AGP Executive Report

Local Sustainability: UNDP and Turkmenistan’s Ministry of Finance and Economy held workshops in Mary, Lebap, Dashoguz and Turkmenbashi to help local officials set regional Sustainable Development Goal priorities and indicators for planning and monitoring. Caspian Sea: At the first Caspian Environmental Summit in Avaza, the five littoral states agreed to establish a commission to study falling water levels and coordinate responses. Its first meeting is planned for Azerbaijan in the first half of 2027. Leaders also called for science-based monitoring and stronger protection of habitats and biodiversity as the shrinking sea threatens ecosystems, fisheries and ports. Regional Water: Central Asian states agreed on water-use limits and reservoir operations for 2026–27, and discussed cooperation on the Amu Darya and Syr Darya and water-saving technologies. National quotas remain unclear.

Caspian at Risk: At the first Caspian Environmental Summit in Avaza, the five littoral states agreed to establish a commission on the sea’s falling water level. Its first meeting is planned for Azerbaijan in the first half of 2027, with scientists and officials tasked with developing coordinated measures. Leaders warned that the decline threatens biodiversity, fisheries, coastal communities and shipping. Kazakhstan’s president also urged joint action to protect Caspian seals and combat illegal fishing. Regional Water Management: Central Asian states agreed on water use and reservoir operations for 2026–27, but national quotas remain unclear. A separate meeting in Turkmenistan also addressed the rational use of water.

Caspian Sea: Turkmenistan and the four other littoral states agreed to establish a commission on the sea’s falling water level, with its first meeting planned in Azerbaijan in the first half of 2027. The group is to develop science-based responses, while proposed expert working groups will focus on the crisis’s effects on habitats, biodiversity, fisheries and coastal communities. Wildlife Protection: Kazakhstan called for joint action to protect Caspian seals and other vulnerable species, restore spawning grounds and curb illegal fishing and poaching. Regional Water Security: Central Asian states agreed on water use and reservoir operations for 2026–27, as discussions in the region highlighted the need for more efficient use of shared river resources.

Caspian Sea: The five littoral states agreed to establish a joint commission to study the sea’s falling water levels and coordinate responses. Turkmenistan backed holding its first meeting in Azerbaijan in the first half of 2027, with scientists and government officials involved. Leaders warned that the decline is harming coastal ecosystems and fisheries, and threatening ports and shipping. Wildlife Protection: Kazakhstan’s president called for stronger cooperation to protect Caspian seals, restore spawning grounds and delta ecosystems, and combat poaching and illegal fishing.

Caspian Sea: Turkmenistan backed a five-country commission to investigate the sea’s falling water levels and develop joint responses. Its first meeting is planned for Azerbaijan in the first half of 2027, with scientists and experts proposed for supporting working groups. The decline threatens biodiversity, fisheries, coastal communities and shipping. Regional Water Cooperation: At a separate meeting in Avaza, Central Asian officials discussed more rational use of Amu Darya and Syr Darya water, including joint management and making the region’s water sector more resilient to climate change.

Caspian in Crisis: Leaders of the five Caspian states warned at a summit in Turkmenbashi that the sea is shrinking rapidly, threatening ecosystems, fisheries and coastal communities. Russia reported a nine-centimeter annual drop and a 20,000-square-kilometer retreat of its shoreline over two decades. Azerbaijan will host the first meeting of a new joint commission in 2027 to investigate the causes and coordinate responses. Leaders cited climate change, reduced river inflows and human activity among the pressures. Regional Water Management: Central Asian officials meeting in Avaza agreed on water-withdrawal limits and reservoir plans for autumn and winter 2026–27, but the national quotas remain unpublished. They also discussed managing the Amu Darya and Syr Darya more sustainably as climate change adds strain.

Caspian in Focus: Turkmenbashi hosted a Caspian Environmental Summit on October 9, bringing regional leaders together to discuss the sea’s falling water levels, climate change, biodiversity and pollution. Azerbaijan’s President Ilham Aliyev said the Caspian’s surface area has shrunk by more than 20,000 square kilometres, warning that continued shallowing could harm coastal communities, ecosystems, ports and transport. Wildlife Health: Turkmenistan trained reserve staff and government and NGO representatives in biosecurity and the “One Health” approach to reduce the risk of animal-borne diseases spreading to people in protected areas. Regional Water Management: Central Asian states agreed on water distribution and reservoir operations for 2026–27, a key step in coordinating use of the region’s rivers.

Wildlife Health: Turkmenistan trained reserve inspectors and researchers in biosecurity and the “One Health” approach to reduce the risk of animal-borne diseases spreading to people. Water Cooperation: Central Asian officials meeting in Avaza agreed on water allocations and reservoir operating plans for the 2026–27 non-growing season, as well as steps to strengthen cooperation on the Amu Darya and Syr Darya. Caspian and Climate: A regional environmental summit is set for October 9 amid concern over the Caspian’s falling level. At the leaders’ meeting in Avaza, Kyrgyz President Sadyr Japarov stressed protecting glaciers and mountain ecosystems.

