On September 4, the Museum of Fine Arts of Turkmenistan in Ashgabat hosted a celebration marking the International Day of the Amu Darya River. The event drew hundreds of participants and served as a platform for raising awareness about the sustainable use of water resources and the importance of environmental education.
The program opened with a spirited Amu Darya-themed flash mob, featuring not only children but also adults—scientists, artists, bloggers, and entrepreneurs. Participants shared personal reflections and stories, expressing what the Amu Darya means to them. The initiative underscored the river’s universal significance as a source of life, inspiration, and unity for the peoples of Central Asia.
This commemorative day is part of the regional initiative ‘Water Resources Management in Central Asia Taking into Account Climate Impacts,’ supported by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) and the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC). In Turkmenistan, the project is implemented by the German Society for International Cooperation (GIZ) in collaboration with the State Committee for Water Management.
In the lead-up to the celebration, contests in drawing, photography, and crafts using recyclable materials were held. More than 200 children, teenagers, and young adults from across the country participated, submitting over 500 works that explored themes of water, nature, and the Amu Darya. The competitions revealed a deep interest among youth in environmental issues and highlighted the power of artistic expression in promoting ecological awareness. Outstanding entries were showcased in an exhibition, with authors receiving commemorative gifts and certificates.
Special emphasis was placed on hands-on activities that promoted ecological awareness. A series of master classes in Ashgabat engaged diverse social groups in creative exploration of water-related themes:
– Fabric bag painting: Pensioners designed eco-friendly shoppers adorned with water-themed illustrations.
– Ceramic plate painting: Teenagers learned artistic techniques to depict aquatic landscapes and ecosystems.
– Clay modeling: People with disabilities crafted symbolic pieces dedicated to natural resource conservation.
These workshops formed a meaningful prelude to the main celebration, reinforcing the value of inclusive environmental education and community engagement.
The International Day of the Amu Darya River in Ashgabat showcased broad public involvement and reaffirmed the importance of collaborative international efforts to safeguard Central Asia’s water resources in the face of climate change.