In landscapes where water is scarce and the climate is unforgiving, every tree planted is an investment in resilience. Under the Forest Restoration Improvement for Environmental Development and Sustainability in Central Asia (FRIENDS) project, implemented within the FAO-Türkiye Forestry Partnership Programme (FTFP), Türkiye is taking a concrete step to support Turkmenistan’s afforestation and land restoration efforts through the provision of 50 000 tree seedlings.
The seedlings, which will be transported to Turkmenistan in the coming weeks, will be used in national afforestation and ecosystem restoration activities, contributing directly to the country’s efforts to combat land degradation and strengthen climate change adaptation. Carefully selected for arid and semi-arid conditions, the consignment consists primarily of drought-tolerant coniferous species, including juniper, cypress and thuja. All seedlings are container-grown and ready for planting, ensuring high survival rates even under challenging climatic conditions.
Beyond the numbers, this in-kind contribution represents a practical expression of regional cooperation. Central Asia’s forest landscapes face mounting pressures from desertification, climate variability and land degradation, while forest cover across the region remains limited. By sharing its technical experience and restoration know-how, Türkiye is helping to translate regional commitments into on-the-ground action.
This activity marks a tangible outcome of the FRIENDS project, which aims to promote large-scale forest and landscape restoration across Central Asia. The project supports participating countries in developing national capacities for sustainable forest management, restoring degraded lands and contributing to global initiatives such as the UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration (2021–2030) and Sustainable Development Goal 15 – Life on Land.
By combining technical expertise with practical solutions, the FAO-Türkiye Forestry Partnership Programme continues to support Turkmenistan and other Central Asian countries in advancing resilient forestry practices, strengthening ecosystems and planting the seeds of a greener, more sustainable future for the region.
About the FAO-Türkiye Partnership Programmes
The objectives of the FAO-Türkiye Partnership Programmes are to provide support to ensure food security, rural poverty reduction and sustainable forest management; combat desertification; and preserve ecosystems in Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Türkiye, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan, and other countries of mutual interest.
Established in 2007, the first phase of the FAO-Türkiye Partnership Programme on Food and Agriculture (FTPP) has benefited from trust fund contributions totalling USD 10 million, financed by the Government of Türkiye and represented by the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry. During the first phase of the programme, 28 projects were implemented in 16 countries between 2009 and 2015.
In 2014, Türkiye and FAO commenced the second phase of the FTPP along with the first phase of the FAO-Türkiye Forestry Partnership Programme (FTFP) with additional funding of USD 20 million, bringing Türkiye’s total contribution to USD 30 million. ///FAO, 24 December 2025