Adaptation to Climate Change with an Inclusive Approach

Yesterday, on August 28, 2024, a Roundtable discussion on “Adaptation of Persons with Disabilities to Climate Change” was held in Ashgabat. Organized by the “Yeňme” Public Association, the event brought together around 20 representatives from relevant government and public organizations, including: the Ministry of Environment Protection, the Ministry of Labor and Social Protection of the Population, the Ministry of Health and Medical Industry, the Information Center “Saglyk”, the Main Directorate of Civil Defense and Rescue Works of the Ministry of Defense, the Khyakimlik of Ashgabat, the Nature Preserving Society of Turkmenistan, the Public Association Enterprise “Tebigy Kuwwat”, “Eko durmush,” “Keyik Okara”, the Blind and Deaf Society of Turkmenistan (BDST – Ashgabat, Dashoguz), the Central Physical Culture and Sports Club for the Disabled (Ashgabat, Mary), ES “Ynamly Egindeş,” and ES “Ynymly Durmush”.

Gulya Chorekliyeva, the chairperson of the “Yenme” Public Association, moderated the roundtable and presented on the negative impact of climate change on people with disabilities. She also discussed Turkmenistan’s legal framework regulating measures to combat global warming, the activities of climate centres established to provide services to people with disabilities to avoid the risk of overheating during the summer, and the creation of safe, accessible, and comfortable environments for beneficiaries in climate centers based at the Central Physical Culture and Sports Club for the Disabled, the Blind and Deaf Society of Turkmenistan and “Yenme” PA.

Participants shared their views and discussed the prospects for further intersectoral cooperation to improve the lives of people with disabilities in the face of climate change. They also discussed conducting preventive measures against natural and man-made disasters and ensuring adequate response and rescue efforts in the event of emergencies.

– Thanks to the efforts of public organizations, we regularly gather in climate centers during hot summer days, have the opportunity to communicate, and spend our leisure time over a cup of tea, – shared Derman Kerimova from the Blind and Deaf Society of Turkmenistan.

Berkeli Atayev.

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As reported on the official website of CAREC, the project office of the Regional Environmental Centre for Central Asia (CAREC) in Turkmenistan recently held a meeting with the young ecologists of the partner public organizations «Yash Tebigatchy» («Young Naturalist») and «Tebigy Kuwwat» applicants to the Kazakh-German University (DKU) for the Master’s program: Integrated Water Resources Management.

At the meeting, Mergen Kepbanov, Director of the CAREC project Office in Turkmenistan, discussed with them the relevance of improving the quality of knowledge in the field of ecology, namely in the water sector. In particular, M. Kepbanov informed the young ecologists about the interest of DKU, which cooperates with CAREC, in studying applicants from Turkmenistan for the Master’s program.

– We are confident that this cooperation will bring significant results and will be an important step towards a successful future for our young specialists, – emphasized Dinara Seidazimova, Head of the Integrated Water Resources Management educational program at DKU.

The meeting, which took place in a warm and friendly atmosphere, allowed applicants to ask questions of interest to them and share their plans for the future.

– Studying at the Kazakh-German University will provide me with a unique opportunity to gain knowledge in the field of integrated water resources management, and I am confident that the knowledge and skills I have gained will help me build a successful career and make a significant contribution to the sustainable development of our region, – says Nurberdi Atayev.

The CAREC Project Office in Turkmenistan plays a key role in coordinating and supporting youth initiatives. It actively works to ensure that young specialists can participate in significant projects, exchange experience and knowledge, and contribute to the sustainable development of the region. This is confirmed by the annual Central Asian Leadership Program (CALP) on the environment for sustainable development. Last week, the selection of participants for the 14th CALP (Almaty, September 9-13, 2024) was completed. 25 young leaders from Central Asia, including 5 representatives from Turkmenistan, will take part in the event.

At the end of the meeting, Mergen Kepbanov gave the applicants valuable advices and wished them good luck in the upcoming interviews, emphasizing the importance of knowledge and education in the modern world.