USAID, in partnership with the Union of Industrialists and Entrepreneurs of Turkmenistan and local experts, concluded a series of four seminars and forums for government representatives, civil society, and entrepreneurs involved in waste management. The Government of Turkmenistan prioritizes waste management in the nation’s environmental protection and sustainable development strategies. To support the Government of Turkmenistan’s priorities, USAID has facilitated strategic discussions on new models of cooperation between municipalities, civil society and local entrepreneurs to reduce waste, increase recycling, and improve waste segregation and disposal mechanisms.

Today’s seminar was a strategic planning session to initiate new cooperation mechanisms between municipalities and local entrepreneurs, helping to improve segregation and collection of waste and reduce pressure on municipal waste facilities. USAID’s previous work in this sector supported strengthening waste management infrastructure in all five regions of Turkmenistan, and promoted awareness on environmental issues. Today’s session built upon USAID’s prior work by supporting the country’s shift towards meeting internationally recognized standards for environmental protection. Achieving international standards encourages local organizations and businesses to reduce waste, improve resource efficiency and cut the cost of waste management, which helps them gain a competitive advantage and the trust of stakeholders.

The USAID-funded Governance Support Program, implemented by the QED Group LLC, in partnership with the Government of Turkmenistan, aims to strengthen accountability, effectiveness, and transparency of governance in the country.

ORIENT news