Tajikistan updated its National Determined Contributions (NDC)                                           

The Republic of Tajikistan on the one hand, has one of the lowest GHG emissions in Central Asia, and on the other hand, is highly vulnerable to climate change impacts. Coping with climate change is a challenge for a landlocked mountainous developing country such as the Republic of Tajikistan. Affected by extreme events and dependent on natural resources, the country is highly vulnerable to climate variability and climate change impacts.

Taking into account that climate change will exacerbate existing problems and pose additional risks to the achievement of national development priorities, the Republic of Tajikistan is aimed to address the economic and social impacts of climate change in a sustainable way and initiate transformational change in different economic sectors. The enhancement of adaptive capacity of the community and the different economic sectors by the building of climate resilience across the country is one of the essential pillars of the Republic of Tajikistan.

Coronavirus infection (COVID-19) significantly affected the socio-economic situations in the country, including the impact of pandemic on climate change initiatives. This unprecedented situation highlighted the importance to de-risk and properly plan further actions and consider new collaborative opportunities in the field of climate change.

The main objective of NDC of the country is to support the sustainable and efficient development taking into consideration climate change, environmental and socio-economic challenges. The Republic of Tajikistan formally communicated its INDC under the Paris Agreement in 2015 which became its NDC upon ratification of the Paris Agreement in 2017. During this short period, the Republic of Tajikistan has undertaken steps to increase its ambition through development of the national regulatory framework, as well as implementation of different projects and interventions. Mainly, the Republic of Tajikistan has increased its understanding of climate change impact and has made progress in coping with it with help of the international support (financial and technical) and by developing the institutional framework. However, institutional and community capacity in climate risk management requires enhancement.

Unlike country's original NDC, the Updated NDC includes the changes in an unconditional greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions reduction goal for 2030 and a conditional GHG emissions reduction goal. Additionally, the focus on adaptation has been strengthen. The Updated NDC is significantly improved by involving a broader scope of the participants from line ministries, academia, international organizations, donors, nongovernment organizations, business representatives and media, and their continued support during the implementation process is appreciated. Taking into account its national circumstances, the Republic of Tajikistan offers the ambitious targets and measures to achieve the transition to a low-carbon and climate-resilient development in a sustainable manner. The Republic of Tajikistan is keen to achieve a progress towards implementing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) at national level by mainstreaming the focus of Agenda 2030 into the Updated NDC.

NDCs’ revision process involves five key sectors identified as priorities for Tajikistan: agriculture, energy, forestry & biodiversity, industry & construction, transport & infrastructure.

This document enhances the initial effort of Tajikistan NDCs in accordance with decisions 1/CMA.2 of the Paris Agreement, 1/CP.21 of the UNFCCC and Article 4 of the Paris Agreement, as well as the country’s interest to work together with the international community to limit global warming to well below 2, preferably to 1.5 degrees Celsius as stated in Article 2 of the Paris Agreement.

The updated information on Tajikistan NDCs consists of mitigation contributions to be implemented with its own efforts and conditional contributions that rely on adequate international support, namely financial and technical support, technology transfer as well as capacity building. The whole supporting package will accelerate the mitigation efforts and adaptation practice in the Republic of Tajikistan.

The unconditional contribution (NDC) of reducing greenhouse gas emissions in Tajikistan is not to exceed 60-70% of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions as of 1990, which is the reference year, by 2030.

The conditional contribution (NDC), subject to a significant international funding and technology transfer, is not to exceed 50-60% GHG emissions as of 1990 by 2030.

The adaptation of these measures reflects a broader understanding of the country's high vulnerability to the impacts of climate change, and comprises 5 strategic sectors and 27 lines of action defined for the implementation in the country.

This document contains the scope and the criteria followed by the Republic of Tajikistan to enhance its ambition in adaptation and mitigation efforts of its initial NDCs. Furthermore, the updated NDCs also include information on the initial elements for establishing an Enhanced Transparency Framework as outlined by Article 13 of the Paris Agreement.