An expert meeting on the adaptation of agro-ecological landscapes to arid conditions was held in Ashgabat with the support of the national branch of the Regional Environmental Centre for Central Asia (CAREC). This was reported by the IIC.

Scientists from the National Institute of Deserts, specialists from the International Scientific and Technological Park of the Academy of Sciences, ecologists and representatives of international organisations took part in the discussion. The main focus was on finding practical solutions to reduce damage to agriculture and the environment caused by lack of rainfall.

International experts, including representatives of the World Bank and the Water Institute, noted the transboundary nature of climate risks in the region. Given the dependence of economies on the water resources of large rivers such as the Amu Darya, it is important to plan investments in vulnerable sectors accurately and develop early warning systems based on satellite data.

The need for long-term planning, taking into account rising average temperatures and changes in the hydrological regime, was discussed separately.

The meeting participants proposed measures to modernise agricultural production and water use: the introduction of digital solutions in the water sector, the development of greenhouse vegetable growing and the breeding of drought-resistant crop varieties. The combination of traditional methods of folk hydrotechnics, including ‘underground irrigation,’ with the modernisation of water infrastructure was also considered.

Following the meeting, proposals were prepared for further cross-sectoral cooperation within the framework of regional programmes. Experts emphasised that combining national efforts with international initiatives is an important condition for fulfilling the country's climate commitments and ensuring the sustainable development of Turkmenistan's agro-industrial complex.