Ashgabat, Turkmenistan, 21 June 2024 – The National Institute of Deserts, Flora and Fauna hosted a seminar organized within the framework of the joint project of the Scientific Information Center of the Interstate Commission on Sustainable Development (SIC ICSD) and the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) titled “Development of proposals and recommendations for amendments to the Forest Code of Turkmenistan for sustainable forest management.”
The event brought together around 30 participants, including representatives of government agencies, line ministries, forestry enterprises, and experts in forestry and sustainable natural resource management.
During the seminar, national experts delivered a series of analytical presentations and recommendations. The discussions focused on the current forest legislation of Turkmenistan and institutional practices in forest management, as well as international experiences from Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, Turkey, and other countries. Experts highlighted the need to update several provisions of the Forest Code in line with international standards for forest monitoring and inventory, and proposed the development of a National Forest Programme and forest management plans. They also recommended the introduction of new definitions and norms aimed at promoting afforestation and expanding private sector participation. Particular emphasis was placed on strengthening institutional capacity, ensuring adequate financing of forestry enterprises, and preserving positive historical practices in forest development.
Participants of the seminar. Photocredit SIC ICSD.
Discussions also touched on the practical challenges faced by forestry enterprises, including financing, incentives for foresters, and the possible establishment of a system of public forest inspectors. Representatives of the Ministry of Environmental Protection presented plans to draft by-laws to support the effective implementation of the updated Forest Code.
At the conclusion of the seminar, participants agreed to consolidate all proposals from experts and forestry representatives and submit them in writing for further consideration by the Expert Working Group.
The seminar marked an important step toward the preparation of a new version of the Forest Code of Turkmenistan, one that reflects both the national context and international best practices, thereby providing a solid legal foundation for sustainable forest use and the preservation of the country’s ecosystems.
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. |