National Seminar for Turkmenistan under the GEF-UNDP-UNESCO Project “Enhancing the Resilience of Central Asian Countries by Promoting Regional Cooperation in the Assessment of Nival-Glacial Systems for the Development of Integrated Approaches to Sustainable Development and Climate Change Adaptation”

On May 12–13, 2025, a national seminar was held in Ashgabat as part of the GEF–UNDP–UNESCO project “Enhancing the Resilience of Central Asian Countries by Promoting Regional Cooperation in the Assessment of Nival-Glacial Systems for the Development of Integrated Approaches to Sustainable Development and Climate Change Adaptation.”

 The purpose of the seminar was to develop key ideas that could later be transformed into certain actions and Turkmenistan-specific activities related to cryosphere studies.

The Central Asian Regional Glaciological Centre category 2 under the auspices of UNESCO, was represented by CARGC's leading research scientist, N.V. Pimankina.

Ms. Chinar Rustamova, Secretary-General of the National Commission of Turkmenistan for UNESCO, opened the meeting by emphasizing that the UN General Assembly’s decision to proclaim 2025 as the International Year of Glacier Preservation, and March 21 as World Glacier Day, along with the adoption—at the initiative of Tajikistan—of the Decade of Action in Support of Cryospheric Sciences (2025–2034), are all aimed at drawing global attention to the issue of glacier preservation and their importance for both nature and humanity. She noted that this year, designated as the International Year of Peace and Trust, also marks the 30th anniversary of Turkmenistan’s neutrality. Ms. Rustamova highlighted the need to use alternative energy sources and referred to the nationwide reforestation campaign—632,000 saplings were planted across Turkmenistan in 2024 with active youth participation—which is expected to help improve the local microclimate.

Seminar participants.  12.05. 2025

Ministry of Environmental Protection of Turkmenistan, cited Turkmen proverbs such as “A drop of water is a grain of gold” and “Water is the father, the land is the mother,” which reflect the Turkmen people's deep respect for water as a source of life. He emphasized the importance of uniting the efforts of scientists to strengthen scientific transboundary cooperation and to raise public awareness of the issue of glacier melting and the associated climate change risks.

The seminar participants discussed the national context of the “Vision – 2050” framework. Turkmenistan has no glaciers or permanent snow cover; snow falls and persists only in the mountains of Kopetdag. Approximately 98% of the country’s water resources are formed outside its borders. A proposal was made to organize a survey of the glaciers in the Vakhsh and Pyandzh river basins, which feed the Amu Darya River, involving hydrology specialists and students from Turkmenistan. It was recommended that ground-based monitoring be combined with remote sensing methods, including the use of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). The application of diverse methods requires trained and competent professionals, whose qualifications can be enhanced through participation in Summer Schools and training sessions successfully conducted by experts from Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan.

Scientists from Central Asia can provide recommendations for the study and mapping of mudflows and glacial lake outburst floods (GLOFs) in Turkmenistan using unified methodologies. In turn, representatives of Turkmenistan, including Dr. P. Kepbanov, Director of the Institute of Deserts, invited experts to publish the results of their research in the journal Environmental Protection and Ecology of the Ministry of Environmental Protection of Turkmenistan.

In addition to joint scientific research, the project places great emphasis on the creation of a unified knowledge management platform on the cryosphere in Central Asia. It envisions the exchange of knowledge, expertise, global trends, and best practices in glacier conservation. The platform will feature virtual glacier tours, archival photographs, and biographies of known researchers.

  Interview on TurkmenTV about the

Lecture at the University

 Experts from various countries and UNESCO specialists took part in a lecture organized for students of the International University for the Humanities and Development. The students showed particular interest in glacier preservation methods used in different countries.

A UNESCO Club was inaugurated at the University — the sixth in Turkmenistan. The club's motto is: "Peace and Trust – the Foundation of Humanism and Development." Students, graduate students, and faculty will study and promote the ideals of UNESCO, as well as the principles of peace and mutual understanding among people. The club’s goals align with those of the International Year of Glacier Preservation, as well as the broader objectives of building trust and fostering cooperation in science and education.

With the aim of raising awareness about the International Year of Glaciers, shaping public opinion, and increasing understanding of the issue, an interview was given for TurkmenTV.

As a result of the seminar, participants outlined the key priorities for studying the cryosphere in Turkmenistan, taking into account the urgency of their implementation and the necessary actions to address these issues in the context of ongoing global changes. Recommendations were developed for establishing a platform for knowledge management and the exchange of data, experience, and expertise.   

N.V. Pimankina

Head Researcher of the Laboratory for Monitoring the Dynamics of Snow and Ice Resources, CARGC