OSCE Centre supports implementation of Turkmenistan's national environmental action plan

ASHGABAD, 25 November 2005 - Over 80 representatives of various ministries, research institutes, public associations and international organizations from across the country have been taking part in a conference on Turkmenistan's National Environmental Action Plan.

The two-day conference, entitled 'The National Environmental Action Plan of Turkmenistan in Action', was organized by the Nature Protection Ministry with the support of the OSCE Centre in Ashgabad.

"Turkmenistan implements numerous activities in the sphere of environmental security", said Ibrahim Djikic, Head of the OSCE Centre in Ashgabad, at the opening ceremony. "However, life is not static, and the environment is constantly changing. Consequently, approaches to its preservation must also be dynamic".

Participants discussed the implementation of activities within the framework of the Plan, which is a guide for the implementation of the state environmental policy adopted in 2002. Experts and researchers addressed a wide range of important issues, including environmental security, problems of the Aral Sea Basin, and environmental education.

Special emphasis was put on the protection of water and land resources, biodiversity and agro-biodiversity and their connections to human security, as well as investment activities.

Some of the most important recommendations of the conference include prioritizing environmental issues related to the Caspian Sea. It suggested, too, that enhancing and co-ordinating inter-agency efforts should take priority in implementing the plan. Issues of trans-boundary environmental co-operation should also get more attention.

A booklet of articles, presentations and findings will be published following the conference.

In close co-operation with the Nature Protection Ministry, the OSCE Centre plans to continue its support for the Plan in 2006.