Avaza National Tourist Zone, Balkan velayat, 10 August 2026 – A festive event dedicated to Caspian Sea Day was held in the Avaza National Tourist Zone. The initiative was organized under the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) regional project “Addressing Marine Litter and Marine Plastics – A Systemic Approach in the Caspian Sea”, implemented with financial support from the Russian Federation.
The event was organized in partnership with the public organization Yash Tebigatchy, with the support of the Ministry of Environmental Protection and the Ministry of Education, as well as contributions to thematic sessions by the Ministry of Internal Affairs, and the Ministry of Defence of Turkmenistan.
The environmental awareness event brought together children from the Dayanch Health Centre and the Arzuv Children’s Recreation Centre. The initiative sought to deepen their understanding of the Caspian Sea and the importance of protecting the natural environment, while encouraging a greater sense of responsibility towards nature.
UNDP specialists, representatives of the Secretariat of the Framework Convention for the Protection of the Marine Environment of the Caspian Sea (Tehran Convention), and members of the public organization Yash Tebigatchy introduced participants to the unique biodiversity of the Caspian Sea, highlighted the threats posed by marine plastic pollution and microplastics, and emphasized the importance of joint action to protect the marine ecosystem.
As part of the practical session, water and coastal safety measures, fire safety actions during the summer season, and the basics of first aid were presented to children.
During the interactive “Guardians of the Caspian” quest, participants completed activities focused on water safety, biodiversity conservation, and environmental protection. In a creative eco-workshop, children designed drawings and posters encouraging respect for nature. They also learned about practical tools for monitoring pollution that can be used in environmental volunteer initiatives to clean up coastal areas.
“This event forms part of the regional project’s efforts to raise awareness among young people about marine litter and plastic pollution, promote environmentally responsible behavior, and contribute to preserving the unique ecosystem of the Caspian Sea for future generations,” said Jemal Durdykova, UNDP Specialist. ///UNDP Turkmenistan, 10 August 2026