Caspian Sea: As leaders gather in Avaza for an environmental summit, the sea’s falling level is raising alarm. A newly exposed island off Kazakhstan’s coast illustrates the retreat, which threatens Caspian seals, wetlands, fisheries and coastal communities. Regional Water: Central Asian states agreed on reservoir operations and water allocations for the 2026–27 non-growing season, and outlined closer cooperation on the Amu Darya and Syr Darya as climate change and water demand intensify pressure on the rivers. Climate and Emissions: Officials in Ashgabat discussed a digital tool to monitor climate finance, while Turkmenistan reviewed methane-emissions standards—an issue with implications for the country’s major gas sector. Ecosystems: Kyrgyz President Sadyr Zhaparov urged regional leaders in Turkmenbashi to protect glaciers and mountain ecosystems as foundations for long-term sustainable development.

Caspian in Focus: Turkmenistan is preparing to host a 9 October environmental summit with all five Caspian littoral states, where leaders are expected to discuss the sea’s shrinking levels and agree on regional cooperation. The retreating shoreline has exposed new islands off Kazakhstan; scientists warn that falling water levels threaten Caspian seals, wetlands, fisheries and coastal communities. Water Stress: Regional river flows are declining and glaciers are losing mass, increasing pressure on water supplies across Central Asia, including the Aral Sea basin. Climate Action: Turkmenistan has reviewed methane-emissions standards and discussed a digital tool to track climate finance, as the country faces pressure to turn climate plans into measurable projects.

Caspian Environment Summit: Turkmenistan will host a Caspian Environmental Summit on Oct. 9, with leaders from all five Caspian littoral states expected to focus on cooperation to tackle the Caspian Sea’s shallowing and related environmental problems. CIS & Regional Diplomacy: Russian President Vladimir Putin is set to visit Turkmenistan on Oct. 8–9 for the CIS heads-of-state summit and the Caspian track, while a separate Putin–Pashinyan meeting in Turkmenistan is not planned. Climate Finance Tools: In Ashgabat, Turkmenistan, FAO and the Green Climate Fund ran training on a new digital tool to monitor the “transparency” of climate finance and improve reporting for greenhouse gas emissions and Paris Agreement planning. Water Stress Across Central Asia: A new regional assessment warns that river flows are declining, freshwater reserves are below normal, and glaciers are losing mass—raising pressure on water security from the Aral Sea basin to major reservoirs. Desertification & Food Security: A World Food Day-linked discussion highlights how climate change, pollution and overexploitation are worsening desertification in North and Central Asia, and how geospatial tools can help farmers adapt and use water more efficiently. Caspian Sea Shrinkage Seen Up Close: Environmentalists report newly emerged under-water islands in the Caspian as water levels fall, with wildlife already reaching exposed land. Youth & Wildfire Tech: Turkmen schoolchildren will compete in South Korea’s FIRST Global Challenge 2026, where this year’s theme includes wildfire prevention and environmental sustainability.

Climate Finance & Adaptation: Turkmenistan tested a new digital tool to monitor the “transparency” of climate spending, aiming to systematize environmental expenditures, improve greenhouse-gas reporting, and support Paris Agreement planning. Desertification & Risk Mapping: A new deep-learning approach is being used to map desertification risk more dynamically, updating vulnerability as conditions change. Earthquake Preparedness: Qatar Red Crescent Society hosted a ShakeSmart workshop on urban earthquake preparedness, pushing practical public risk communication after the lessons of the 1948 Ashgabat quake. Regional Environment Diplomacy: Turkmenistan’s Avaza is set to host a dense Oct 7–9 run of CIS and Caspian-focused meetings, including a Caspian environmental summit and discussions on water management and environmental protection. Green Cities: A Masdar City delegation will attend CIET 2026 in Ashgabat to share sustainable urban development experience, including energy and water efficiency and digital planning. Education for Sustainability: Turkmen students “OguzRobot” will compete in South Korea’s FIRST Global Challenge 2026, with this year’s theme tied to wildfire prevention and environmental sustainability. Investment Climate (with a green angle): Turkmenistan’s Investment Forum highlighted legal mechanisms and a “green transformation” track alongside fintech and digital tools.

