legal issues developed recommendations for improving regulatory, legal and institutional framework in the area of climate change, reducing vulnerability and adaptation. A table for priority economic sectors indicated a required planning period and phased implementation of measures. Assignment outcomes will be shared with the Adaptation Fund project for incorporating recommendations related to water resource management and use of natural resources into future activities.
1.2.5: Support to development of long range climate modelling capacity. 1.2.7: Enhance linkages between Turkmenhydromet and international partners.
According to the work plan, the Project supported to meteorology and hydrology services in Turkmenistan to increase their human and technical capacity through regional cooperation. Partnership with CRM Project in Kazakhstan and inputs of Kazakh specialists (Kazhydromet, Kostanay Agricultural Research Institute and National Centre of Space Research and Technology) were essential for successful implementation of consultative activity. Meeting discussions included the issues on national priorities and prospects for improving climate scenarios and modelling, meteorological monitoring, mechanism of delivery of hydro-meteorological information and climate database in the context of climate change. Outcome from the conducted activity determined the capacity level of Turkmenhydromet and its counterparts in Kazakhstan to perform climate modelling and analysis of climate data to be used in climate risk management and adaptation planning by sectors such as agriculture and water resource management.
1.4.1 Undertake training needs assessment for key ministries and other relevant institutions and prioritize training needs and relevant stakeholders.
With the support of RPC, CA-CRM national consultations workshops on climate change impacts in Turkmenistan conducted for line ministries and governmental agencies. Key stakeholders discussed the long- and short-term impacts of climate change and further expert inputs for climate risk assessment at national level. A corresponding training programme was designed and being implemented accordingly (2013-2014). Vulnerability of the communities, as well as contemporary and expected (2030) impacts of long- and short-term factors of climate change on major sectors of economy were discussed in a participatory manner with active involvement of country representatives. Outcomes of the workshops are used for Climate Risk Assessment in Turkmenistan and development of a national climate risk profile.
1.4.3 Deliver training courses to identified stakeholder.
The Project supported a local coordinator of Sakarchaga project area to participate in the study tour of International programme on “Innovations in Agriculture – the Israeli technologies”. Later the study tour participant organised a round table meeting to share his newly acquired knowledge and skills with project beneficiaries and government specialists. The meeting participants got familiar with the advanced methods and practice in agriculture management, and discussed solutions in application of similar methods and technologies in Turkmenistan.
Activity result 2:
Effective Use of Climate Risk Information in rural communities with typical climatic zones demonstrated.
2.2.2: Analyse potential communication channels for providing CRM information to local communities.
Radio interview was conducted with the local coordinator of Sakarchaga project area for Watan Radio Channel (Mary branch). Study tour information on “Innovations in Agriculture – the Israeli technologies” was shared with local farmers.
2.4.3: Design and implement CRM measures on the basis of the risks identified in 2.1, partnering with relevant community level organizations
Local consultant contracted to conduct monitoring and evaluation of adaptation measures to be implemented on project sites.
Participatory approaches in the implementation of climate risk assessment and partnerships with local communities and authorities supported to develop a plan of concrete measures for vulnerable agricultural and livestock communities.
Nohur project area. In March, two government specialists provided horticulture information and hands-on training to local gardeners based on proven research specific to the local climate, soil and plants. The specialists guided participants through all aspects of fruit growing including site preparation, general maintenance, pollination and fruit set, pruning, and training. Sessions followed by practical instructions on how to renew and refresh older trees, and to prevent and manage pest problems in an environmentally responsible way. As a result, 30 participants enhanced their capacity in understanding the benefits from gardening, integrated approaches and application of agrotechnical measures suitable to local conditions, and received garden tool kits. Training on summer pruning was scheduled for mid-July 2014
Sakarchage project area. In May, the Project procured a portable soil lab for local farmers of Zahmet to demonstrate the importance of water and soil analysis, proper fertilizer application and determine the deficiency or sufficiency of the element in the soil. Hands-on training was delivered on project site with involvement of 18 participants.
In addition, within the laser levelling activity a contract awarded for International private company to supply of agricultural equipment, namely land laser levelling unit and tractor drawn scraper.
Bokurdak project area. In June, as a result of meetings and collaboration with local administration of Bokurdak, a one-day CRM communication and awareness raising activity was organised for rural school№ 6. The Project supported school with construction materials to properly fence the territory of school. Also, the adaptation measure on construction of school reservoir is scheduled for mid-August.
