The USAID Regional Project on Water Resources and the Environment, together with the State Committee of Water Management of Turkmenistan, has strengthened the shoreline of the Shavat Canal in the Dashoguz region. For this purpose, coastal protection forest strips were created along the canal, which is the main waterway of the city of Dashoguz and the surrounding area.

Afforestation was carried out on two pilot project sites with a total area of 22 hectares. In total, over 9 thousand trees were planted, resistant to cold weather conditions and highly saline soils. Among them — elm, mulberry, as well as fruit crops — apple, pear and apricot.

Due to the intensive use of land for agricultural needs, the banks of the Shavat Canal were destroyed. In addition, Dashoguz region is highly susceptible to the consequences of the Aral crisis. This means that many soils are very saline and require enrichment, especially on agricultural land.

The trees planted within the framework of the project reduce wind speed, air and soil temperature, and increase air humidity. They also favorably affect the soil cover and the environment, the living conditions of the local population. In addition, coastal forest strips prevent soil erosion, reduce the groundwater level, and prevent salinization of the lands of nearby fields.

ORIENT news
Photo provided by USAID