Climate Finance & Adaptation: Turkmenistan held an interagency training at Archabil Hotel with FAO and the Green Climate Fund to test a new digital tool for tracking the transparency of climate spending, improving reporting on greenhouse-gas emissions, and supporting planning for agriculture and forestry. Methane Rules Update: In Ashgabat, officials reviewed international standards for cutting methane emissions, aiming to adapt EU-style rules to Turkmenistan’s energy regulatory framework under an EU-Germany-GIZ project. Green Energy Push: At the Turkmenistan Investment Forum, EU Ambassador Luc Devigne said solar and wind could become major future EU investment areas, while trade and climate cooperation continue under existing energy dialogue. Investment Forum Momentum: TIF 2026 wrapped up in Ashgabat, spotlighting legal mechanisms, digital tools, and “green transformation” alongside regional investment cooperation. Desertification Research: A new study using deep learning and adaptive risk mapping aims to better predict desertification pressure in near real time, moving beyond older vegetation-only indicators. Earthquake Preparedness & Memory: Ahead of Oct. 6 remembrance, Ashgabat marked the 78th anniversary with performances recalling the 1948 disaster, while QRCS hosted ShakeSmart workshops to strengthen public risk communication for urban earthquake readiness. Water Security Theme: Regional commentary again stressed that Central Asia’s water challenge demands shared measurement and cooperation across river basins.

Earthquake memory & preparedness: On the eve of the 78th anniversary of the 1948 Ashgabat earthquake, Ashgabat’s Alp Arslan National Drama Theatre staged “Halk hakydasy,” a documentary-style play honoring victims and spotlighting the disaster’s human cost. Climate finance transparency: Turkmenistan held an interagency training on a new digital tool (with FAO and the Green Climate Fund) to track and classify environmental spending, improve greenhouse-gas reporting, and support Paris Agreement planning. Methane cuts in practice: Under an EU-backed “Green Development” project, Turkmenistan reviewed methane-emission rules and, with UNEP, reported eliminating emissions at eight pipeline, well and flare sources, with satellite follow-up monitoring. Green investment push: At the Turkmenistan Investment Forum in Ashgabat, EU Ambassador Luc Devigne said solar and wind could be major future cooperation areas, while discussions also covered green transformation and investment legal mechanisms. Desertification risk modeling: A new deep-learning study proposes a more adaptive way to map desertification risk, aiming to better reflect changing environmental and human pressures. Disaster risk communication: Qatar Red Crescent Society hosted a ShakeSmart workshop to strengthen urban earthquake awareness and practical “drop, cover, hold on” messaging.

Methane & Climate Policy: Turkmenistan reviewed international methane-emission standards with Mejlis and energy/environment agencies, aligning rules with EU approaches under the EU “Green Development of Turkmenistan” project, while UNEP reports eight methane sources on pipelines, wells and flares have been eliminated and are now under monitoring. Green Energy Investment: At the Turkmenistan Investment Forum (TIF 2026) in Ashgabat, EU Ambassador Luc Devigne said solar and wind could become major EU investment areas, alongside ongoing cooperation on energy efficiency and methane. Sustainable Cities: Masdar City (Abu Dhabi) announced it will join CIET 2026 in Ashgabat (3–5 Nov) to share sustainable urban planning, renewable energy and digital transformation experience. Water Security: A Central Asia water-focused piece highlights how declining water threatens livelihoods and investment capacity, arguing cooperation and shared responsibility are essential. Disaster Preparedness: Qatar Red Crescent Society hosted a ShakeSmart workshop on earthquake risk communication, using lessons from the 1948 Ashgabat quake to push practical “drop, cover, hold on” drills. Desertification Risk Tech: A new deep-learning study maps desertification risk with high accuracy, aiming to track land degradation as conditions change. Investment Forum Momentum: TIF 2026 wrapped with talks on diversification, legal mechanisms and green transformation, while the EBRD expects first concrete Turkmenistan deals via a central bank banking accord.

Turkmenistan Investment Forum (TIF 2026): Ashgabat wrapped up the two-day TIF 2026, bringing together foreign investors, finance institutions and companies to discuss energy, transport, digital tools and “green” transformation, with UNFPA stressing “demographic intelligence” for economic diversification. EU climate push: Turkmenistan reviewed international methane-emission rules with Mejlis and energy regulators under the EU/GIZ “EU for Green Development” project, aiming to align its regulatory framework with EU methane requirements for gas imports. Methane results on the ground: UNEP reported Turkmenistan eliminated methane emissions at eight sources across pipelines, wells and flares, with satellite checks confirming no recurrence. Renewables and trade with the EU: EU Ambassador Luc Devigne said solar and wind could be major future investment areas, while EU–Turkmenistan trade turnover reached €1.4B. Desertification risk modeling: A new deep-learning approach maps desertification risk with high accuracy, highlighting the need to factor both environmental and human pressures. Urban resilience & disaster awareness: Qatar Red Crescent Society hosted a ShakeSmart workshop on earthquake preparedness, using culturally tailored risk communication—relevant after the 1948 Ashgabat quake. Sustainable city know-how: Masdar City (Abu Dhabi) is set to join CIET 2026 in Ashgabat to share resource-efficient, digital and renewable-focused urban development experience.