SLU-CA team participated in “Climate Change and Water Resources Management: International Experience and Turkmenistan Opportunities”, a joint workshop of USAID*- funded Smart Waters and C5+1* Adaptation Projects. The goal of the workshop was to train water resource professionals and other stakeholders in key adaptation planning and assessment principles, as well as to share best practices for application of water resources management.
The workshop provided an opportunity to assess climate risks and impacts on water resources management in Turkmenistan and to identify and assess options for mitigation on water resources and water-dependent sectors. The topic is especially pressing for Turkmenistan, a country characterised by arid conditions. International experts shared modelling and analytical perspectives on climate change in the water sector in Turkmenistan and Central Asia.
Reforestation programs currently being implemented at the country level in Turkmenistan shall follow the adaptation techniques aimed at enhancing ecosystem services. As GIZ has extensive experience in the forest sector across Central Asia, SLU-CA Country Coordinator in Turkmenistan, Mrs. Maya Ashirova, was invited to share out experiences in sustainable and joint forest management, including the challenges and practices for successful reforestation.
Among other things, workshop participants* determined climate-resilient methods appropriate for Turkmenistan using existing technologies and infrastructure. Special attention was paid to the problem of the scarce amount of water resources currently available for agricultural development. Participants learned potential categories for adaptation, such as introducing agroforestry techniques, implementing soil and water conservation practices at farms, and rotational grazing schemes.
*Abbreviations/Explanation:
USAID — United States Agency for International Development is an independent agency of the United States federal government that is primarily responsible for administering civilian foreign aid and development assistance.
C5+1 — a platform for dialogue and cooperation between the five Central Asian nations and the U.S. The C5+1 was established in November 2015 to address common security and environmental challenges, improve regional trade flows, and enhance prospects for U.S. trade and investment with the region.
Participants — representatives of the Ministry of Agriculture and Environmental Protection of Turkmenistan, Executive Committee of the International Fund for Saving the Aral Sea, United States Embassy in Ashgabat, State Committee of Water Resources of Turkmenistan, Central Asia Regional Economic Cooperation Institute, Forestry Management Administration, C5+1 Adaptation trainers, Central Asian Regional Environmental Centre.