Liliya Zhirnova Standing tall against the arid backdrop of the Kopetdag mountains, the Eldar Pine is one of the most recognizable evergreen features of Ashgabat’s urban landscape. From wide avenues and public parks to residential courtyards and peripheral green belts, this drought-hardy coniferous tree serves as a vital pillar of Turkmenistan's urban forestry … [Read more...]
Japanese Spindle: The Green Sentinel of Ashgabat’s Urban Gardens
Liliya Zhirnova Walk down the quiet residential avenues or along the manicured courtyard borders of Ashgabat, and you will inevitably encounter crisp, densely leafed green hedges lining private homes and public gardens. Neat, glossy, and meticulously trimmed, Japanese Spindle (Euonymus japonicus) is one of the most reliable and distinctive evergreen shrubs defining the … [Read more...]
Turkmenistan Marks Agricultural Year-End and Continues Nationwide Tree-Planting Campaign
Two major events held in Turkmenistan on 7–8 November highlighted the country's priorities in agriculture and environmental protection. Nearly 538,000 trees were planted nationwide as part of the autumn tree-planting campaign, while the Harvest Festival provided an opportunity to review the results of the agricultural year, recognize farmers' achievements and honour workers in … [Read more...]
The Empress Tree (Paulownia): Nature’s High-Speed Eco-Engine in the Urban Canopy
Liliya Zhirnova Across the green avenues and urban parks of Ashgabat, sharp-eyed observers in late autumn often notice an intriguing sight: amidst broad, heart-shaped leaves, tall clusters of tan, velvety buds stand erect against the clear sky. These are the dormant flower buds of the Empress Tree (Paulownia tomentosa or its fast-growing hybrids), preparing to unleash a … [Read more...]
National Leader of Turkmenistan Visits Arkadag City to Review Urban Development and Launch of Autumn Greening Drive
National Leader of the Turkmen people and Chairman of the Halk Maslakhaty of Turkmenistan, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov (Hero-Arkadag), conducted an official working visit to the nation’s flagship "smart" city of Arkadag on Sunday to inspect ongoing second-phase infrastructure projects and oversee preparations for the upcoming nationwide autumn tree planting campaign. The visit … [Read more...]
Turkmenistan Launches Five-Year Project to Strengthen Climate Resilience in Agriculture
Turkmenistan has launched a five-year project to promote nature-based approaches in agriculture, restore degraded land and strengthen the resilience of agricultural landscapes to climate change. The Lebap province’s Charjew district will serve as the pilot area, where ecosystem restoration will be combined with modern technologies for managing land and water resources. The … [Read more...]
Turkmenistan and Finland Explore Cooperation in Meteorology, Geology and Environmental Monitoring
Turkmenistan and Finland are exploring opportunities to expand professional cooperation in meteorology, geological data management and environmental monitoring, with Finnish specialists presenting forecasting technologies and regional initiatives during a series of meetings in Ashgabat, according to Neutral Turkmenistan newspaper. The Finnish delegation included experts from … [Read more...]
Advanced LDAR Technologies Handed Over to the Scientific Research Institute of Natural Gas of SC “Turkmengas” to Reduce Methane Emissions
Ashgabat, Turkmenistan – 19 October 2026 – The official handover ceremony of state-of-the-art LDAR (Leak Detection and Repair) equipment took place at the Natural Gas Scientific-Research Institute of State Concern “Turkmengas". The event was held within the framework of the project "European Union (EU) for a Green Turkmenistan: Policy Dialogue and Climate Action 2024–2029," … [Read more...]
UN Biodiversity Summit (CBD COP17 Leaders’ Segment)
Introduction to the Event On October 16, 2026, in Yerevan, Armenia, world leaders, heads of international organizations, environmental ministers, and institutional representatives assembled at the Meridian Expo Centre for the High-Level Leaders' Summit. This summit officially opened the proceedings for the 17th Conference of the Parties to the UN Convention on Biological … [Read more...]
Azerbaijan Ambassador and RECCA Discuss Expanding Climate Dialogue in Central Asia–Azerbaijan Format
The further development of environmental cooperation in the Central Asia–Azerbaijan format was discussed at a meeting between Gismat Gozalov, Ambassador of Azerbaijan to Turkmenistan, and Mergen Kepbanov, Director of the Project Office of the Regional Environmental Centre for Central Asia (RECCA) in Turkmenistan, according to the RECCA Project Office in … [Read more...]
