Ashgabat, Turkmenistan, July 24, 2025 – The Director of the Scientific-Information Center of ICSD, Mr. Mukhammet Durikov, in an interview with the newspaper Neutral Turkmenistan, emphasized the importance of updating the National Forestry Program, whose current cycle expires in 2025. According to him, work has already begun in the country to prepare a new strategic document that will ensure the continuation of large-scale afforestation and landscape stabilization efforts in the context of climate change and increasing anthropogenic pressures.
From 1998 to 2024, more than 227,000 hectares of land were afforested, over 162 million trees were planted, and a significant number of nurseries for seedling cultivation were established. The Program covered not only afforestation of desert and mountain areas but also the restoration of tugai ecosystems, which are vital for biodiversity and the conservation of endangered species. As a result, a system of environmental protection measures was established, helping to mitigate the impact of dust storms, strengthen soils, and enhance the overall ecological resilience of the country’s regions¹.
A key focus of the Program’s implementation was on a scientific approach: planting methodologies were developed for various ecological and landscape zones, and research was carried out to identify resilient tree and shrub species. The National Institute of Deserts, Flora and Fauna, together with other research centers, conducted monitoring of plantations and evaluated the effectiveness of measures taken to stabilize shifting sands. Another important component of the Program was the introduction of modern technologies, including remote sensing, a digital forest cadastre, as well as early warning systems for fires and monitoring of forest pests².
Today, according to Mr. Durikov, the updated version of the National Forestry Program will build on the accumulated experience while broadening its priorities, with particular emphasis on non-timber forest use, the development of a green economy, and attracting private investment. In particular, this includes the development of beekeeping, cultivation of medicinal plants and nut-bearing species, as well as the creation of conditions for ecotourism and agro-industrial projects on leased lands. Educational initiatives aimed at raising public environmental awareness, fostering community forestry, and creating “green” jobs will also become an important part of the Program³.
The renewed National Forestry Program will be closely linked with the implementation of the National Aral Sea Program and regional initiatives to combat desertification. In this regard, Turkmenistan is actively applying international expertise and methodologies, including FAO recommendations on greenhouse gas accounting and ecosystem restoration. The work on updating the Program is being carried out in close cooperation with international partners and regional scientists, which will allow for the consideration of both national and global environmental priorities⁴.
¹ Based on the article in Neutral Turkmenistan newspaper (“Greening: Modern Practices,” July 2025).
²–⁴ Based on materials from News Central Asia (July 24, 2025), Ussat News (August 2025), and the official portal turkmenistan.gov.tm (July 2025).
The event supports the achievement of:
| Priority Area of REP4SD No 5 dedicated to SDG 15: “Protect, restore and promote sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems” |
| 5.1.2 capacity-building for sustainable management of forests, land, and pastures; |