Astana, April 24, 2026 — A thematic event dedicated to the application of nature-based solutions (NbS) in the development of sustainable infrastructure was held within the framework of the Regional Environmental Summit 2026. Among the speakers was Mergen Kepbanov, Director of the CAREC Project Office in Turkmenistan.
The side event, organized with the participation of the Ministry of Environment and Energy Security of Italy, the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), and the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), brought together representatives of government bodies, international organizations, development banks, and the expert community. The main focus was on the Nature-Based Solutions Innovation Accelerator (NBS-IA) initiative, aimed at supporting pilot projects and advancing approaches to the implementation of NbS in the region.
During the event, opportunities under a new round of grant funding were presented, along with an OECD analytical overview on the application of nature-based solutions in Central Asia.
In his remarks, Mergen Kepbanov presented CAREC’s practical experience and noted that nature-based solutions are already being applied in the region as an effective tool for addressing environmental and economic challenges.
In particular, an example was presented of a project in Turkmenistan implemented in partnership with the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO). On degraded lands in the Lebap velayat, afforestation activities using halophytic plants were carried out, which helped improve soil conditions and reduce salinity levels. In addition, greenhouses were established for growing planting material, and approaches combining environmental solutions with economic benefits for local communities were tested.
The remarks also highlighted the experience of Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan, where mechanisms for payments for ecosystem services are being introduced. In particular, approaches are being implemented in buffer zones of natural areas in which businesses and water users contribute to ecosystem conservation. Projects in Tajikistan and Uzbekistan aimed at restoring land productivity and adapting to climate risks were also mentioned.
“Speaking about the next steps, it is important to move from individual projects to more systematic work. Among the priorities are the integration of nature-based solutions into regional strategies, strengthening the evidence base, and developing practical recommendations for their application,” noted Mergen Kepbanov.
As part of a panel discussion involving representatives of international organizations, financial institutions, and the academic community, participants discussed opportunities for implementing pilot projects, conditions for cooperation, and the potential for further development of NbS in the region.
The event served as a platform for exchanging experiences and discussing practical steps for the implementation of nature-based solutions in the countries of Central Asia.
Additional information:
Mergen Kepbanov – Director of the CAREC Project Office in Turkmenistan,