A revised AWP 2014 with additional adaptation measures (laser land levelling of 25 ha, construction of school reservoir, 2 greenhouses, 5 water regulating devices) on three project sites was approved by UNDP CO and RPC, CA-CRM..
Activity result 3:
CRM knowledge, lessons-learned and best practices in the CA-CRM project disseminated.
3.2.1: Collect and provide CRM relevant socio-economic inputs to the MCN to support the development of regional and national climate change risk profile.
A National Climate Risk Profile (CRP) will be developed by recruited International consultant through cooperation and consultations with the national and regional team. Profile will be based on a series reports and studies, socio-economic impacts of the long-term climate change processes and current climate variability. Local consultant on GIS contracted for supporting to the process of Climate Risk Assessment methodology and development of CRP in Turkmenistan.
3.4.2: Disseminate findings of the national and regional program on an ad-hoc basis.
Strengthening South-South cooperation:
In May, four national representatives attend at the Central Asian scientific and practical conference: State and problems of Central Asian wheat production sectors in the face of climate change. The conference was organized and hosted by UNDP CRM Tajikistan with overall financial support and technical guidance of UNDP CRW Kazakhstan.
In June, the project supported two national specialists to participate in the International conference on water resources and arid zones ecosystems of the world in climate change organised by UNDP CRM Uzbekistan.
List of meeting/conferences/trainings
-
CRA workshops. 28-29 February; 28 April.
-
Expert meeting facilitated by consultant on planning of the institutional and legal issues.12 May.
-
Working meeting with AF team. 11 April.
-
AF project Workshop on the assessment of socio-economic impacts of climate change. 1 May.
-
AF project Seminar on discussing the methodology for calculating tariffs for water supply. 19 June.
4. Budget
Output
|
Action
|
Donor
|
Spent in the period
Q1-Q2, USD
|
Cumulatively for Year, USD
|
AR 1:
Improvement enabling environment for CRM at systemic, institutional and individual levels
|
Local consultant
Travel
Misc.expenses
Training, workshops and conferences
|
00012
|
10,050.91
|
21,000
|
AR 2:
Effective Use of Climate Risk Information in rural communities with typical climatic zones demonstrated
|
Inter.consultant
Local consultant
Travel
Contr. companies
Audio visual & print prod
Misc.expenses
Trainings
|
00012
|
33,433.38
|
67,000
|
AR 3:
CRM knowledge, lessons-learned and best practices in the CA-CRM project disseminated
|
Inter.consultant
Local consultant
Travel
Contr.companies
Audio visual & print prod
Misc.expenses
Trainings
|
00012
|
30,572.95
|
71,000
|
AR 4:
Management
|
Contr.services
Travel
Communication
Rental and Maintenance premises
Misc.expenses
Trainings
|
00012
|
21,206.87
|
61,000
|
TOTAL
|
95,264.11
|
220,000
|
5. Risks/Issues
Risk
|
Risk rating
|
Category
|
Risk Mitigation Strategy
|
Risk Status/Risk management
|
The objective of the project might be too ambitious and the support from the project resources and the government resources may not be adequate to initiate the changes required by the project strategy
|
Medium
|
Strategic
|
Annual reviews will be conducted to assess the progress of the project and the adequacy of resources that are mobilized.
|
The project worked with the key government institutions, particularly Turkmenhydromet, to identify additional resources for changes proposed by the project.
2013 – REDUCING: The Project continues to work very closely with relevant government agencies. Senior management of CO is fully in support of the project (45%)
06/2014– REDUCING.: The project intends to introduce resource-saving technologies (laser levelling) at national in order to mobilise resources from key government agencies responsible for water resources and agriculture development.
(35%)
|
Lack of relevant expertise and capacities in local market may result in delay of required outputs and distortion of targeted deadlines
|
High
|
Operational
|
Implementation of project activities and recruitment of relevant national expertise is monitored and actions will be identified if the lack of expertise is affecting the timely implementation of the project. The project will engage with higher education establishments and technical institutes to identify suitable local experts. The project will explore a mobile CRM information service to ensure high quality provision at Velayat level.
|
N/a in 2012.
2013 – Risk is still VALID. Despite extensive capacity building programme implemented by the Project and other interventions, local expertise is still rather weak. Experts with good technical background and knowledge are not abundant. This has already caused delays with deployment of local consultants (20%).