OSCE trains Turkmenistan’s media professionals in environmental reporting
Journalists and content creators discussed how accurate, high-quality reporting can drive public dialogue on environmental security during an OSCE-organized training course that took place on 15 and 16 September 2026 in Ashgabat. Delivered by two international and one national trainer, the two-day course explored the current landscape of environmental journalism, and … [Read more...]
Nature embraces Magtymguly Park
Elvira Kadyrova, Ravilya Kadyrova, photos by Tamir Shakirov On the southern outskirts of Ashgabat, at the foot of the Kopetdag Mountains, lies the “Magtymguly Fragi” Cultural and Park Complex — a place where urban infrastructure comes into an unexpected and close encounter with the wild. For the residents of the capital, the park has long been a place to spend a weekend … [Read more...]
National Biodiversity Strategy of Turkmenistan Update Enters Final Phase
Shirin Karryeva, CXL Project Technical Advisor On 2-3 September 2026, Ashgabat hosted a national workshop organized by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in partnership with the Ministry of Environmental Protection of Turkmenistan. The event was held at the Archabil Hotel as part of a joint UNDP-Global Environment Facility (GEF) initiative aimed at updating the … [Read more...]
From Desert Tech to Green Cities: Eco-Event in Ashgabat Empowers Young Leaders
On Saturday, August 29, the Public Organization “Young Naturalists” (Yash Tebigatchy), with the support of the Embassy of Israel in Turkmenistan, held the Eco-Event “Green Partnership” at Bilelik Hub in Ashgabat Mall. The two-hour event brought together young people interested in environmental protection, innovation, and sustainable urban development. Its main objective was … [Read more...]
Turkmenistan and the World Wide Fund for Nature sign a Memorandum of Understanding
On 31 August 2026, a signing ceremony of the Memorandum of Understanding on cooperation in the field of environmental protection between the Ministry of Environmental Protection of Turkmenistan and the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) was held via videoconference, according to the foreign ministry of Turkmenistan. The document was inked by Minister of Environmental … [Read more...]
Environmental Forum Held in Awaza to Mark Caspian Sea Day
On 12 August 2026, the National Tourist Zone of Awaza hosted an international scientific and practical conference titled “Protecting the Caspian Sea Ecosystem: Regional Cooperation and Sustainable Development.” The forum was organized by the Ministry of Environmental Protection of Turkmenistan. The event was held to mark Caspian Sea Day, which this year coincides with the … [Read more...]
Turkmenistan Accelerates Creation of Regional Climate Centers
Turkmenistan is launching a series of initiatives designed to accelerate the establishment of the Regional Center for Climate Technologies in Central Asia and the Regional Center for Combatting Desertification. During a Cabinet of ministers meeting, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Rashid Meredov presented the relevant proposals to President Serdar … [Read more...]
China’s EV Revolution: A Net Win for Air Quality and the Environment?
Tariq Saeedi and Elvira Kadyrova China has led the global shift to electric vehicles (EVs) more aggressively than any other nation. By 2025, China sold over 11–13 million electric cars annually, with EVs (including plug-in hybrids) comprising around 50% or more of new car sales in key periods. This dominance stems from heavy policy support, subsidies, and manufacturing … [Read more...]
Time Is the Missing Ingredient: Why Central Asia Needs Turkmenistan’s Proposed Environmental Institutions Now
Tariq Saeedi and Elvira Kadyrova Climate change is often discussed in terms of future risks. In Central Asia and the Caspian region, however, many of its consequences are no longer matters of prediction—they are present realities. Desertification, land degradation, water stress, biodiversity loss, extreme weather events, and the growing frequency of dust and salt storms are … [Read more...]
China, Turkmenistan Complete Joint Scientific Survey in Karakum Desert
Researchers from China's Xinjiang Institute of Ecology and Geography (XIEG) and Turkmenistan's National Institute of Deserts, Flora, and Fauna have completed a 16-day joint scientific expedition in the Karakum Desert, focusing on desertification and biodiversity. According to XIEG, the survey collected data on wild plant and animal species, soil profiles, dune evolution, and … [Read more...]
