EBRD and CAREC discussed prospects for environmental cooperation in Turkmenistan

EBRD and CAREC discussed prospects for environmental cooperation in Turkmenistan
75 24.07.2025

On 22 July, negotiations between representatives of the bank and the Regional Environmental Centre for Central Asia (CAREC) took place at the EBRD office in Turkmenistan. The EBRD delegation was led by Erik Livny, Head of the EBRD Office in Turkmenistan, and the CAREC was represented by Mergen Kepbanov, Director of the CAREC Project Office in Turkmenistan. This was reported by the IIC.

During the meeting, the parties discussed priority areas for cooperation in the field of environmental protection. Particular attention was paid to waste management issues. Mr Kepbanov noted that this area is of particular interest to Turkmenistan, where a relevant law has been in force since 2015 and a regulatory framework is being developed.

CAREC representatives provided detailed information on current regional initiatives, including programmes on climate change, water management and emissions reduction in the oil and gas sector. The successful Central Asian Conference on Climate Change, which brought together more than 600 participants in May, was noted.

The EBRD expressed interest in exploring CAREC's expertise for inclusion in the bank's new five-year environmental strategy. At the end of the meeting, the parties reaffirmed their intention to develop their partnership, particularly in areas relevant to the Sustainable Development Goals.

This meeting was an important step in strengthening cooperation between international organisations working to address environmental challenges in the Central Asian region.