06/2014–Risk is still VALID. Some activities of CRM project are implemented by local consultants who deployed for Adaptation fund project. (17%)
|
The government is not committed to implement institutional and policy changes proposed during the implementation of the project
|
Medium
|
Regulatory
|
The project team will closely monitor the developments. The related institution(s) will be contacted early on to establish a partnership with the project and involved into designing of policies.
|
The project worked with the key government institutions, particularly Turkmenhydromet, to identify the national partner, which will assist in implementing project activities.
2013 – REDUCING. There are attempts that the government is becoming more engaged. Hydromet has provided office space for PM, high level government officials meeting with CO and CA-CRM staff to discuss and engage in Project activities (21%).
06/2014 – REDUCING In this stage the project organised a number of assignment meetings focused on mainstreaming climate change into national policies and development plans, and developed recommendations on improving regulatory, legal and institutional framework for key stakeholders. (19%)
|
Project successes are not maintained after the project, and are not replicated to other sites.
|
Medium
|
Organizational
Strategic
|
The project strategy focuses on (i) developing realistic policies based on grass-roots experience; (ii) working with the existing UNDP Communities Programme; and (iii) ensuring there are economic benefits. Together, these elements should ensure the sustainability and replicability of the project successes.
|
The project is planned activities has been cooperating with Adaptation Fund project in 3 agro-regions which are typical in Turkmenistan to ensure pilots uptake and replication of successful experiences.
2013 - REDUCING: Project interventions involve national experts, who are likely to be able to replicate successful experience elsewhere in Turkmenistan. (22%)
06/2014– REDUCING: Involvement of key stakeholders in capacity building activities and adaptation measures has significantly increased. For instance, project will support to Ministry of Agriculture and Ministry of Water Resources in testing resource-saving technologies and further dissemination of practice in Turkmenistan (16%)
|
CRM information is of poor quality and difficult to use, which may reduce its usefulness for local communities
|
Medium
|
Operational
|
The project will engage directly with Turkmenhydromet under Action 1.2 to ensure quality and usability of information is suitable for wider dissemination. Local information and outputs from consultations will be quality monitored.
|
The project started addressing this risk by initiating discussion with Turkmenhydromet on needs to improve quality of information.
2013 – This Risk is still VALID: The project has not worked yet with information provided by Hydromet. (40 %)
06/2014 – This Risk is still VALID: Project requests of 2013 are still pending. (40 %)
|
Local experts do not see the National Climate Network as an attractive proposition and do not participate in project
|
Medium
|
Operational
|
The NCN will be designed to meet local expectations and expert requirements following a stakeholder consultation. Experts will be engaged where appropriate as local consultations in implementation of project activities.
|
The project has been reviewing local expert proposals for creating the local networking for CRM.
2013 – Risk is still VALID. Local experts are reluctant to become a part of MCN/NCN. The project is working with them to show the benefits to be a part of a CA climate network
(30 %).
06/2014– MITIGATED. The project has established close links
with NCN members participated in national and regional events. e.g. CRA workshops, WOCAT, drought management, etc. (20%)
|
National government does not give permission for data sharing and cooperation between institutions and at the local level
|
Medium
|
Operational
|
The project will be agreed at a high level with the Cabinet of Ministers, with permissions sought for cooperation with the necessary ministries and state bodies. State committees will be used as key elements of the project steering committee. Permission to engage with local communities will be sought from relevant ministries and bodies.
|
The project worked with the key national partners through the Cabinet of Ministers.
2013 – Risk is still VALID. The requested data was not provided during the assignment on climate risk assessment.
(40 %)
06/2014– Risk is still VALID. During CRA workshops data from line ministries was received through participatory approach and exercise. (39%)
|
Lack of knowledge of community level CRM needs
|
Medium
|
Operational
|
The project will undertake local level climate risk mapping using an agreed methodology. The project will engage directly with local communities using local research and questionnaires to understand climate risk information needs and to identify potential projects.
|
The project has initiated local level risk assessment for 2013. The project is planning to work in close cooperation with Adaptation Fund in 3 pilot sites to implement project activities.
2013 – Risk is REDUCING: The project established cooperation with AF Project and local NGOs who are in the network using its local networking for expanding the project ideas (20%)
06/2014- REDUCING: Based on outcomes of climate risk assessment and local community needs, CRM project implements the prioritized training activities and adaptation measures with active participation of project beneficiaries. (16%)
|
Lack of finance to provide CRM information and implement CRM measures at a local level
|
Medium
|
Operational
|
The project will lobby GoT to direct budgetary funds towards CRM type activities. The project will separately make application to international adaptation and climate risk funding sources to support implementation of pilot projects.
|
The project directly contributed to mobilization of US$ cca 3 mln. from Adaptation Fund for local adaptation in Turkmenistan.
