Ashgabat, Turkmenistan, 8 April 2025 – The Director of the Scientific Information Centre of the Interstate Commission on Sustainable Development (SIC ICSD), Mr. Muhammet Durikov, participated in the concluding National Workshop dedicated to the outcomes of the Regional FAO-GEF Project, "Integrated Natural Resources Management in Drought-prone and Salt-affected Agricultural Production Landscapes in Central Asia and Turkey" (CACILM-2).
The seminar convened representatives from governmental bodies, international organizations, the scientific community, and environmental non-governmental organizations. Participants deliberated on the project's key achievements aimed at promoting sustainable natural resource management in the context of climate change. Discussions encompassed the restoration of degraded lands, the implementation of innovative pasture management techniques, and the enhancement of agricultural landscape resilience to drought and salinity.
Photocredit to FAO CACILM-2
SIC ICSD played an active role in the execution of CACILM-2, offering expert support in formulating strategies for sustainable pasture management and facilitating the adoption of innovative approaches to desert ecosystem conservation. During the seminar, Mr. Durikov presented the principal outcomes of SIC ICSD's collaboration within the project, emphasizing the development of the "Comprehensive Plan for the Restoration of Degraded Pastures in the Central Karakum and Their Sustainable Management under Intensifying Drought Conditions," using the example of the Dayhan Association "Yerbent" in the Ak Bugday etrap of Ahal velayat. The plan comprises a series of recommendations for pasture area management and methodologies for both surface and fundamental improvement of degraded pastures, as well as the restoration of desert forests. In the course of developing the Comprehensive Plan, recommendations were proposed for further refinement of the pasture infrastructure restoration plan, including water facilities located on pastures. Additionally, initiatives were suggested to establish a Commission for regulating pasture use under local self-governing bodies and to conduct training sessions for stakeholders.
Mr. Durikov also highlighted in his presentation that, with the support of CACILM-2, the Concept for updating Turkmenistan's National Action Programme to Combat Desertification (NAPCD) was prepared. As part of this process, a draft structure for the updated NAPCD was developed, encompassing measures for drought prevention, reduction of sandstorm risks, restoration of degraded lands, and improvement of the legislative framework. To support this process, the Scientific and Public Council on Desertification Issues has been established and is operational, bringing together experts from various fields.
Photocredit to FAO CACILM-2
Overall, the seminar served as a significant platform for exchanging experiences, showcasing successful practices, and discussing further steps to expand cooperation in the field of sustainable natural resource management in the region. In this context, the regional CACILM-2 project stands as a commendable example of implementing the Regional Environmental Programme for Sustainable Development in Central Asia, particularly Priority Area No. 5, dedicated to Sustainable Development Goal 15 – "Protect, restore and promote sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems." Its results and practices hold potential for scaling up, which will enable the unification of efforts for sustainable natural resource management in the countries of the region, contributing to the protection and preservation of ecosystems.
The event contributes to the achievement of:
| Priority Area No 5 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. |
| 5.1.2 Capacity-building for sustainable management of forests, land, and pastures. |