On 5 June, on the occasion of the World Environmental Protection Day, a scientific and practical conference “Achievements in the field of environmental protection and international cooperation in this field in the year under the motto “Happy youth with Arkadag Serdar” was held in Ashgabat, TDH reports.
The conference in hybrid format was attended by heads and specialists of environmental agencies and sectoral departments, the academic community, universities and public associations, as well as international and regional organizations – the United Nations Development Program, the United Nations Environment Program, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), the Regional Environmental Center Central Asia (CAREC), the German Society for International Cooperation, etc.
As noted at the plenary session, international integration and constructive cooperation in the field of environmental protection is a priority of Turkmenistan’s policy, which is the initiator of solving global environmental problems in close partnership with world specialized organizations and other states.
In his speech, the UN Permanent Coordinator in Turkmenistan Dmitry Shlapachenko stressed that for three years now, young people have been involved in a broad dialogue on climate change and its impact. In cooperation with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan and the British Embassy, a Youth conference is held annually, which appeals to high-ranking delegates of the Conference of the Parties on the implementation of the Paris Agreement.
Addressing via video link, FAO Sub-Regional Coordinator for Central Asia Viorel Gutu noted that the Organization actively supports Turkmenistan’s efforts to achieve its sustainable development goals – from promoting climate-optimized farming methods to strengthening food safety systems.
This evident from the jointly developed draft technical cooperation program on land cadastre, which will enable making informed decisions and promote sustainable land use methods, ensure equal access to land resources for all stakeholders.
In addition, the FAO intends to provide technical assistance to Turkmenistan through such initiatives as “Improving the pasture monitoring system using satellite images and geographic information systems”, “Monitoring and assessment of fish stocks”, etc.
At the same time, the best practices of Turkmen ecologists and specialists, the implementation of programs and projects in Turkmenistan aimed at preserving natural resources, ensuring environmental well-being were noted. Special prospects are associated with the introduction of scientific achievements in the field of “green” energy, the modernization of production based on environmentally friendly technologies, the realization of a grandiose tourist and recreational potential.
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Within the framework of the conference, two thematic sessions were held in the Agricultural complex of the country and the Turkmen Agricultural University named after S.A.Niyazov.
The session “The main directions of international cooperation in the field of environmental protection” covered the implementation of best practices for the rational use of natural resources in arid and saline agricultural areas of Central Asian countries, characteristics of migration phenomena due to climate change. The topic of international scientific research on the study and conservation of biological diversity in specially protected natural territories of Turkmenistan was also touched upon.
The speakers from the Turkmen side noted that in recent decades, in projects prepared to combat natural disasters in the Aral Sea region, along with scientific methods, the development of a complex of modern high technologies is progressing. One of them is remote sensing technology using hyperspectral analysis of vegetation and soil cover of various landscapes. Thanks to the information obtained on its basis, it is possible to develop National Plans aimed at preserving biodiversity in a short time and monitor using a digital system.
As noted, the hydrometeorological services of the Caspian countries have their own stations, the data of which are widely used for scientific research and more accurate study of the water level in the Caspian Sea.
At the session “The importance of education and science in ensuring environmental well-being in Turkmenistan”, the peculiarities of teaching methods in the field of environmental protection were considered.
The environmental aspects of the use of advanced water-saving technologies in countries with arid climates were also discussed.
The implementation of the Altyn asyr Turkmen Lake construction project is an example of Turkmenistan’s integrated activities in the environmental field. This unique hydraulic engineering structure has a beneficial effect on the ecology not only of the Karakum desert, but also entire region. The project also contributes to the solution of important social and economic issues, including rational water and land use, development of desert lands, expansion of pastures, development of agriculture and animal husbandry.
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On the same day, Ashgabat held an online forum “Creative ideas on water resources management for the sustainable development of water bodies in Central Asia”.
The event, organized jointly with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs within the framework of Turkmenistan’s chairmanship in the 16th Central Asia + Republic of Korea Cooperation Forum, aimed at ensuring a sustainable future through the exchange of views and the development of ideas on water resources management and water bodies.
Representatives of Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan and Korea took part in the forum via video link.
The speakers emphasized the importance of ensuring the rational use of water resources integrated into all forms of human activity development. Proposals were also made in order to further improve the efficiency of their management.
Following the discussions, the participants identified priority areas of activity for the sustainable development of water bodies in Central Asia and made appropriate decisions. A proposal was made to consider these recommendations and include them in the Work Plan of the Secretariat of the Cooperation Forum for 2024. ///TDH, 5 June 2023 [abridged, photo credit – TDH]
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