Call for applications: FAO LEAP training on quantitative assessment of livestock’s impacts on biodiversity


13/07/2023

Interested candidates from Central Asia can now submit their application to attend a new FAO LEAP training on the quantitative assessment of livestock’s impacts on biodiversity.

The FAO Livestock Environmental Assessment and Performance (LEAP) Partnership and the FAO Subregional Office for Central Asia are calling for experts in Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkiye, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan to participate in the upcoming training course on the quantitative assessment of livestock impacts on biodiversity. The training is designed for livestock and environment experts in Central Asia, helping them assess the impacts of livestock production systems on biodiversity through the application of the FAO LEAP guidelines on biodiversity. The ultimate goal of the workshop is to facilitate the provision of biodiversity information for designing new livestock-based projects and supporting the livestock sector in improving the sustainability and environmental performance of livestock production practices in the region.

Livestock contributes directly or indirectly to some of the main drivers of biodiversity loss, including habitat change, land degradation, climate change, pollution, and invasive species. Habitat degradation and land conversion are considered the most pervasive effects of livestock production on biodiversity. However, it is also widely acknowledged that natural lands appropriately used by grazing livestock maintain a much higher share of native species and habitats than cropped agricultural land. Additionally, the livestock sector can reduce its adverse effects on biodiversity by adopting environmentally beneficial practices throughout its production systems.

The selected trainees will have the opportunity to gain valuable insights into the benefits and challenges of implementing the FAO LEAP guidelines for assessing the impact of livestock on biodiversity. The training will focus on developing the necessary expertise and data for conducting a comprehensive and consistent assessment of the livestock sector's impact on biodiversity. Moreover, the training aims to strengthen national and regional collaboration by promoting the inclusion of biodiversity in environmental assessments of the livestock sector. Through engaging case studies covering a wide range of production systems in the region, experts will be equipped to effectively incorporate biodiversity considerations into their assessments.

Training program

The training will include four online sessions and one face-to-face meeting in each of the following target countries: Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkey, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan. The four online sessions will be held on 24, 25, 26 July, and 18August virtually on Zoom, while the in-person training will take place as follows:

  • Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan – Monday, 31 July
  • Almaty, Kazakhstan – Wednesday, 2 August
  • Dushanbe, Tajikistan – Friday, 4 August
  • Tashkent, Uzbekistan – Monday, 7 August
  • Baku, Azerbaijan – Wednesday, 9 August
  • Istanbul, Turkey – Friday, 11 August
  • Ashgabat, Turkmenistan – Monday, 14 August

The training will be delivered by Majid Iravani, FAO LEAP Technical Training Support Specialist; Xiangyu Song, Manager of the FAO LEAP Partnership; and Yuriy Nesterov, International Livestock Specialist at the FAO Regional Office for Europe and Central Asia. Trainees who successfully complete the training program will receive a certificate of attendance.  

How to apply

Interetested candidates can submit their application by filling a dedicated form including the following information:

  • Name and surname
  • Job title and organization
  • Educational level and areas of expertise
  • Country
  • Contact details

Additional information about this workshop series can be requested to Yuriy Nesterov (FAOSEC) [email protected] and Majid Iravani (FAOSEC) [email protected]

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