Tashkent, Uzbekistan, July 16–18, 2025 – The Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI) Uzbekistan conducted a mission to the Andijan region as part of the Strengthening Climate Resilience through Introduction of Innovative Smart Techniques in Flood and Drought Management in Central Asia (Flood and Drought Management) project. The purpose was to engage with communities affected by floods and droughts and to discuss action points with local authorities. The data collected during the visit will be used for the development of baseline and policy assessments under the project.

During the mission, at multiple flood-vulnerable locations in the Andijan region, GGGI conducted a series of focus group discussions on flood-related challenges and mitigation methods involving local service providers, experts, NGOs, and, most importantly, members of the local population, including women, youth, and the elderly. The discussions revealed that recent floods have led to property destruction, loss of livestock, and even fatalities – particularly in areas where floodways were obstructed. Participants emphasized that early warning systems could significantly reduce damage by allowing both local communities and authorities to take timely measures to reduce risk. Residents also reported feeling unprepared during emergencies due to a lack of knowledge about evacuation protocols and safety measures, highlighting the need for capacity building and awareness-raising efforts. Community members shared with heavy hearts that, as a result of one of the recent floods, two children tragically passed away. This event has heightened public concern and strengthened community willingness to support prevention efforts.

The government is also highly aware of the Andijan region’s vulnerability to flood risk. GGGI held formal discussions with local authorities, including the Andijan departments of the Ministry of Water Resources, the Ministry of Ecology, Environmental Protection and Climate Change, and the Agency for Hydrometeorological Services (Uzhydromet). A shared solution proposed by all three institutions was the establishment of efficient early warning systems to mitigate flood incidents in advance. Furthermore, they highlighted the strong need for more precise and enforceable cross-border water management agreements and enhanced hydrometeorological data exchange between Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan, as both countries share these challenges. All three institutions are actively exploring ways to protect people and safeguard their livelihoods.

It is worth noting that the government has already begun addressing the issue. According to Resolution of the Cabinet of Ministers №66 (dated 02.02.2024), ‘On additional measures to improve the efficiency of the Agency for Hydrometeorological Services and enhance the hydrological observation system’, a series of measures will be implemented to improve data accuracy on river flow in response to increasing mudflows and flood events. The resolution focuses on strengthening early warning systems for floods and mudflows through real-time, online data collection and by reinforcing the infrastructure and technical base of the hydrological network across vulnerable regions, including Andijan.

GGGI’s ongoing Flood and Drought Management project is strongly aligned with the concerns expressed by local communities during the visit, as well as with Resolution №66 and the Government’s broader priorities to address flood and drought risks. The project aims to enhance the climate and disaster resilience of people and communities in vulnerable regions of the Republic of Uzbekistan and the Kyrgyz Republic by introducing integrated and effective water management technologies, including early warning systems, and improving public awareness related to water and climate resilience. This project is funded by the Ministry of Environment of the Republic of Korea (USD 10 million) and is being implemented collaboratively by GGGI and AWC/K-Water. The issues, opinions, and ideas shared by local stakeholders will contribute to the development of baseline and policy assessments, utilizing GGGI’s Climate Resilient and Green Growth (CRGG) assessment methodologies and climate risk vulnerability analysis (CRVA). These assessments will guide the project’s implementation to ensure optimal results.

To conclude the mission, GGGI visited hydroposts and flood risk zones with Uzhydromet representatives to assess current infrastructure and discuss potential sites for monitoring equipment installation under the project. Three areas were suggested by experts for GGGI’s consideration. Those locations will now be reviewed and approved by GGGI in the coming weeks.

Overall, the mission to Andijan aimed to ensure that the voices of local stakeholders are reflected in project planning and implementation. GGGI remains committed to a human-centered approach – placing communities at the heart of climate resilience efforts and working alongside them and local governments to co-develop solutions that are locally grounded, practical, and sustainable.

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Read more about GGGI Uzbekistan: gggi.org/country/uzbekistan