The Second Consultative Meeting of Central Asian countries, dedicated to developing a mechanism for implementing the United Nations Special Programme for the Aral Sea (UN SPAS), has begun in the ‘Awaza’ National Tourist Zone. This was reported by the IIC.

Over the course of two days, representatives from countries in the region, international organisations and experts will discuss the programme’s priorities, transboundary water cooperation, water security and the restoration of ecosystems in the Aral Sea basin.

On the first day, participants reviewed the programme’s content, its alignment with national and regional initiatives, and the prospects for strengthening cooperation. Narine Sahakyan, UNDP Resident Representative in Turkmenistan, emphasised the need to strengthen dialogue, trust and joint action to address the interlinked challenges of water resources, climate change and the state of ecosystems.

It is expected that the meeting will result in the adoption of a document setting out the participating countries’ common approaches. The event is being held with the participation of relevant government bodies in Turkmenistan and with the support of UNDP/GEF, the Blue Peace Central Asia initiative and other partners.