UNDP Resident Representative in Turkmenistan Narine Saakyan paid a working visit to Dashoguz velayat from 10 to 11 November.

During the visit, N. Saakyan met with the hyakim of Dashoguz velayat Dovletgeldy Babayev, as well as other representatives of the local administration to discuss the results of joint work and future initiatives in the field of sustainable development and environmental sustainability in the Turkmen part of the Aral Sea basin, according to a UNDP press release.

“We highly appreciate the strong support of the velayat administration in achieving our programmatic goals, especially in strengthening environmental sustainability, improving water management strategies and promoting sustainable agricultural practices. This visit strengthens UNDP’s ongoing partnership with Dashoguz velayat and underlines our shared commitment to building resilient communities in the face of the Aral Sea environmental crisis exacerbated by climate change,” noted N. Sahakyan.

The visit also included participation in events organized within the framework of the project “Conservation and Sustainable Management of High-Value Land Resources and Ecosystems in the Aral Sea Basin for Multiple Benefits”, funded by the Global Environment Facility (GEF) and implemented by UNDP in cooperation with the Ministry of Environmental Protection of Turkmenistan.

The UNDP delegation also visited the Ecological Festival “Ecology of Culture”, which was held in the Dashoguz Regional Library on November 10.

On the second day of her visit, N. Saakyan took part in a seminar on water resources management in the Turkmen part of the Aral Sea region.

The aim of the workshop was to address the important issue of water scarcity and its impact on sustainable agriculture. Participants gained valuable knowledge on best practices for efficient water use and conservation.

On the same day, the UNDP delegation visited the Gaplangyr State Nature Reserve, where the Head of UNDP Turkmenistan took part in a tree planting campaign, demonstrating commitment to greening efforts and emphasizing the importance of preserving the region’s rich biodiversity.

The visit ended In Gorogly etrap, where the delegation was introduced to the results of joint UNDP pilot projects aimed at promoting sustainable land management, agricultural development and environmental protection.