Supplementary information on Climate Co-Benefits - First Inclusive and Resilient Market Economy Development Policy Operation (English)

Uzbekistan's agriculture sector will be put under severe pressure due to its heavy reliance on irrigation and the adverse impacts of climate change. Diversion of scarce water resources upstream of the country further increases the stress. Without targeted adaptation measures to address the impacts of climate change, crop and livestock production will decline, threatening food security and bringing potentially dire social impacts. The newly established Agency of Social Protection is focused on enhancing the resilience and adaptability of the social safety net, including to counter climate-related risks. Legal services will help protect vulnerable communities from violations of environmental regulations or policy neglect of climate change impacts. In Uzbekistan these issues have real consequences on communities and their continued right to a healthy environment, clean water, and livelihood security. In the imminent future, the role of legal aid for victims of climate and environmental issues will be more important than ever.