This Final Report presents the results of the Technical Advisory (TA) project implemented under the SWITCH-Asia Policy Support Component, focusing on the transition to a circular economy in Tajikistan’s tourism and hospitality sector, with a strategic emphasis on food systems. The initiative supports the broader commitment of the European Union (EU) to sustainable consumption and production (SCP), resource efficiency, and low-carbon development in Central Asia, as outlined in the EU Green Deal and Global Gateway strategies.
Tourism in Tajikistan is a rapidly growing sector with transformative potential, particularly in rural and mountainous regions. However, the sector still faces persistent challenges, including seasonal variability, limited green certifications, weak integration with agri-food systems, and vulnerability to climate change. These structural gaps are compounded by insufficient digital infrastructure, low environmental, social and governance (ESG) compliance among small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), and fragmented policy coordination.
The circular economy (CE) was selected as the guiding framework for this project because it offers a systemic and future-oriented approach to these challenges. Food systems were identified as a strategic entry point because of their central role in tourism experiences and their potential to promote local value chains, sustainability, and responsible consumption. The project applied a strategic foresight methodology, engaging stakeholders through interviews, scenario planning, and policy validation. This participatory approach ensured that the recommendations are grounded in Tajikistan’s realities and aligned with national development priorities.
