Although sparsely populated, Central Asia has played an important role throughout history in relations between Asia and Europe. For centuries, the regions of Central Asia were known in the West as transit points along the Silk Road.

Today, the independent republics of the former Soviet Union are the focus of intense interest on the part of the world’s major powers as they vie for access to the region’s rich deposits of fossil fuels.
Armed conflicts, ethnic tensions, unstable political institutions, competition for unevenly distributed soil and water resources and numerous other factors combine to create serious challenges for sustainable development in the region.

A large, landlocked area, Central Asia is characterised by highly varied geographic conditions, including high plateaus and mountain regions, extensive deserts and grassy, treeless steppes. The main source of livelihood is livestock herding and agriculture, with some industry in the cities.

NCCR North-South research in Central Asia is overseen by the Regional Coordination Office at the University of Central Asia, Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan. With a view to climate change adaptation, local research themes include water management and agriculture, pasture management and livestock, mountain development, migration, livelihood options, institutional development and management of conflicts.

 


Central Asia Biennial Report

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NCCR North-South Biennial Report for Central Asia 2007-2008
This report provides a detailed account of the collaborative research, pilot projects, publishing activities and efforts towards institutional establishment that took place in Central Asia in 2007 and 2008. Intended for a broad audience, the report is written in English and Russian.

Download Report (PDF, 2.9MB)

 

 

 


Regional Coordination

Central Asia Regional Office
c/o University of Central Asia
Mira Arynova (Regional Coordinator)
#138-138 A Toktogul Str.
Bishkek 720001, Kyrgyz Republic
Tel. +996 312 910 838 (office); +996 312 910 839 (secretariat)
Fax: +996 312 910 838
E-Mail: mira.arynova@ucentralasia.org
www.nccr-central-asia.org


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