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More than 32,000 birds were counted in the Kaplankyr Nature Reserve in Turkmenistan
27.01.2026In the second half of January, a winter bird census was conducted in the Kaplankyr State Nature Reserve. This was reported by the press service of the Ministry of Environmental Protection of Turkmenistan. The monitoring covered the areas of the Zengibaba, Uzynshor, Atabayshor and Sarykamysh, the coastal areas of the Dashoguz tributary of Lake ‘Altyn Asyr’, as well as other parts of the reserve. The field work was carried out by specialists from the reserve with the assistance of the UNDP project on the conservation and sustainable management of ecosystems in the Aral region. The survey was conducted along an 811 km road route and 36 km of walking routes. Small water bodies were considered as separate observation sites, and Lake Sarykamysh was divided into sectors — Mergenashan, Mashryk-Aji, Gulanly and Hallychakan. Observations were made from fixed points using optical equipment. A total of 45 bird species were recorded. Nine of them are sedentary, including the common owl, hawk, jay, desert crow and wagtail. The remaining species are migratory, nesting and wintering birds. Waterfowl accounted for 26 species, or 57.7% of the total. The total number of birds recorded reached 32,416 individuals.
The Great Silk Road: a historical route and a modern model of development
27.01.2026The Great Silk Road occupied a special place in the development of human civilization, connecting the East and the West not only in terms of trade, but also through the exchange of cultures, science, and spiritual values. For thousands of years, this route served as an important economic and geopolitical factor that shaped the course of world history. The main nodes of the Great Silk Road passed through the territory of present-day Turkmenistan, confirming the country’s historical role as a center of international relations since ancient times. The emergence of the Great Silk Road dates back to the 2nd century BCE and encompassed a multifunctional network of routes stretching from China through Central Asia to the Middle East and Europe. It was not a single road, but an extensive system of interconnected trade and communication routes. Through this network, silk, precious stones, metals, aromatic substances, textiles, as well as scientific and cultural achievements were transported from one region to another. Within the territory of Turkmenistan, ancient cities such as Merv, Nisa, Amul (modern Turkmenabat), and Koneurgench served as major hubs of the Great Silk Road. These cities functioned not only as centers of trade, but also as important centers of science, culture, and craftsmanship. Through them, economic and cultural ties between the East and the West were strengthened. The significance of the Great Silk Road was not limited to trade relations alone. It contributed to the development of dialogue among different civilizations and fostered mutual understanding and cooperation among peoples. The spread of religious teachings, scientific ideas, and architectural styles was also carried out through this route. Thus, the Great Silk Road stands as a historical example of integration and cooperation in world history. The book ‘Turkmenistan — Heart of the Great Silk Road’ by the National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, demonstrates how this historical heritage continues to evolve with renewed meaning in the modern era. The work provides an in-depth analysis of Turkmenistan’s historical role along the Great Silk Road, the development of ancient cities, archaeological discoveries, and the country’s strategic position at the crossroads of civilizations. The book emphasizes that the Great Silk Road is not only a legacy of the past, but also a contemporary foundation for economic development and international cooperation. Located at a strategic crossroads of Eurasia, Turkmenistan is consistently strengthening its status as one of the key transit and transport hubs of the region. In modern conditions, the idea of reviving the Great Silk Road finds its practical realization through the implementation of large-scale infrastructure projects aimed at forming sustainable and interconnected transport corridors. The country’s advantageous geographical position contributes to the expansion of trade and economic relations, the acceleration of cargo transportation, and the development of multilateral cooperation among the states of Central Asia, the Caucasus, the Middle East, and Europe. The President of Turkmenistan, Serdar Berdimuhamedov, pursuing a balanced and far-sighted foreign policy in the conditions of the 21st century, consistently puts forward international initiatives aimed at developing a modern transit and transport infrastructure that serves the interests of sustainable and harmonious development of countries worldwide. Particular attention is paid to the practical and timely implementation of these initiatives, reflecting Turkmenistan’s strategic approach to strengthening global cooperation in the transport sector. Active participation in the implementation of large-scale regional transport projects in cooperation with international organizations occupies an important place in the ‘Concept of the Foreign Policy Course of Neutral Turkmenistan’ and the ‘Program for the Development of Transport Diplomacy of the President of Turkmenistan.’ A clear confirmation of the effectiveness of this policy is the adoption by the United Nations General Assembly, at the initiative of Turkmenistan, of a number of resolutions devoted to the role of transport and transit corridors, the development of multimodal transport, and the strengthening of interconnectivity among all modes of transport in the interests of sustainable development, including in the post-pandemic period, as well as the establishment of World Sustainable Transport Day. These decisions vividly demonstrate Turkmenistan’s high international standing and the country’s significant achievements in the field of transport diplomacy. International transport and transit corridors involving Turkmenistan occupy a prominent place in this process, including the multimodal route ‘Afghanistan–Turkmenistan–Azerbaijan–Georgia–Turkey,’ the international transport corridor ‘Turkmenistan–Azerbaijan–Georgia–Romania,’ running along the Caspian Sea–Black Sea axis, as well as the multilateral multimodal corridor ‘China–Kyrgyzstan–Uzbekistan–Turkmenistan–Azerbaijan–Georgia–Turkey–Europe.’ These routes contribute to the expansion of transport links between regions and to the strengthening of the country’s transit potential. Alongside this, transport and transit corridor projects ‘Uzbekistan–Turkmenistan–Iran–Oman’ and ‘Uzbekistan–Turkmenistan–Iran–Turkey,’ as well as the international railway line ‘Kazakhstan–Turkmenistan–Iran,’ are of major strategic importance, as they provide access to the ports of the Persian Gulf and establish reliable connections between Central Asia and global markets. The consistent implementation of these initiatives, together with their international recognition at the United Nations level, clearly attests to the growing role of Turkmenistan in shaping the modern system of international transportation. From an economic perspective, the growth of international transit potential expands Turkmenistan’s export opportunities, creates new jobs, and promotes economic diversification. Overall, the Great Silk Road is not only part of Turkmenistan’s historical past, but also a key pillar of the country’s modern development strategy. The historical experience of this trade route forms a solid foundation for the creation of a modern transport and logistics system.
Media communications for business discussed in Turkmenistan
26.01.2026Every Sunday, the Centre for Young Entrepreneurs at the Union of Industrialists and Entrepreneurs of Turkmenistan hosts interesting events where participants not only learn the basics of business, but also create a platform for intergenerational exchange of experience, according to the Orient news agency. At the last meeting, they discussed media technologies and the role of communications in modern entrepreneurship. The seminar audience is diverse, ranging from 15-year-old schoolchildren to experienced 70-year-old participants. Many come with their spouses — business in Turkmenistan is often a family affair, and it is important that loved ones understand the complexity of an entrepreneur's work. Participants discussed why it is useful for entrepreneurs to have journalistic skills: it helps them convey the specifics of their product, track trends and find new niches. Three key areas for success were identified: the media field as a tool for analysing and adjusting strategy, personal branding and social networks to build audience trust, and control of the information space and the ability to work with feedback.
Turkmenistan received equipment from the UN for the safe disposal of medical waste
25.01.2026The United Nations Development Programme has donated equipment for medical waste disposal worth a total of €1.01 million to the Ministry of Health and Medical Industry of Turkmenistan. This was reported by the online publication ‘Business Turkmenistan’. Seven ‘Bertin Sterilwave 100C’ units for solid waste and two ‘Medister 160’ units for liquid waste have been installed in infectious disease prevention institutions and centres at the central and regional levels. The equipment allows waste to be neutralised directly in medical facilities, turning it into safe material that can be disposed of as ordinary rubbish. Previously, similar units were transferred to the Sanitary and Epidemiological Surveillance Service and the Blood Centre in Ashgabat.
