Ashgabat, Turkmenistan, 16-17 November 2023 – Within the framework of the UNDP/GEF project “Development of the National Adaptation Planning Process in Turkmenistan”, the fourth seminar was held on the theme “National Legislation, Policy, and Institutions in the Field of Climate Change Adaptation and Water Resources”. The event was jointly organized by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the Ministry of Environmental Protection of Turkmenistan, the Scientific-Information Center of the Interstate Commission for Water Coordination (SIC ICWC), and the Scientific-Information Center of the Interstate Commission on Sustainable Development (SIC ICSD), with financial support from the Green Climate Fund (GCF).
The seminar brought together about 30 representatives of line ministries and agencies, including the Ministry of Environmental Protection, the Department of Environmental Protection and Hydrometeorology, the State Water Committee, as well as representatives of academia, local authorities, and international organizations.
The main objective of the seminar was to review the political, legal, and institutional foundations of climate change adaptation and water resource management. Participants emphasized the importance of integrating climate adaptation into national strategies, legislation, and the functioning of existing institutions. Such integration strengthens cross-sectoral coherence, facilitates the development of climate-resilient strategies and legal frameworks, and promotes effective inter-agency cooperation.
Seminar of on national legislation in water sector in progress. Photocredit to UNDP Turkmenistan.
During the seminar, SIC ICSD national expert Mr. Ch.K. Taganov delivered a presentation on “National Legislation and Policy on Climate Change Adaptation in Turkmenistan with a Focus on Water Resources.” He highlighted the main provisions of Turkmenistan’s climate policy, the key tasks of the National Adaptation Strategy, and provided examples of legislative acts establishing the legal framework for adaptation measures in the agricultural and water sectors. Special attention was given to state policy documents incorporating climate adaptation into key sectors.
The seminar served as an important platform for exchanging experience, deepening knowledge, and developing coordinated approaches aimed at strengthening Turkmenistan’s resilience to the impacts of climate change.
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The seminar was conducted under the UNDP/GCF project “Advancing the National Adaptation Planning Process in Turkmenistan”. It combined two key areas of work: enhancing the knowledge of decision-makers about complex climate risks, and delivering training sessions on integrating climate change adaptation into water management planning. The event brought together about 30 specialists, including representatives of relevant ministries, state committees, academic and educational institutions, and local authorities.
The event supports the achievement of:
| Priority area of REP4SD 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 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. |