UNDP and Partners Join Forces to Strengthen Water Diplomacy and Regional Cooperation in the Aral Sea Basin
The Second Consultative Meeting of Central Asian Countries, "Development and Implementation of the UN Special Programme for the Aral Sea Basin as a Direction of Water Diplomacy," has commenced in the Avaza National Tourism Zone in Turkmenistan.
The two-day meeting brings together representatives of relevant government agencies from Central Asian countries, international and regional organizations, as well as experts in water resources, environmental sustainability, and water diplomacy. The focus is on developing a common regional vision for the content, priorities, and implementation mechanisms of the UN Special Programme for the Aral Sea Basin (UN SPAS), as well as further strengthening dialogue and cooperation on transboundary water resources.
Participants are also discussing key issues related to sustainable management of water resources and natural ecosystems in the Aral Sea Basin, as well as opportunities for closer coordination among countries of the region, international partners and financial mechanisms.
“The Aral Sea Basin is a region where water resources, climate change, ecosystem health and sustainable development are closely interconnected. Addressing these challenges requires strong trust, open and constructive dialogue and joint action among the countries of the region. For UNDP, water diplomacy provides an opportunity to bring together knowledge, innovation and partnerships to advance shared sustainable development goals,” said Narine Sahakyan, UNDP Resident Representative in Turkmenistan.
On the first day, participants focused on the proposed UN Special Programme for the Aral Sea Basin, discussing it priorities, alignment with national and regional initiatives, and its potential to strengthen regional coopeation on water security, ecosystem restoration and water diplomacy.
On the second day, participants will continue discussions on the Progamme’s priorities and implementation. The meeting is expected to conclude with an agreed document reflecting the participating countries’ common approaches.
The meeting is organized with the participation of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan, the State Committee for Water Resources of Turkmenistan and the Ministry of Environmental Protection of Turkmenistan, within the framework of the UNDP/GEF project “Conservation and Sustainable Management of Land Resources and High Nature Value Ecosystems in the Aral Sea Basin for Multiple Benefits.”
Additional support for the meeting is provided by the Blue Peace Central Asia initiative, supporting regional cooperation and water diplomacy in Central Asia, and the UNDP/GEF Aral Sea Wetlands project (Uzbekistan).
