On 4 June 2026, a roundtable discussion dedicated to raising public awareness of climate change in the Murgab River Basin was held in Ashgabat. The event was organized within the framework of the GIZ Regional Programme “Climate Risk Management in Central Asia” with the participation of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) in Turkmenistan and the National Red Crescent Society of Turkmenistan.
The main objective of the roundtable was to provide a platform for dialogue and experience-sharing among government institutions, international organizations, civil society organizations, and experts, with a view to strengthening cross-sectoral cooperation in climate risk management and enhancing the resilience of local communities.
During the event, participants were presented with the results of information sessions conducted in May 2026 in the cities of Yoloten, Murgab, and Mary in Mary Velayat. Discussions focused on climate change adaptation, sustainable water resources management, disaster risk reduction, and strengthening public preparedness for emergencies related to climate change and water resources.
The roundtable brought together representatives of the Ministry of Environmental Protection of Turkmenistan, the Ministry of Defence of Turkmenistan, the Ministry of Agriculture of Turkmenistan, the Ministry of Health and Medical Industry of Turkmenistan, the Ministry of Education of Turkmenistan, the State Committee for Water Management of Turkmenistan, as well as representatives of international and public organizations and the media.
The Regional Environmental Centre for Central Asia (CAREC) was represented by Mergen Kepbanov, Director of the CAREC Project Office in Turkmenistan. During the discussions, he emphasized the importance of a comprehensive approach to climate change adaptation, strengthened inter-agency cooperation, and the active involvement of local communities in decision-making processes
Participants highlighted the need to expand further cooperation among government agencies, international organizations, and civil society to effectively address climate-related challenges and strengthen community resilience to the impacts of climate change
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CAREC consistently supports initiatives aimed at strengthening regional cooperation in climate risk management and water resources management. Events such as this provide valuable opportunities for knowledge exchange, the development of joint solutions, and the establishment of sustainable partnerships among all stakeholders,” noted Mergen Kepbanov, Director of the CAREC Project Office in Turkmenistan.
At the conclusion of the event, participants identified further areas for cooperation aimed at increasing public awareness, promoting practical adaptation measures, and strengthening partnerships at both national and local levels
Additional Information:
Mergen Kepbanov, Director of the CAREC Project Office in Turkmenistan, turkmenistan@carececo.org