Turkmenistan has launched the autumn stage of a large-scale greening programme, under which around three million trees have been planted across the country. President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov also took part in the campaign, personally planting a tree, according to the news website Asmannews.

The main work took place in Ashgabat and the city of Arkadag, where approximately one and a half million seedlings were planted, with the same number planted in the velayats. Deciduous, coniferous and fruit trees, as well as grapevines, were used.

The campaign continues the state's environmental strategy: since 1998, over 300,000 hectares of forest have been planted, and over the past five years, green areas have increased by 18%. The goal is to reduce desertification by 40% by 2030. Government agencies, environmental organisations and residents took part in the campaign.

Modern methods are used for greening, including drip irrigation, which covers about 70% of new plantings. Seedlings are grown in 12 specialised nurseries.

International organisations have recognised the country's efforts: Ashgabat has received a UNECE certificate for its contribution to the ‘Trees in Cities Challenge’ initiative. In addition, work is underway to green desert areas to strengthen dunes and protect land from erosion.