The Caspian Sea Is Shrinking — and There Is Still Time to Act
The Caspian Sea, the largest inland body of water on Earth, is losing ground — literally. Since the mid-1990s, it has shed roughly 24,000 km² of surface area, an expanse close to the size of Sicily, and water levels have fallen by about two metres. New research using satellite imagery and ground-based hydrological data now gives us a clearer picture of why. Climate change is … [Read more...]
Coastal Clean-Up in Turkmenbashi Organized by UNDP and NGO “Yash Tebigatchy” Engages Youth and Local Communities Ahead of World Environment Day
Turkmenbashi, 2 June 2026 - On the Caspian Sea coast in Turkmenbashi city, Balkan velayat, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), jointly with the NGO “Yash Tebigatchy” (“Young Naturalist”), organized a coastal clean-up activity under the regional project “Addressing Marine Litter and Marine Plastics – A Systemic Approach in the Caspian Sea,” marking World Environment … [Read more...]
Where Sparrows Return: A Young Student’s Climate Solution in Turkmenistan
Across many parts of the world, rapid urbanization and changing environmental conditions are reshaping the natural habitats that both people and wildlife depend on. In Turkmenistan, these changes are also being observed by young minds eager to understand and respond. At Secondary School No. 55, 7th-grade student Ovezmurad Sapargeldyev began to notice a simple but … [Read more...]
Planting resilience in arid landscapes: Türkiye supports Turkmenistan’s forest restoration efforts
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 … [Read more...]
Can green development really bring us together?
About the author: Niu Honglin is a producer and host with CGTN. She is also one of the editors of Stories of Xi Jinping. This article comes from a podcast series I’ve been working on that looks at global governance through a simple but demanding idea: a shared future for humanity. Each episode focuses on one dimension of that question — security, development, cultural … [Read more...]
OGT 2025: “Turkmengaz” Achieves Significant Success in Reducing Methane Emissions
At the pre-conference session of the International Conference "Oil and Gas of Turkmenistan" (OGT 2025) in Ashgabat, Muhammetberdi Byashiyev, Candidate of Geological and Mineralogical Sciences, Head of the Environmental Protection Department of the Scientific Research Institute of Natural Gas of the State Concern "Turkmengaz", presented the concern's impressive results and plans … [Read more...]
A New Step in Nature Conservation: Tallymerjen Sanctuary to Be Established on the Right Bank of the Amu Darya in Turkmenistan
Turkmenistan is actively implementing its National Forest Program, a key component of which is the expansion of specially protected natural areas. One of the flagship projects in this effort is the creation of the Tallymerjen Sanctuary in the Lebap province, as part of the Koytendag State Nature Reserve. This initiative aims to preserve the unique ecosystem of the Tallymerjen … [Read more...]
Young Naturalist’s Third Anniversary: Turkmenistan’s Youth Driving Climate Solutions
On 3 October 2025, the non-governmental environmental organization Young Naturalist (Ýaş Tebigatçy) celebrated its third anniversary in Ashgabat, marking a milestone in its mission to tackle climate challenges. Co-organized with TMT Consulting Group, the bright event drew foreign diplomats, public figures, and journalists. Leyli Shyhmadova, the organization’s inspiring head, … [Read more...]
The UNDP/GEF project announces contest “Green Ideas: Women and Climate”
The contest is conducted within the framework of the UNDP/GEF project “Conservation and Sustainable Management of Land Resources and High Nature Value Ecosystems in the Aral Sea Basin for Multiple Benefits”, financed by the Global Environment Facility (GEF) and implemented jointly with the Ministry of Environmental Protection of Turkmenistan. The contest is organized for … [Read more...]
Delegation of Turkmenistan Participates in Third Meeting of Range States of Central Asian Mammals Initiative (CAMI) of Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals (CMS)
Shirin Karryeva, Technical Advisor to the Conservation X Labs project The Third Meeting of Range States to the CMS Central Asian Mammals Initiative (CAMI) took place in Tashkent (Uzbekistan) from 24 to 26 June 2025. The Central Asian Mammal Initiative was established in 2014 at the 11th meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the CMS to provide a common strategic … [Read more...]
