Ashgabat, Turkmenistan, 29-30 July 2025 – Representatives of the SIC ICSD took part in a two-day training on methane emissions reduction, organized by the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE) in cooperation with the International Methane Emissions Observatory (IMEO) of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), with the support of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), and in coordination with the UN RCO in Turkmenistan.
The event brought together around 20 participants, including representatives of relevant ministries, government agencies, and experts from the oil and gas sector. Over two days, they explored practical tools for monitoring, measuring, and reducing methane emissions, as well as studied international experience and advanced technologies.
Training on methane emissions reduction in progress. Photocredit to UNECE.
The training represented an important step in supporting Turkmenistan’s climate commitments under the Paris Agreement and the Global Methane Pledge. Particular attention was given to the national objectives of implementing the National Climate Change Strategy and the Renewable Energy Development Strategy through 2030, both aimed at achieving zero growth in greenhouse gas emissions.
The training program consisted of six modules covering a broad range of topics. Participants examined key sources of methane emissions and their impact, became familiar with modern methods of detection and quantification, and studied the use of satellite technologies, including the global Methane Alert and Response System (MARS), which provides worldwide data on methane emissions (more details). Special focus was placed on international best practices for reducing emissions, waste utilization technologies, and approaches to lowering routine gas flaring.
During the training, participants were introduced to state-of-the-art digital solutions and online tools. These included Mist, a methane emissions inventory program (mist.carbonlimits.no); the digital platform Eye on Methane (methanedata.unep.org); the open-access satellite system Carbon Mapper (carbonmapper.org); the international initiative OGMP 2.0 on oil and gas methane reporting (ogmpartnership.org); as well as the Methane Tracker of the International Energy Agency (iea.org), which provides the latest estimates of methane emissions in the oil and gas sector.
The next stage will be an additional training on methane emissions regulation scheduled for September 2025. This upcoming session will focus on the development and implementation of a National methane emissions reduction strategy in line with international standards.
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These initiatives are being carried out within the framework of the Joint Programme “Supporting Policy Development and Building National Capacity for the Transition to Green Energy in Turkmenistan”, funded by the UN SDG Fund. The program provides a solid basis for further strengthening cooperation and will serve as the foundation for launching a new Joint Programme on Methane Emissions Reduction in Turkmenistan.
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. |