More than 26 million people affected by drought in Central Asia

Drought, land degradation, and water shortages are increasingly impacting Central Asia, affecting more than 26 million people. The UN News Service reports that these environmental challenges are transforming the region's landscapes and the lives of its inhabitants.

At least 20 percent of land in Central Asia has already been degraded. With around 80 percent of the region used for pasture-based livestock farming, the condition of these lands is directly linked to food security, local livelihoods, and the population's resilience to climate-related shocks.

To combat these issues, a regional project titled 'Central Asia Mountain Ecosystems' has received a $5.4 million allocation and will be implemented in partnership with the World Bank. Additionally, a regional program named 'The Central Asia Water and Land Nexus' has been launched with a budget of $26 million.