An International Conference on ‘Health and Nutrition in a Changing Climate’ was held in Ashgabat. This was reported by the state news agency TDH.

The event was attended by representatives of relevant ministries of Turkmenistan, FAO, other international organisations, as well as delegations from Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Iran and Russia. The main topic was the impact of climate change on food security, health and agricultural sustainability.

It was reported that Turkmenistan is implementing a National Climate Change Strategy and a National Forest Programme. Attention is being paid to the rational use of water and land, the introduction of resource-saving technologies and the development of a ‘green’ economy. Special mention was made of water resource management practices, including the use of drainage water after the construction of the ‘Altyn Asyr’ lake in Turkmenistan.

The sessions discussed the ‘One Health’ concept, which examines the relationship between the state of the environment and human and animal health. Participants emphasised that this approach should form the basis for reforms in the agricultural sector. Foreign delegates noted that Central Asian countries face common climate risks and need coordinated solutions.

During the conference, project documents were signed between the relevant departments of Turkmenistan and the FAO, including:

‘A coordinated approach to land resource restoration...’ between the Ministry of Agriculture of Turkmenistan and the FAO;

 ‘Strengthening integrated water resources management in the Amu Darya, Zarafshan and Panj rivers’ between the State Committee for Water Resources of Turkmenistan and the FAO;

 ‘Accelerating nature-positive reforms in the agricultural sector of Turkmenistan...’ – between the Ministry of Environment of Turkmenistan and FAO;

 ‘Strengthening Turkmenistan's capacity to comply with the Enhanced Transparency Framework...’ - between the Ministry of Environment of Turkmenistan and FAO.

Participants emphasised the need to continue regional dialogue and joint projects to adapt food systems to climate change.