GEF & Eco Expo Central Asia: A CAREC delegation is in Samarkand for the 8th Global Environment Facility Assembly and Eco Expo Central Asia 2026, including a FAO/GEF-backed “water-land nexus” workshop focused on ecosystem restoration and food-system resilience. Water & glaciers science: Tajikistan hosted regional talks on glacier monitoring and sustainable water management, while experts warn that faster ice loss is already reshaping transboundary water security. Waste-to-energy push in Dushanbe: Dushanbe is considering a municipal waste-to-energy plant with China’s Wangneng Environment to cut landfill pressure and add electricity. Rogun dam financing spotlight: Reporting says the EU is set to become a major funder of Tajikistan’s Rogun hydropower megaproject as regional influence shifts. Regional water diplomacy: Tajikistan’s envoy calls border settlement with Kyrgyzstan a historic breakthrough, with water and energy cooperation on the agenda. Energy transition framing: Tajik officials say renewables are central to national development, citing hydropower as the backbone of electricity generation. Fuel supply risk: Russia’s temporary aviation fuel export ban until Nov. 30 could tighten jet-fuel supply chains for Central Asia, including Tajikistan. Cement industry expansion: Tajikistan plans to double cement output with new plants by 2029, signaling continued construction-material investment. Trade & logistics backdrop: Q1 2026 intra-regional trade in Central Asia rose 29% to $3.2bn, with Tajikistan increasing supplies to neighbors. Finance leadership: EBRD named a new Regional Head for Kyrgyz Republic, Tajikistan and Turkmenistan, effective Sept. 1, 2026. Pasture restoration results: Khatlon pasture monitoring shows improved productivity from landscape restoration and rotational grazing measures.