Ashgabat, Turkmenistan, 11-12 March 2024 — Representatives of the Scientific-Information Center of the Interstate Commission on Sustainable Development (SIC ICSD) actively participated in a two-day Training of Trainers seminar titled “Integrating Climate Change Adaptation into Water Resources Planning in Turkmenistan.” The seminar was organized by the Scientific-Information Center of the Interstate Coordination Water Commission (SIC ICWC) in cooperation with the UNDP/GCF project “Advancing the National Adaptation Planning Process in Turkmenistan.”
The seminar formed part of ongoing efforts aimed at strengthening the capacity of specialists and trainers in the field of climate change adaptation and promoting the integration of adaptation approaches into water management planning processes. The primary objective of the event was to enhance the knowledge and practical skills of trainers, enabling them to further disseminate modern adaptation methods and tools among representatives of government institutions, academia, the private sector, and civil society organizations.
Particiapants of the Training. Photocredit to UNDP Project.
A particularly important role in the organization and delivery of the seminar was played by SIC ICSD, represented by the Center’s national expert, Ch. Taganov. Over the course of two days, he delivered a series of thematic presentations focusing on Turkmenistan’s international cooperation in the areas of climate change and water resources management, as well as the country’s national policy and legislative framework related to water resources and climate change adaptation. His presentations enabled participants to gain a deeper understanding of the institutional and legal foundations of water resources governance and to explore key directions of Turkmenistan’s state policy aimed at ensuring the sustainable and rational use of water resources under changing climatic conditions.
As part of the seminar, participants were also introduced to the draft training manual titled “Integrating Climate Change Adaptation into Water Resources Planning in Turkmenistan,” jointly prepared by SIC ICWC and SIC ICSD. The manual covers a broad range of topics, including the legal framework for water resources regulation and climate change adaptation, the principles and instruments of Integrated Water Resources Management (IWRM), and practical aspects of water supply and water use management. Particular attention in the training materials is given to institutional, technical, financial, cognitive, and gender dimensions of implementing adaptation measures.
The seminar represented an important contribution to strengthening national capacity in climate change adaptation and fostering cooperation between national and regional institutions. The joint efforts of SIC ICSD and SIC ICWC within the framework of the UNDP/GCF project highlight the importance of coordinated regional action in advancing sustainable water resources management and enhancing the resilience of Central Asian countries to climate change.
The event supports the achievement of:
| Priority area of REP4SD No 1 dedicated to SDG 4 on “Ensuring inclusive and equitable quality education and promoting lifelong learning op-opportunities for all” |
| 1.1 Capacity building of existing institutions including training, retraining and professional development of personnel in the field of climate change adaptation for interested government agencies, academic and private sectors, NGOs, etc., considering international experience. |
| Priority Area of REP4SD No 2 dedicated to SDG 6 on "Ensure Availability and Sustainable Management of Water and Sanitation for All" |
| 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. |