The seminar "Principles and Benefits of Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) and the Role of Key Stakeholders in the SEA Process" was held at the OSCE Center in Ashgabat, Turkmenistan on June 18th, 2025.
Representatives from environmental authorities, health authorities, and international organizations participated in the event to discuss the role, significance, and application of SEA in real-world conditions.
John McGregor, Head of the OSCE Center in Ashgabat, addressed the participants with a welcoming speech. In his address, he wished the seminar participants successful and meaningful work, expressing confidence that the exchange of experience and professional dialogue would make a significant contribution to the further promotion of strategic environmental assessment in the region.
Orazgul Isgenderova, an office assistant, took part in the seminar on behalf of the project office of the Regional Environmental Centre for Central Asia (CAREC) in Turkmenistan. For her, as for many other young professionals, this event was an important opportunity to learn about the key concepts and practical aspects of SEA and environmental impact assessment (EIA).
Dr. Maia Gachechiladze-Bozhesku, International Consultant to the OSCE, made very informative and interesting presentations. She spoke very clearly and vividly about everything, from the goals of the project "Strengthening national and regional capacities and cooperation on Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) in Central Asia, including as a response to climate change" " Phase II, which was launched in October 2023 – September 2026, to the legal framework, key elements, advantages and even examples from Europe, Central Asia and the Caucasus. Everything was explained clearly, with an emphasis on practical application. The diagram was particularly interesting, which helped determine whether a particular plan or program was subject to SEA.
The presentation by Mr. Serdar Mamedniyazov, an OSCE national expert, who spoke about the current state of SEA development in Turkmenistan, was also of great value. His presentation aroused great interest and set an important context for further discussions.
SEA is a process that helps to take into account the potential impact on the environment at the stage of developing strategies, plans, and programs. Thanks to SEA, it is possible to identify potential environmental risks in advance and avoid them. This means planning with nature in mind and thinking one step ahead.
"The seminar was held in a very active and engaged atmosphere. The participants not only listened, but also shared their opinions, asked questions, and discussed real situations. At the very beginning, Dr. Maia suggested that we identify one goal for our participation. My goal was to understand what SEA is and how it is applied in practice. As a result, I was able to achieve this goal — I got a clear idea of the approach, saw its application in real examples," noted Orazgul Isgenderova.
Such seminars play an important role in spreading knowledge and forming a unified approach to environmental policy, and are especially important for young professionals. They help them feel part of larger processes, develop environmental thinking and see how they can influence real change. By sharing experiences and involving specialists from different fields, they contribute to strengthening cooperation and improving the quality of planning, taking into account environmental interests.
Additional information:
Mergen Kepbanov, Director of the RECCA Project Office in Turkmenistan,