Turkmenbashi, Turkmenistan, 13 August 2025 – Representatives of the Dashoguz Branch of the Executive Committee of the International Fund for Saving the Aral Sea (IFAS) participated in a Seminar on Water Diplomacy and the Importance of Conserving Bioresources, organized within the framework of the UNDP/GEF project “Conservation and Sustainable Management of Land Resources and High-Value Ecosystems of the Aral Sea Basin for Multiple Benefits.” The seminar, dedicated to the Caspian Sea Day observed on 12 August, was held jointly with the project’s national partners and the FAO project “Development of the Feed Value Chain for Aquaculture and Improved Management of Aquatic Animal Health Protection – TCP/TUK/3902.” The event brought together around 25 participants, including representatives of relevant ministries and agencies, international projects, and conventions, notably the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) and the Tehran Convention.
The seminar addressed pressing issues of water diplomacy and its role in strengthening regional cooperation, as well as in the conservation of the ecosystems of the Caspian and Aral Seas. Special attention was devoted to scientific approaches to integrated water resources management, related innovations and challenges, the status of bioresources in transboundary aquatic ecosystems, climate change adaptation measures, and the economic potential of aquaculture. Participants discussed the legal and institutional frameworks for the sustainable use of aquatic bioresources, international and national practices in the protection of the Caspian seal, and practical steps towards improved management and the development of sustainable value chains.
A representative of the Dashoguz Branch of IFAS delivered a presentation outlining the objectives and tasks of the branch. In particular, emphasis was placed on the practical implementation of decisions of the Heads of State of Central Asia, including the execution of projects and programmes aimed at improving the environmental and socio-economic situation in the Aral Sea region. The branch covers Dashoguz velayat and Darganata etrap of Lebap velayat, which for decades have been exposed to the adverse impacts of desertification, soil and water salinization, air pollution caused by dust and salt transport, and biodiversity loss. It was noted that these challenges directly affect the health and well-being of the local population.
The presentation also highlighted the key outcomes of the branch’s activities, including the construction and commissioning of main and distribution water supply networks, water intake wells and collectors, the reconstruction of wastewater pumping stations, and the installation of desalination units in healthcare and educational institutions. Particular attention was drawn to the reinforcement of the Amudarya river dam, as well as the cleaning and rehabilitation of interstate and inter-farm collectors, contributing to the diversion of mineralized waters and the improvement of arable land conditions. In the social sphere, a major achievement was the construction of a sports and recreation complex in the city of Dashoguz.
Participants acknowledged the importance of Turkmenistan’s experience in the field of water diplomacy and sustainable management of bioresources for advancing regional cooperation and the exchange of best practices.
The event supports the achievement of:
| Priority Area of REP4SD No 4 dedicated to SDG 13: “Take urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts” |
| 4.3 Assessment of climate risks and vulnerabilites through the application of corresponding models of a climate change impact on water resources, terrestrial ecosystems and natural disasters, tackling the development of state policies and strategies in this area. |
| Priority area No 6 of REP4SD dedicated to SDG 17: “Strengthen the means of implementation and revitalize the Global Partnership for Sustainable Development” |
| 6.1 Involvement of the region into implementation of global environmental conventions, programmes and initiatives. |
| 6.2 Strengthening of cooperation among international organizations and regional and national institutions for better access to new technologies, preparation of legal and regulatory frameworks, development and implementation of national and regional strategies and plans and development of sustainable financing opportunities. |