A series of workshops on climate risks and adaptation were launched for representatives of the private sector of Turkmenistan by the project “Development of the National Adaptation Planning Process in Turkmenistan” (NAP), implemented by UNDP with financial support from the Green Climate Fund (GCF) in cooperation with the Ministry of Environmental Protection of Turkmenistan.

The overall goal of the workshops is to build the knowledge base and capacity of the private sector in Turkmenistan on climate risks and impacts of climate change, as well as options and opportunities to facilitate adaptation measures.

The series included seminars “Climate Agenda: Features of Climate Risks and Water Security. The relevance of climate change for the private sector in Turkmenistan”, which was held in Ashgabat and Dashoguz from June 3 to 7.

Maya Ashirova, UNDP NAP project manager comments:

“The Central Asia region is becoming increasingly vulnerable to climate change as rising temperatures and more erratic weather patterns disrupt ecosystems and increase the frequency of extreme droughts, floods, heat waves and wildfires. According to a study conducted by the World Bank, unless action is taken, economic losses from droughts and floods in Central Asia are projected to be up to 1.3% of GDP per year, and crop yields are expected to decline by 30% by 2050 UNDP Turkmenistan recognizes that closing the adaptation financing gap will require significant investment and private sector participation.”

The workshops addressed key aspects of climate change, climate risks and their impact on water resources and security. Participants discussed the importance of climate change and water security for the private sector in Turkmenistan.

The target audience of the seminars are representatives of the Union of Industrialists and Entrepreneurs of Turkmenistan, as well as academia and civil society interested in involving the private sector in the implementation of adaptation measures.
Six rounds of seminars will be held in Ashgabat and Dashoguz velayat, according to a UNDP press release.

The seminar program is based on an analysis of current needs and an assessment of the level of awareness of the private sector in Turkmenistan. It also explores opportunities for integrating best practices, technologies and lessons learned from other countries.