Balkan region, Turkmenistan, December 2-4, 2025 - a Training course on modern protected area management methods using the SMART system (Spatial Monitoring and Reporting Tool) was held at the Sünt-Hasardag State Nature Reserve. The event was organized by the Ministry of Environmental Protection of Turkmenistan in cooperation with local SMART experts from Conservation X Labs (CXL). The training aimed to enhance the effectiveness of patrolling activities and biodiversity monitoring within the protected area.
The first day was dedicated to a classroom-based seminar. Staff from the reserve’s protection and scientific departments were introduced to the principles of SMART, an internationally recognized standard for conservation management. A representative of the Ministry emphasized the strategic importance of adopting such digital tools to support national priorities in biodiversity conservation. To ensure effective implementation of SMART-based patrolling, Conservation X Labs provided the necessary technical equipment.
The following day focused entirely on practical, field-based exercises. Accompanied by experienced SMART specialists, inspectors conducted a training patrol route, using their smartphones to record simulated incidents ranging from “observed” wildlife tracks to mock poaching traps. Participants practiced accurate GPS tagging, rapid photo documentation, and route planning techniques designed to deliberately cover areas of heightened risk.
The adoption of SMART-based patrolling represents an important step in line with Turkmenistan’s strategic course toward comprehensive digitalization. Integrating such technologies into conservation practice directly supports the development of a modern, technology-driven environmental protection system. As a result, the Sünt-Hasardag State Nature Reserve is transitioning to a new, data-driven operational level that enhances transparency, accountability, and ultimately the effectiveness of conserving its unique natural heritage.
SMART patrolling has been successfully introduced and used by inspectors at the Koytendag State Nature Reserve since 2023 and by the Department of Environmental Protection of Balkan Province since 2024, within the framework of Conservation X Labs projects. Work is currently underway to introduce SMART patrolling at the Kopetdag State Nature Reserve as well.
Prepared by Sh. B. Karrieva, Technical Advisor, Conservation X Labs Project
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” |
| 5.1.7 use of modern monitoring methods to account for flora and fauna species, ecosystem conditions, land resources. |
| 5.2.8 combating poaching in the border territories of the Central Asian countries. |