Seydi, Turkmenistan, 19 November 2025 – The Scientific-Information Center of the Interstate Commission on Sustainable Development (SIC ICSD) participated in a practical workshop dedicated to sustainable pasture management and integrated land-use planning in the Lebap pilot region. The event took place at the Amudarya State Nature Reserve and brought together representatives of key government institutions of Turkmenistan, research organizations, and local communities. The workshop was organized within the framework of the UNDP/GEF project “Conservation and Sustainable Management of Land Resources and High-Value Ecosystems in the Aral Sea Basin for Multiple Benefits,” aimed at strengthening national capacity in land conservation, enhancing land productivity, and supporting climate adaptation.
Practical workshop of UNDP. Photocredit to organizers.
A central element of the workshop was a presentation delivered by the SIC ICSD representative, Mr. Nikolay Nikolayev, focusing on decision-support tools based on geographic information systems, as well as other modern methodologies such as remote sensing, participatory mapping, and land-use scenario modelling. In his presentation, he provided an in-depth overview of how GIS platforms can be used to monitor the condition of pastures, assess their productivity, and predict degradation trends, and demonstrated approaches that support effective planning of rotational grazing. He further highlighted the integration of satellite imagery, digital cartographic products, and community-driven mapping practices, which collectively contribute to a more comprehensive understanding of pasture dynamics and to informed decision-making amid climate change and increasing water scarcity. Participants emphasized the strong practical value of these tools for improving state pasture management in Turkmenistan.
The workshop programme focused on a wide range of issues related to sustainable land management in the region. Participants discussed integrated land-use management mechanisms, ways to improve water-use efficiency, and measures to modernize drainage infrastructure and prevent soil salinization. Considerable attention was devoted to methods for assessing pasture productivity, the introduction of rotational grazing practices, and the rehabilitation of livestock watering points. The discussions also addressed climate risks affecting agriculture, the impacts of arid conditions, and potential approaches for optimizing water-management infrastructure in the pilot areas.
SIC ICSD reaffirmed its commitment to advancing the application of modern analytical and information tools for sustainable land-resource management across Central Asia. The Center expressed its readiness to continue providing expert support to national and local authorities, strengthening cooperation with international organizations, and contributing to initiatives aimed at enhancing pasture resilience and promoting the rational use of natural resources in the region.
The event supports the achievement of:
| Priority Area No 5 of REP4SD dedicated to SDG 15: “Protect, restore and promote sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems” |
| 5.1.1 integration of the ecosystem approach for climate change adaptation at the strategic, programmatic and project levels to improve cross-sectoral collaboration (and sectoral plans) and ecosystem protection, restoration and sustainable management. |