The CAREC Project Office in Turkmenistan and the Central Asian Institute for Environmental Research (CAIER, Republic of Kazakhstan) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding aimed at strengthening long-term cooperation in the fields of environmental protection, sustainable natural resource management, environmental education, and the implementation of joint environmental initiatives in Central Asia.
The signing of the Memorandum followed a constructive dialogue between the two organizations, initiated during an online working meeting of representatives of the CAREC Project Office in Turkmenistan and the Central Asian Institute for Environmental Research. During the meeting, the parties discussed promising areas of cooperation, including the preparation of joint project proposals, the exchange of expert experience, and the development of cooperation in the field of sustainable development.
The Memorandum was signed by Mergen Kepbanov, Director of the CAREC Project Office in Turkmenistan, and Assele Tasmagambetova, Founder of the Central Asian Institute for Environmental Research.
The document is intended to strengthen the partnership between the two organizations and outlines the main areas of cooperation, including the preparation and implementation of international, regional, and national projects and programmes in the fields of environmental protection, climate change, biodiversity conservation, sustainable natural resource management, and the development of the green economy.
Within the framework of the Memorandum, the parties expressed their intention to cooperate in the following areas:
- Development of joint project proposals and facilitation of access to funding from international financial institutions, funds, and technical assistance programmes;
- Conducting joint research, exchanging analytical materials, best practices, and expert knowledge;
- Organizing and holding scientific and practical events, including conferences, seminars, round tables, and training sessions on sustainable development issues;
- Promoting environmental education, strengthening the capacities of specialists, and facilitating the exchange of expert experience;
- Cooperation on biodiversity conservation, climate change adaptation, sustainable use of natural resources, and enhancement of environmental security.
Particular attention within the future cooperation will be given to sustainable water resources management, the promotion of nature-based solutions, adaptation to the impacts of climate change, and the development of regional environmental cooperation.
"The signing of the Memorandum of Understanding marks an important milestone in the development of cooperation between the CAREC Project Office in Turkmenistan and the Central Asian Institute for Environmental Research. We are confident that combining the expertise of our organizations will create additional opportunities for knowledge exchange, the preparation of joint initiatives, and the development of environmental projects aimed at addressing the current sustainable development challenges facing Central Asia," noted Mergen Kepbanov, Director of the CAREC Project Office in Turkmenistan.
Representatives of the Central Asian Institute for Environmental Research expressed their interest in further strengthening the partnership and emphasized the importance of enhancing scientific and practical cooperation between the organizations to contribute to addressing the region's environmental challenges.
The signed Memorandum provides a foundation for further cooperation between CAREC and CAIER, including the exchange of experience, strengthening expert collaboration, the preparation of joint initiatives, and the implementation of activities aimed at supporting environmental sustainability in Turkmenistan and across Central Asia.
Additional Information:
Mergen Kepbanov - Director of the CAREC Project Office in Turkmenistan turkmenistan@carececo.org