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Empowering Lives, Building Resilience ENERGY AND ENVIRONMENT—Countries in parts of Europe and Central Asia have some of the world’s highest levels of greenhouse gas emissions, as estimated per unit of gross domestic product (GDP). There is considerable potential for reducing carbon emissions and mitigating climate change, along with restoring and maintaining rich natural habitats and biodiversity.
Belarus: Embarking on a New Approach to Managing Resources Massive peat extraction in Belarus destroyed natural habitats and left land prone to fires that spewed carbon emissions into the air. By supporting efforts to restore peat lands, UNDP and the Global Environment Facility (GEF) have helped Belarus combat environmental degradation and move towards mitigating climate change.
Croatia: Energy-Efficiency Programme Generates Huge Savings A UNDP-GEF supported initiative—now government funded and owned—improved energy efficiency in over half of public sector buildings in Croatia, cutting costs, fostering new investments, providing green jobs and reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
Russia: Better Conservation for the Environment and the Economy Through a UNDP-GEF programme in the region of Kamchatka, more effective management of natural parks and protected areas, and new livelihood resources for local communities have helped spur economic development and the adoption of better conservation practices.
Turkey: Moving Towards Climate-Friendly Development Turkey has utilized UNDP assistance to develop its first national policy and capacity to mitigate climate change and adapt to its consequences. It has piloted cost-effective irrigation and other adaptation measures in collaboration with local communities, embarked on renewable energy projects and prepared to participate in carbon markets.
After a decade of mine clearance, Albania is free of mine threats.
CRISIS RESPONSE AND POST-CONFLICT RECOVERY—During the past 15 years, conflict has swept through a number of states in the Western Balkans, the Caucasus, and, more recently, Central Asia. Recovery efforts have focused on removing the remnants of war, and fostering a return to peace, security and development.
Albania: A Mine-Free Road to Development In Albania’s Kukes region, UNDP helped clear mines remaining from the Kosovo conflict, freeing 16 million square metres of agricultural land for economic development. To solidify the foundation for peace, it collaborated with the European Union on a regional development programme to rebuild water systems, roads, health centres and schools.
Montenegro: Defence Reform Ushers in Greater Security After peace came to Montenegro, UNDP partnered with the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) to help the national defence forces decommission outdated weaponry and develop safe management of ammunition stockpiles. More than 1,000 heavy weapons and 480 tons of ammunition were recycled. Modernized storage facilities have been constructed.