On 23 February 2026, a working meeting was held in Lebap Velayat between Mergen Kepbanov, Director of the Project Office of the Regional Environmental Centre for Central Asia (CAREC) in Turkmenistan, and Ashirmurat Muhamedov, Director of the “Amu Darya” Basin Water Organization.
The meeting was held within the framework of the preparation of a new regional programme of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and the Green Climate Fund (GCF): “Sustainable Landscapes and Climate-Resilient Livelihoods in Central Asia: A Transboundary Approach to Climate Action.”
The Role of the “Amu Darya” Basin Water Organization in Regional Water Cooperation
During the meeting, the parties discussed the prospects for cooperation within the framework of the emerging project, including issues of sustainable water resources management, adaptation to climate change, and interstate coordination in the Amu Darya basin.
The Director of the “Amu Darya” Basin Water Organization presented information on the activities of the “Amu Darya” Basin Water Organization — an interstate body responsible for the management of the water resources of the Amu Darya.
The “Amu Darya” Basin Water Organization operates within the framework of the decisions of the Interstate Commission for Water Coordination of Central Asia, established in 1992, and acts as the executive technical body for the management of water resources in the basin of the Amu Darya.
The commission includes the water management departments of Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan.
Main areas of activity of the “Amu Darya” Basin Water Organization
During the discussion, the key functions of the organization were highlighted:
- allocation of water resources and control of water withdrawal limits among the basin states,
- operational management of river flow and regulation of water supply,
- maintenance of the water balance and monitoring of water resource use,
- seasonal forecasting of water availability,
- coordination of actions in conditions of low water availability.
It was emphasized that the Amu Darya is one of the strategic sources of water supply for the region. It provides irrigation for agricultural lands, water supply for settlements, and supports ecosystems, including the basin of the Aral Sea. The transboundary nature of the river requires coordinated interstate management mechanisms, which are carried out by the “Amu Darya” Basin Water Organization.
Significance for Turkmenistan and the Regional Project
For Turkmenistan, the activities of the “Amu Darya” Basin Water Organization are of strategic importance in ensuring stable water use limits, planning the irrigation season, coordinating the operation of main canals, and participating in the regional water dialogue.
The Director of the Project Office of the Regional Environmental Centre for Central Asia in Turkmenistan, Mergen Kepbanov, thanked his colleagues for the constructive dialogue and noted:
“Effective management of transboundary water resources is a key element of sustainable development and climate adaptation in Central Asia. Cooperation with the “Amu Darya” Basin Water Organization will help ensure the alignment of project solutions and take into account regional mechanisms for water resource allocation.”
Following the meeting, the parties confirmed their readiness for further cooperation in the preparation and implementation of the future project in the interests of the countries of Central Asia.
Additional information:
Mergen Kepbanov– Director of the CAREC Project Office in Turkmenistan, turkmenistan@carececo.org