Turkmenistan Strengthens Global Environmental Cooperation
During the Cabinet of minister meeting on Friday, 13 June 2025, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Rashid Meredov reported on Turkmenistan’s proactive efforts to bolster international cooperation in ecology, emphasizing the nation’s commitment to environmental sustainability as a cornerstone of its foreign policy. It was noted that systematically … [Read more...]
A New Island in the Caspian Sea Could Become a Haven for Birds and Seals
Near the Volga Delta in the northern part of the Caspian Sea, a phenomenon has captured the attention of scientists and ecologists: a new island has formed 30 kilometers southwest of Maly Zhemchuzhny Island in the Russian sector of the sea. This discovery was made during a joint expedition by the P.P. Shirshov Institute of Oceanology of the Russian Academy of Sciences (RAS), … [Read more...]
TESC 2025: ENI Turkmenistan pioneers environmental innovation in Hydrocarbon Development
At TESC 2025 in Ashgabat, ETL showcased its multifaceted approach to environmental stewardship in hydrocarbon development. Through the Nebit Dag PSA, innovative projects like BIOPILE, robust GHG emission reduction strategies, and sustainable water management, ETL demonstrates a commitment to balancing operational excellence with environmental responsibility in … [Read more...]
International Scientific and Practical Conference “Environmental aspects of implementing innovative technologies in the development of hydrocarbon fields”
June 5th, annually observed as World Environment Day, holds special significance for the global community. On this very day, Ashgabat will host a significant event: the International Scientific and Practical Conference "Ecological Aspects of Implementing Innovative Technologies in Hydrocarbon Field Development" (TESC 2025). This event aims to serve as a key platform for … [Read more...]
Central Asia – Agriculture Afresh – Part Two
nCa Report Six Inches of Soil is a film screened recently in Ashgabat. There is also a companion book of the same name, documenting the inspiring story of British farmers standing up to the industrial food system and transforming the way they produce food – to heal the soil, benefit our health and provide for local communities. We are producing here some passages from the … [Read more...]
UNDP makes a significant contribution to Turkmenistan’s efforts in fulfilling its global climate agreement commitments
Within the framework of the project "Sustainable Cities in Turkmenistan: Integrated Green Urban Development in Ashgabat and Avaza” implemented by the UNDP jointly with the Ministry of Environmental Protection of Turkmenistan, a National Working Meeting was held on 19 March 2025. The meeting focused on climate reporting within the country's obligations under the UN Framework … [Read more...]
Turkmenistan’s Environmentalists Discuss SMART Inspection Implementation in Nature Reserves
On 14 March 2025, a training session on SMART inspection was held at the Hydrometeorological Service building of the Ministry of Environmental Protection of Turkmenistan. The event, organized by the Ministry in cooperation with the Center for the Conservation of Large Landscapes (CLLC) and Conservation X Labs, focused on the implementation of the SMART mobile application for … [Read more...]
Workshop in Turkmen Farab Turns Plastic Waste into Export Products
In Farab, Lebap province of Turkmenistan, there is a unique production facility — a workshop for recycling used plastic containers. This company not only solves an important environmental problem, but also produces high-quality products that are in demand abroad, as reported by the newspaper "Neutral Turkmenistan." With the spread of plastic containers worldwide, the problem … [Read more...]
The Regional Environmental Center of Central Asia has signed a memorandum of cooperation with NGOs in the eastern region of Turkmenistan.
Last week, the project office of the Regional Environmental Center for Central Asia (CARECECO) in Turkmenistan signed a memorandum of understanding with the Taze Zaman NGO, which operates in the Lebap province, the eastern region of Turkmenistan. The memorandum is aimed at strengthening the long-term partnership between CARECECO and Taze Zaman in order to improve the … [Read more...]
Uzbekistan’s Eco-Course: Ban on AI-80, New Industrial Restrictions and Mandatory Plastic Recycling
By the end of 2025, Uzbekistan plans to completely abandon the use of AI-80 gasoline, which does not comply with the Euro-4 environmental standard and significantly pollutes the environment. This is reported by the Uz Daily agency. The ban stems from recommendations received from various sources, including the general public, international and local environmental … [Read more...]
