Ashgabat, Turkmenistan, 18 June 2025 – Representatives of the Scientific-Information Centre of the Interstate Commission on Sustainable Development (SIC ICSD) took part in a seminar on “Principles and Benefits of Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) and the Role of Key Stakeholders in the SEA Process.” The event was held within the framework of the OSCE project “Strengthening National and Regional Capacities and Cooperation in the Area of Strategic Environmental Assessment in Central Asia,” and brought together representatives of government institutions, international organizations, and the expert community.
The seminar opened with welcoming remarks from representatives of the Ministry of Environmental Protection of Turkmenistan, the OSCE, the Secretariat of the UNECE Espoo Convention (via online participation), and invited international partners.
Participants were introduced to the key principles and international legal frameworks underpinning SEA, including the Protocol on Strategic Environmental Assessment to the Espoo Convention and the European Union SEA Directive (2001/42/EC). An interactive session featured a video presentation highlighting the SEA concept, its benefits, costs, and the dissemination of SEA practices across various regions. The current state of SEA development in Turkmenistan was also presented by Mr. Serdar Mamedniyazov, OSCE national expert.
UNECE video on the Protocol on Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA)
Particular attention was devoted to integrating SEA into national planning processes, with an emphasis on the roles and responsibilities of environmental authorities, health agencies, and other key stakeholders. During a hands-on exercise, participants examined which types of strategic planning documents are subject to SEA, worked in groups, and presented their findings in a plenary discussion.
The seminar concluded with a presentation of good practices and examples of effective SEA implementation from Europe, Central Asia, and the Caucasus, followed by a summary of discussions. Participants underscored the importance of institutionalizing SEA within national practice and strengthening the capacities of relevant institutions to support sustainable and environmentally sound development.
The event supports the achievement of:
| Priority area No 6 of REP4SD dedicated to SDG 17: “Strengthen the means of implementation and revitalize the Global Partnership for Sustainable Development” |
| 6.4 Development of guidelines and standards for establishing strategic environmental assessment (SEA) on environmental protection and adaptation to climate change. |