Elaboration and delivery of trainings on integration of adaptation into water planning and conducting capacity development programme of trainers to support the mainstreaming of adaptation techniques and practices
Background information: Turkmenistan is vulnerable to climate change due to the steady temperature rise and increasing water deficiency. While the changing climate is impacting the entire economy, the water sector that is suffering the most acutely. The Government of Turkmenistan seeks to strengthen its adaptive and resiliency capacities to climate change by integrating climate risks and adaptation measures into planning and budgeting processes via the development of a National Adaptation Process (NAP). Doing so will complement other key foundational measures including Turkmenistan’s Nationally Determined Contributions, the Third and the under-development Fourth National Communication, and a National Climate Change Strategy.
The UNDP/GEF project on “Developing a National Adaptation Planning Process in Turkmenistan” is implemented by UNDP Turkmenistan in cooperation with national and international partners and aims to strengthen the country’s adaptive capacity and resilience through the development of a National Adaptation Plan (NAP).
In accordance with the tender for project service provision (UNDP RFQ-TKM-017-2022 dated 22 November 2022), a consortium comprising 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) was tasked with preparing and conducting a series of training sessions on integrating adaptation practices into water resource planning. The trainings target two distinct groups: decision-makers and district-level municipal specialists. The consortium also supports the development of trainers’ capacity to promote the application of adaptation methods and practices, particularly in the area of water security.
Objective: Under Outcome 3 of the UNDP/GEF Project on “Developing a National Adaptation Planning Process in Turkmenistan”, the work will focus on strengthening climate change adaptation planning capacity, with a particular emphasis on building the skills of water resource planning and management specialists working at national and subnational levels in Turkmenistan.
Project implementation period: December 2022 – May 2024
Customer: Project of UNDP in Turkmenistan
Seminar of raising awareness in water adaptation in progress, held on September 17-21, 2023. Photocredit to UNDP Turkmenistan.
Project Outputs:
| 1. | Assessment of capacity-building needs of Coordination Mechanism members | Conduct an analysis to identify training and skills development needs of the Coordination Mechanism members in relation to climate change adaptation. |
| 2. | Development of a concept note and a tailored training programme for two-day workshops | Design and deliver six two-day workshops for decision-makers to enhance their knowledge and skills in the area of adaptation. |
| 3. | Development of a concept note and a training programme for three-day workshops for specialists | Prepare and deliver two three-day workshops for specialists in the field of water management and environmental protection, aimed at enhancing their qualifications. |
| 4. | Preparation of a seminar concept and a training manual for trainers | Develop a training manual and conduct a two-day course for trainers to strengthen their ability to effectively teach others on climate change adaptation. |
Project Results:
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A concept note, a specialized training programme, and training materials were developed for decision-makers – members of the Coordination Mechanism.
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Six two-day seminars and training sessions were conducted for the above-mentioned specialists, including 13-14 June 2023 – a seminar on “Climate and Water Resources”; 11-12 July 2023 – a seminar on “International Cooperation on Climate Change and Water”; 19-21 September 2023 – a seminar on “Implementation of IWRM as a Tool for Climate Change Adaptation”; 16-17 November 2023 – a seminar on “National Legislation, Policy and Institutions in the Field of Climate Change Adaptation and Water”; 13-15 March 2024 – a seminar on “Climate Change Adaptation in Water and Agriculture in Turkmenistan”; and 8-9 April 2024 – the final seminar on the topic “Tools for Climate Change Adaptation in Water and Agriculture.”
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A concept note and a specialized training programme were developed for specialists of city and district departments of the Ministry of Agriculture and Environmental Protection, the State Water Committee, as well as the Ashgabat city administration and Dashoguz velayat.
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Two three-day seminars and training sessions were conducted for the above-mentioned specialists, including 12–14 September 2023 in Ashgabat – a seminar on “Climate Change Adaptation in Urban and Agricultural Water Supply,” and 13–15 November 2023 in Dashoguz – a seminar on “Climate Change Adaptation in Urban and Agricultural Water Supply.”
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A seminar concept and Training Manual “Integration of Climate Change Adaptation into Water Resources Planning in Turkmenistan” were prepared.
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A two-day training course was conducted for 30 trainers.
Project Activities:
Conference for National Adaptation Planning in Turkmenistan (April 10, 2025)