Kazakhstan Launches New Phase of Aral Sea Greening Project
A new stage of greening of the drained bottom of the Aral Sea launched in Kazakhstan as part of the implementation of a large-scale program to restore the ecosystem of the Aral Sea. The Ministry of Ecology, Geology, and Natural Resources has signed an agreement with the KATCO joint venture, comprising French state-owned Orano Mining SA and Kazakh company Kazatomprom, along … [Read more...]
New Project to enhance agroecology and land management in Turkmen Aral Sea Region
With the support of various UN structural agencies, Turkmenistan is involved in the implementation of multi–country long-term projects in various agroecological areas: protection of grain from locusts, development of aquaculture, camel farming, ecosystem support and natural solutions in agriculture to enhance the resilience of biodiversity and agricultural production to the … [Read more...]
Celebrating 95 Years: Contribution of the National Park in Turkmenistan to Wildlife Preservation
Elena Dolgova According to the legislation, in addition to nature reserves, specially protected natural areas also include biosphere reserves, national nature parks, natural recreation areas, state botanical gardens and zoological parks. Last year marked a double celebration, as both the Botanical Garden and the Zoo observed their 95th anniversaries. Established in October … [Read more...]
Turkmenistan Joins CITES, Strengthening Wildlife Trade Regulation and Conservation in Central Asia
Geneva, 20 November 2024 – The Secretariat of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) welcomes Turkmenistan as the 185th Party to the Convention. With Turkmenistan’s accession, wildlife trade in CITES-listed species in Central Asia is regulated by CITES provisions, marking a unified approach to conserving biodiversity across … [Read more...]
Turkmenistan Delegation Engages in Key Dialogues on Water Security and Climate Resilience at OSCE’s 2024 EEDIM
Turkmenistan Delegation participated in the 2024 OSCE Economic and Environmental Dimension Implementation Meeting (EEDIM), reinforcing its commitment to sustainable water governance, regional cooperation, and environmental security in Central Asia. During the meeting’s first session, Turkmenistan’s representative, Mr. Magtymguly Akmyradov, addressed regional challenges and … [Read more...]
Central Asian Water Experts Meet to Enhance Cooperation on Water, Energy, Environment and Climate Issues
On October 29-30, 2024, in Almaty, Kazakhstan, the UNRCCA organized a “Expert Meeting on Water, Energy, Environment, and Climate Cooperation in Central Asia” as part of its water project. The meeting brought together representatives from relevant ministries, state agencies, and national and international experts, including those from UNESCO, UNECE, UNAMA, and DPPA, to assess … [Read more...]
To protect migratory species of fauna in Turkmenistan
Elena Dolgova On April 12, 2024, during a Cabinet of Ministers meeting, Turkmenistan discussed the possibility of joining a trilateral environmental agreement with Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan. The goal is to protect migratory species of wildlife in Turkmenistan and neighboring regions, particularly the Ustyurt Plateau and the Turkmen Pre-Ustyurt region. Following this … [Read more...]
At the Forefront of the Environmental Struggle: the Story of Ogulsuray from Dashoguz
Ogulsuray Atayeva, leader of Eco-Durmush, empowers rural women in Dashoguz, building resilience against the impacts of climate change. UNDP Turkmenistan Dashoguz province in Turkmenistan faces significant challenges due to the lingering effects of the Aral Sea crisis and the intensifying impact of climate change. Declining rainfall, water shortages, and land … [Read more...]
Climate challenges of the Caspian Sea discussed at the European Institute for Asian Studies
The European Institute of Asian Studies hosted an event dedicated to the current climate challenges facing the Caspian Sea. Representatives of diplomatic missions, international organizations, mass media and analytical centers took part in the discussion. Among the speakers were Ambassador of Turkmenistan Sapar Palvanov, Ambassador of Azerbaijan Vagif Sadigov, CEO of the … [Read more...]
Digital Economy – UNCTAD sounds warning
Digital Economy, of which e-commerce is a vital part, is spreading at breakneck speed. Every country wants to get there soonest and because of the fast developing technologies that define and drive a digital economy, this would remain an ongoing quest for quite some time. --- For now, the digital economy is simultaneously a journey and a destination. The UNCTAD (UN Trade and … [Read more...]