2013 – Risk is still VALID. At the moment CRM measures are implemented by CRM and AF projects. Both project teams work very closely with local level organisations and individuals to promote the need for financing CRM and reducing corresponding risks of climate-related natural disasters and other climate change impacts (20%).
06/2014 – Risk is still VALID. In close collaboration with AF project team and local authorities, the project continues to implement CRM measures on pilot areas. (20%)
|
Work in more remote local communities presents logistical organization challenges and makes project oversight difficult
|
Medium
|
Organizational
|
Sites will be selected on the basis of not only risk, but also on capacity to engage with project, and experience of participation in previous donor activities. Budget is reserved for travel and logistics. Local project representatives and consultants will be engaged.
|
This risk was not relevant in 2012 as activities were not conducted at local level.
2013 – MITIGATED: Climate Risk Mapping has been conducted in three target pilot regions, communities and preliminary project ideas were identified based on the conducted survey (5%).
06/2014 – MITIGATED: Local coordinators along with community activists of pilot areas render great help in project activities implementation. (1%)
|
National climate monitoring network and technical capacity at Turkmenhydromet is weak, and investments in upgrade are expensive and long term
|
Medium
|
Operational
|
The project will focus more on improving the usability of existing information, than upgrading the existing technical network.
|
This risk did not affect project implementation in 2012.
2013 – MITIGATED: The Project supports a number of activities to strengthen Hydromet's capacity. These include but not limited to providing hardware and software, capacity building exercises, supporting their participation in international workshops and conferences (e.g. MountaiHazards 2013 in Bishkek) (40%).
06/2014– MITIGATED: The Project is fully committed to increase capacity of Hydromet staff through national and regional cooperation to share expertise, experience and information. For instance, a consultative meeting was organized with the support of CRM KZ and Kazhydromet. (35%)
| 6. Challenges/Lessons learned
The implementation of activity on introducing resource-saving technologies was postponed due to delays of 2nd shipment (tractor drawn scraper) by International Private Company. Training with demonstration sessions for project beneficiaries of Sakarchage project area was scheduled for August 2014.
7. Project Management/Contracts
Due to closure of UNDP/GEF PAS Project, the salary of Project Assistant on procurement of consultancy services, Ayna Allaberdyeva, will be covered by CRM project from 1st of July 2014.
8. Contracts for implementation of project activities
N
|
Objective of the assignment
|
Status (Concluded, Ongoing, Archived)
|
Duration (from - to), extended to...
|
Amount, $
|
Name of the consultant/
company
|
Notes on perfor-mance.
Key results
|
1.
|
National Consultant on planning of institutional and legal issues for climate risks integration
|
Completed
|
February –
May 2014
|
5,500
|
Yolbars Kepbanov
|
|
2.
|
Translator
|
Completed
|
February –
June 2014
|
5,000
|
Zohra Meredova
|
|
3.
|
National Consultant on GIS
|
Completed
|
April –
June 2014
|
3,000
|
Nikolay Nikolayev
|
|
4.
|
National Consultant on financial and economical assessment
|
Ongoing
|
April –
November 2014
|
3,150
|
Stanislav Aganov
|
|
5.
|
Procurement of laser levelling unit and tractor drawn scraper
|
Ongoing
|
March –
June 2014
|
4,250
|
Easyfarming Company
|
|
6.
|
Preparation work for laser levelling on demo site (10 ha)
|
Completed
|
April –
June 2014
|
12,491.23
|
Galkan Gala Company
|
|
7.
|
Procurement of portable mobile soil lab for farmers of Zahmet farmer union
|
Completed
|
May –
June 2014
|
1,491.22
|
Sheker Mollayeva, entrepreneur
|
|
8.
|
Procurement of Garden tool kits (30) for local growers of Nohur project area
|
Completed
|
March 2014
|
1, 906
|
Jeyhun Orazov, entrepreneur
|
|
9.
|
Procurement of construction materials for fencing the territory of rural school №6, Sovma, Bokurdak project area.
|
Completed
|
May –
June 2014
|
4, 985
|
Sheker Mollayeva, entrepreneur
|
|
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