The scientific and practical conference on the occasion of the Caspian Sea Day

On August 12, 2026, the Caspian Sea Day was solemnly celebrated in the "Avaza" National Tourist Zone.  

The main event dedicated to the Caspian Sea Day was the scientific and practical conference "Protection of the Caspian Sea Ecosystem: Regional Cooperation and Sustainable Development".

The forum was attended by members of the country's Government, heads and employees of individual ministries and departments, specialists from relevant structures and scientific institutions of the country, as well as representatives of diplomatic missions, international and regional organizations accredited in Turkmenistan.

An exhibition demonstrating the natural beauty of the Caspian Sea and the achievements of the Motherland in the field of nature protection was deployed in the hotel lobby.

At the opening ceremony of the forum, a welcoming Address from President Serdar Berdimuhamedov to its participants was read.

Then, the speeches of the forum delegates were delivered.

As noted by the participants from the Turkmen side, in the Era of the Revival of the New Epoch of the Powerful State, based on the initiatives of the Hero-Arkadag and under the wise leadership of President Serdar Berdimuhamedov, an environmental policy aimed at harmonizing the economic growth of the Motherland with environmental protection is being successfully implemented. In this regard, close attention is paid to the rational use of natural resources, the introduction of environmentally friendly technologies and the "green" economy, ensuring environmental safety in the country and the region, as well as protecting biodiversity.

The significance of the "Caspian Environmental Initiative," proposed by Turkmenistan at the 78th session of the UN General Assembly in 2023, was heavily emphasized. This initiative is designed to serve as an international platform for cooperation on a wide range of tasks related to protecting the environment and bioresources of the Caspian Sea, as well as addressing various ecological issues.

Attention was also focused on the importance of the President of Turkmenistan’s proposal, announced on September 23, 2025, at the plenary meeting of the 80th session of the UN General Assembly, to host the Caspian Environmental Forum in 2026.

Furthermore, the speeches provided information on the work being carried out by the relevant agencies of the country within the framework of interstate and intergovernmental agreements approved by the five Caspian littoral states.

As noted, the most important tasks also include regular monitoring of Caspian biological resources and the state of the marine environment, as well as conducting a wide range of scientific research.

Then, the floor was given to representatives of foreign embassies in Turkmenistan, as well as international and regional organizations.

It was stated that due to climate change, the Caspian Sea is currently facing environmental threats, which requires a scientifically sound, cooperative approach.

The conference participants highly praised the initiatives implemented by Turkmenistan in this area, as well as the favorable opportunities created for fruitful joint work.

As noted, the structural transformations and measures outlined in the Avaza Action Program on Trade and Economic Partnership, Regional Integration, Transit Communications, and Transport Connectivity, as well as Climate Change Adaptation, are of great importance for both the Caspian region and Central Asia.

It was widely agreed that Turkmenistan's accession to the Global Methane Pledge, along with its initiatives to establish the Regional Center for Climate Change Technologies in Central Asia and the Regional Center for Combating Desertification, demonstrate a strong commitment to environmental protection and climate action cooperation.

During the conference, an overview was also presented on the work accomplished over the past 20 years within the framework of the Framework Convention for the Protection of the Marine Environment of the Caspian Sea.

At the same time, the importance of implementing innovations and modern technologies, new control and monitoring methods, as well as using advanced solutions such as artificial intelligence and information platforms, was emphasized.

In this regard, the significance of Turkmenistan's initiative to establish the Regional Center for Climate Change Technologies in Central Asia was highlighted. The center could transform into a platform that unites policy, science, finance, and innovation. It will also accelerate efforts in climate change adaptation, water resource management, renewable energy development, and ecosystem restoration.

Speeches at the forum highlighted the role of youth in climate action and the necessity of international cooperation to ensure environmental protection and sustainable development for the Caspian Sea region. Participants concluded the conference by adopting an official address to the President of Turkmenistan.

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On the occasion of Caspian Sea Day, sports competitions in various disciplines were also held among the forum delegates, with heads and representatives of foreign diplomatic missions and international organizations in Turkmenistan taking part.