National Report of the Republic of Tajikistan on combating desertification.

Tajikistan is an agrarian-industrial country and economic development is highly dependent on the state of agriculture, which was worst hit in recent years. Tajikistan does not have large reserves of land resources. However more than 90% of agricultural output is produced on irrigated land. At present, the problem of desertification in the country remains very serious and relevant. Therefore, conservation and protection of each available hectare of agricultural land is a national priority. National Report of the Republic of Tajikistan on combating desertification is a national cross-sectoral policy document, which sets forth strategy and priorities within plans and (or) policy of sustainable development. Its main objectives shall be defined as follows: (a) public awareness of desertification issues and on the need to preserve and protect natural resources (land, water, plant, etc.) is still one of the main strategic frameworks for achieving sustainable development goals in all sectors of the economy; (b) provision of local communities with fuel and foodstuffs with a view of ensuring food security; (c) extension services to rural population and partnership with international organizations; (d) efficient application of anti-erosion and anti-deflationary measures; (e) implementation of traditional knowledge; and (f) improving knowledge of desertification and monitoring and assessment of the effects of drought.
To achieve the objectives the following arrangements shall be performed: (a) definition of area, distribution, types, degrees and estimates of the various categories of desertification through zoning from the outer space, monitoring and exchange of information; (b) mapping of desertification areas; (c) elaboration of methods of socio-economic contrast of desertification; and (d) research with the application of criteria and indicators to be used for analysis of desertification and evaluation of the results.