A media group has been established in Turkmenistan to cover the events of 2026
21.01.2026The Institute of International Relations of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan hosted a conference dedicated to media coverage of sporting and cultural events in 2026. This was reported by the publication ‘Turkmenistan: Golden age’. During the meeting, the creation of a special media group was announced. It consists of 12 teachers and 76 students from relevant faculties of five universities in the country: the Institute of International Relations of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan, the International University for the Humanities and Development, the Magtymguly Turkmen State University, the Turkmen State Institute of Culture, and the Turkmen State Institute of Physical Culture and Sports. The participants discussed the tasks of the new team, its working format and the organisation of training sessions for young journalists. The training will focus on developing professional skills and providing timely coverage of events planned for 2026. It was noted that the work of the media group will contribute to high-quality information coverage of events, as well as the development of international and humanitarian ties. The creation of the group is seen as a step towards strengthening the potential of young people and expanding their participation in public and international activities.
Turkmenistan approves uniform standards for accounting for electricity losses
21.01.2026The Ministry of Energy of Turkmenistan has approved the ‘Recommendations for calculating and analysing the technological consumption of electrical energy for transmission via the electrical networks of the Turkmenistan power system.’ This was reported by the online publication ‘Business Turkmenistan.’ The document, developed with the support of the European Union's SECCA project, establishes uniform methods for accounting and analysing electricity transmission losses, including the classification of losses and calculations for different voltage levels. The data on the new recommendations will be used for reporting, planning loss reduction and identifying overloaded sections of the network, which will increase the transparency of accounting, reduce inefficient costs and strengthen the reliability of the power system. Previously, with the support of SECCA, five regulatory documents were developed in Turkmenistan, and now, in collaboration with national experts, two more are being prepared for the further development of the energy sector.
Turkmenistan applies innovative methods to preserve pastures
19.01.2026In 2026, sustainable livestock farming will become particularly important for Turkmenistan, where the Karakum Desert is the basis for transhumance. This was reported by the IIC. State policy is aimed at preventing pasture degradation and desertification. Scientists note that the development of sheep and camel breeding depends on the preservation of the feed base, based on traditional knowledge and modern eco-technologies. Specialists from the National Institute of Deserts have developed measures to restore pastures, including phytomelioration, saxaul planting and rational water use. The use of GIS and satellite monitoring allows for effective grazing planning and biodiversity conservation. Irrigation of remote areas plays an important role: the restoration of wells and water collection facilities expands access to pastures and increases the efficiency of livestock farming. These scientifically based approaches help to develop the industry while maintaining ecological balance in the context of climate change.
Turkmenistan to begin modernisation of Ashgabat–Turkmenbashi railway line
18.01.2026The President of Turkmenistan, Serdar Berdimuhamedov, has approved a project to modernise the Ashgabat-Turkmenbashi railway line, according to the state news agency TDH. The initiative was presented on 16 January at a government meeting by Mammethan Chakyev, Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers of Turkmenistan. The railway line connects various regions of the country with the Turkmenbashi International Sea Port and plays a key role in integrating the national railway network into the ‘Lapis Lazuli’, ‘TRACECA’, ‘North-South’ and ‘East-West’ international transport corridors. The Head of State emphasised the positive dynamics of the development of Turkmenistan's transport and logistics system and the growth of its transit potential. The Deputy Prime Minister was instructed to organise the implementation of the modernisation project.
