Astana, April 24, 2026 — The first Steering Committee meeting of the “Central Asia Water and Land Nexus (CAWLN)” programme was held within the framework of the Regional Environmental Summit 2026. The programme aims to restore ecosystems, promote sustainable natural resource management, and strengthen the region’s resilience to climate risks.
The programme is implemented under the leadership of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), with funding from the Global Environment Facility (GEF), and brings together the countries of Central Asia to develop coordinated approaches in the management of water and land resources.
The meeting was held in a hybrid format and brought together representatives of countries in the region, international organizations, and partner institutions. The discussions focused on the launch of the programme and the establishment of its governance mechanisms. Participants were presented with an overview of the objectives, structure, and approaches to implementing CAWLN at the regional level. The Terms of Reference (ToR) of the Steering Committee were also approved, defining its key coordination and decision-making role within the programme.
Among the key objectives of the first meeting were the establishment of the Steering Committee, discussion and approval of its mandate, as well as the review of annual work plans and budgets. Particular attention was also given to coordination between national and regional partners, as well as to the alignment of ongoing projects.
The meeting was attended by Mergen Kepbanov, Director of the CAREC Project Office in Turkmenistan. In his remarks, he highlighted the launch of a large-scale project aimed at the ecological transformation of agriculture in Turkmenistan and enhancing its resilience to climate change. He emphasized that the work will focus on introducing innovative nature-based solutions in the Amu Darya River basin, which will not only help restore degraded lands but also strengthen water security in the region.
The report emphasized the importance of strengthening “green” approaches in the country’s public policy and legal framework.
“Particular attention within the project is given to its practical implementation in the Lebap velayat, where efforts will focus on ensuring a balanced coexistence between the agricultural sector and protected natural areas,” noted Mergen Kepbanov.
The first Steering Committee meeting marked an important step in launching the CAWLN programme and establishing a sustainable mechanism for regional cooperation in natural resource management.
Additional information:
Mergen Kepbanov– Director of the CAREC Project Office in Turkmenistan,