Taking into account the potential of Uzbekistan’s provinces in implementation of CDM projects and the interest of regional partners in training and practice, the UNDP project “Capacity Building for Clean Development Mechanism in Uzbekistan” has planned to conduct a series of training workshops in regions in 2009.

Thus, the first workshop took place in Namangan on 27 March, and the second one in Termez on 15 June this year. The target audience included owners of large farms, interested in utilization of animal waste, as well as the entities acting in the field of domestic solid waste management. State companies “Termez Shahar Gas”, “Surkhandarya Gas”, “Surkhandarya Electric Grid”, Administration on economics at the provincial Khokimiyat of Termez, Provincial administration of public education and local community committees were among participants of the workshop, as well as students of the Termez College of Information Technologies, which hosted the event. Important to note that more than half of participants were female.

A number of presentations were delivered during the workshop. They focused, first of all, on the concepts of Kyoto Protocol and Clean Development Mechanism, as well as on approaches to developing CDM projects in conditions of Uzbekistan. The information was supported by presentation materials and publications that were adapted to the level of attainment and scope of interest of the audience. Special attention was given to opportunities to develop biogas technologies and domestic solid waste composting within the framework of the CDM activity. Also, the potential portfolio of CDM projects was presented that would consist of projects on biogas and landfill gas utilization, and waste composting. Besides, the issues of attracting investments to CDM project implementation were touched upon.

Both in course of presentations and in reference papers distributed among the participants all the major stage of CDM project development were provided with web addresses for more detailed information. However at the initial stage the potential CDM participants were advised to check the web-site of UNDP project “Capacity Building for CDM in Uzbekistan” http://www.mineconomy.uz/cdm/.

It provides detailed information especially adapted for different target groups: general public, national CDM partners, local experts and interested foreign investors. In addition, the workshop initiators proposed an opportunity to consult on particular matters by phone or direct visit of the project office in Tashkent, if necessary.