ACTED’s has been present in Uzbekistan since 1999, implementing projects nationwide that enhance the capacity of civil society and foster opportunities for sustainable and inclusive development. ACTED’s vision in Uzbekistan aligns with our global 3Zero programmatic strategy, with a particular emphasis on fighting gender-based violence, strengthening institutions and civil society, and the promotion of green and inclusive economic opportunities.
ACTED has been present in Uzbekistan since 1999 and implements nationwide projects that build civil society capacity and promote sustainable and inclusive development opportunities. ACTED’s programmes focus on combating gender-based violence, strengthening institutions and civil society, and promoting green and inclusive economic opportunities.
Environmental degradation and water management issues remain major challenges, particularly in the Aral Sea region, which means that sustainable agricultural practices and climate-smart technologies are an increasing necessity. Rural communities, historically dependent on agriculture, face barriers in accessing basic services and economic opportunities. These circumstances present a specific challenge for women. Despite progress in promoting gender equality, gender-based violence remains widespread and the lack of services for survivors is an obstacle to the development of women’s rights and their economic empowerment.
ACTED’s programmes in Uzbekistan are cross-cutting and aim to address several challenges in parallel. ACTED has worked intensively with civil society organisations to strengthen their capacity to work on key issues, such as improving the rights and protection of women and vulnerable groups. ACTED has also launched gender mainstreaming initiatives and participatory mechanisms for stakeholders and government institutions in the areas of water management and rural economic development. In addition, recent projects have promoted sustainable approaches to community-based tourism. Indeed, ensuring a just and green economic transition is at the heart of ACTED’s strategy.
ACTED’s regional ‘Silk Road Community-Based Tourism’ (CBT) and ‘Set to Switch’ projects unite at the heart of the 3Zero strategy. The projects strengthen the ability of civil society, micro-finance institutions, and the private sector to tap into the region’s rich and diverse history, culture and natural beauty. Through a comprehensive set of complementary activities, the projects help foster an enabling environment for a green and diversified tourism sector in Central Asia that benefits communities.