Mergen Kepbanov, the Director of the Project Office of the Regional Environmental Centre for Central Asia (CAREC) in Turkmenistan, is currently on a working visit to Dushanbe, where he is taking part in a High-level International Conference on Glacier Preservation.
В рамках первого дня форума Мерген Кепбанов принял участие в трёх ключевых сессиях, позволивших всесторонне рассмотреть климатические вызовы региона — от устойчивого землепользования до научного взаимодействия и регионального сотрудничества.
On the first day of the forum, Mergen Kepbanov participated in three key sessions that provided a comprehensive overview of the region's climate challenges, from sustainable land use to scientific cooperation and regional cooperation.
The first session, "Agriculture in a Time of Glacier Loss: Addressing droughts, flooding with carbon sequestration and resilience in glacier—dependent regions", was organized by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), the World Food Programme (WFP) and Mountain Partnership Secretariat at FAO. The discussion focused on strengthening water security, improving land use conditions, measures to adapt agriculture to climate change, and integrating climate risks into planning.
The exchange of experience with representatives of international organizations and countries in the region allows for a deeper understanding of current challenges and possible areas for further study and discussion in the national context," Mergen Kepbanov said at the end of the session.
An important venue of the day was the Ministerial Dialogue on Climate Adaptation, Glacier Conservation and Cooperation in the field of water Resources, the main purpose of which was to unite political, scientific and expert efforts in the interests of sustainable water management in Central Asia.
The Forum aims to create synergies between government agencies (primarily ministries of environment protection), scientific and academic institutions, youth, women and other stakeholders. The focus is on developing joint strategies to adapt to climate change, preserve glaciers, and strengthen interstate cooperation in glacier—fed river basins.
The dialogue was divided into two sessions. The first one provided an opportunity for an exchange of views at the level of heads of government departments on issues of national policy in the field of climate adaptation and water cooperation. The second session was devoted to developing partnerships and establishing new connections between participants representing local communities, youth and women's organizations, as well as academia.
The third session, attended by Mergen Kepbanov, "Climate Science and Research Inventory: a framework for sustainable solutions in Central Asia," was the fourth regional consultation in preparation for the Regional Climate Conference of the Parties (RCC- 2026). The session continued the dialogue initiated in Almaty, Samarkand and Ashgabat to develop a common vision and coordinate the climate priorities of the countries of the region.
The session focused on the role of scientific data and monitoring in the context of climate change. Participants discussed strengthening the glaciological observation network, introducing satellite technologies and remote sensing, and integrating glacier information into early warning systems and water resource planning. The session also served as an important platform for discussing the parameters of the future Regional Program for Climate Research Support.
The event was organized by the Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources of the Republic of Kazakhstan and Project office for Central Asia on climate change and green energy, with the support of UNESCO. The discussion was attended by ministers from relevant departments of Central Asian countries, representatives of international organizations, the scientific community, and climate experts.
“Participation in the session allowed us to once again see how important it is to integrate science into decision-making processes, especially in a region as sensitive to climate change as Central Asia. A strong scientific base, systematic monitoring, and coordination of efforts at the regional level are the foundation for a sustainable future,” noted Mergen Kepbanov.
Additional information:
Mergen Kepbanov, Director of the CAREC Project Office in Turkmenistan
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