The waters of Koytendag: natural springs and their role in the valley
17.01.2026Koytendag has preserved many natural springs, rivers, waterfalls and lakes that are important to local residents and tourists. This was reported by the news website Asmannews. The springs feed the Koytenderya River, which flows through a fertile valley. Some springs bubble up in spring during the snowmelt, but dry up by summer. The Aksuw spring near the village of Koyten is famous for its clean water. In the Umbar-dere gorge, tourists are attracted by a waterfall associated with the legend of the Umbar tribal hero. The stream with the Summul waterfall in the Hojagarawul gorge preserves the memory of life in mountain settlements. The small springs of Bash Bulak and Murze Bedil Ata form the Koytenderya River, once a right tributary of the Amu Darya, collecting water from other springs and supplying the fields of the valley. Daray-dere, the longest gorge in the region (29 km), begins at an altitude of about 3,000 metres. At its bottom flows a stream with ten waterfalls, which the locals use for irrigation, reinforcing the bed with clay. At an altitude of more than 2,000 metres, there is a spring that feeds the garden of the village of Gurshun magdanly with more than 2,000 fruit trees. Of particular value is the Chilon-Ata unabi grove, which is cool even in the heat and has crystal-clear springs, including a hydrogen sulphide spring. The Gul-gul spring provides water to Koyten, and the spring opposite the unabi grove created the Aygyr Kel reservoir, which supplies drinking water to residents and a local enterprise. In winter, these springs fill Lake Kete-Kol, and in summer and autumn, they are used for irrigation.
UNICEF has published the results of its ‘Generation 2050’ study on Turkmenistan
16.01.2026UNICEF in Turkmenistan presented a regional report entitled ‘Generation 2050 in Central Asia’ and a special supplement on the country. This was reported by the online publication ‘Business Turkmenistan’. Representatives of the Ministry of Finance and Economy of Turkmenistan, the Mejlis and social sectors participated in the discussion, considering how investments in children can contribute to long-term development. The document contains a Roadmap for utilising the country's demographic potential until 2050. The study shows that a focus on quality education, healthcare and social protection could increase economic growth by 9% by 2050, as well as prepare future generations for global challenges, including climate change and economic transformation.
Scientists note changes in snow conditions in the mountains of Turkmenistan
16.01.2026Glaciers and snow cover in Central Asia are shrinking due to global warming. The rise in average annual temperatures is leading to a reduction in snow cover in mountainous areas. This was reported by Turkmenportal with reference to the newspaper ‘Neutral Turkmenistan’. The state of glacier and snow systems directly affects the water balance of the Amu Darya and Syr Darya basins, transboundary rivers that provide water resources and economic development for millions of residents of five countries in the region. The Kopetdag and Koytendag mountain ranges are located in Turkmenistan. There are no large glaciers here, but seasonal snow cover plays an important role in shaping the local climate and hydrological regime. Kopetdag, stretching along the south-western border of the country, is characterised by high biodiversity. It is home to snow leopards, argali and urial. The vegetation cover of the mountains protects the soil from erosion and regulates meltwater runoff. In Koytendag, seasonal snow cover lasts until May and influences the formation of permanent and temporary watercourses. This region is the only habitat in Turkmenistan for the markhor, a species of goat. Snow cover is also characteristic of the Greater and Lesser Balkan Mountains, where plant species grow, including those listed in the Red Book of Turkmenistan. Scientists are recording changes in the timing of snowfall and melting, as well as shifts in the seasons. These processes are reflected in the state of the country's ecosystems and landscapes. In this regard, Turkmenistan is stepping up its monitoring of snow cover and mountain ecosystems. Research is focused on assessing the consequences of climate change and developing long-term adaptation measures.
Turkmenistan expands research into salt-tolerant flora
13.01.2026Halophytes, plants adapted to life in saline soils and salt water, are widespread in Turkmenistan. This was reported by the news website Asmannews. These species differ in appearance and survival strategies: from creeping forms to vertically growing ones capable of maintaining water-salt balance. In conditions of salinisation, which accelerates desertification, halophytes become important for ecology and agriculture. There are up to 2,500 known species of halophytes in the world, with around 760 in Central Asia. In Turkmenistan, they grow on the Caspian coast and saline plains, forming a food base. Against the backdrop of climate change and freshwater shortages, their study is becoming particularly important for the restoration of degraded lands.
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