The seminar on the topic “The importance of modeling agroecological zones (AEZ) for the optimal placement of crops in the regions of the country” was held within the framework of the project “Supporting Climatically Sustainable Economic Livelihoods of Agricultural Communities in the Dry Regions of Turkmenistan”, which is implemented jointly by the United Nations Development Program (UNDP), the Ministry of Agriculture and Environmental Protection of Turkmenistan and the GEF Special Climate Fund. This was reported on the UNDP website.

The seminar was attended by representatives of the scientific community, employees of agricultural universities, representatives of velayat and etrap hyakimliks and specialists of interested sectoral ministries and departments of Turkmenistan.

The organization of the event took place with the participation of the project partners: the program “Russian experts for international development”, funded by the Russian Federation and the program “Assistance to the improvement of public administration in Turkmenistan”, funded by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID).

The seminar was conducted by an international consultant - Professor of the Moscow Agricultural Academy named after K.A. Timiryazev Ivan Vasenev. He acquainted the participants with international experience in the creation of agro-ecological zones using digital technologies.

The Russian expert will also assist in the preparation of a roadmap for modeling the AEZ in Turkmenistan, taking into account international experience and the existing potential in the country.

Farhat Orunov, Program Analyst for the UNDP Environmental Portfolio in Turkmenistan, noted:

“The aim of the workshop is to discuss the possibilities for modeling AEZ at the national level and assess the existing potential of stakeholders” - noted “Agroecological models will help in formulating long-term public investment policies in the agricultural and water sectors in order to cope with future climate risks.”

The joint project “Supporting Climate Resilient Economic Livelihoods of Agricultural Communities in the Dry Regions of Turkmenistan” was launched in 2016 and aims to support the application of adaptation measures taking into account a changing climate for the sustainable development of agricultural communities living in Lebap and Dashoguz velayats of Turkmenistan.