A national workshop on the development of NBSAP and CBD reporting has kicked off in Ashgabat

Today, a two-day workshop on the development of the National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (NBSAP) and reporting under the UN Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) kicked off in the conference room of the Archabil Hotel in the capital. This initiative, funded by the Global Environment Facility (GEF), is aimed at continuing the process of updating the NBSAP and preparing reporting on the implementation of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF).

The event is being held within the framework of the UNDP/GEF project “Global Support Programme for Updating the NBSAP and Developing the 7th National Report to the CBD.” The workshop brought together about 60 participants from various relevant ministries, agencies, universities, public associations, international organizations and projects.

As defined in the first NBSAP, the main goal of the Strategy remains unchanged: to conserve, restore, and sustainably use the biological diversity of Turkmenistan for present and future generations.

National Goals:

• Goal 1: Conservation of all biodiversity populations, ensuring the resilience and integrity of all ecosystems.
• Goal 2: Sustainable use of biodiversity and maintenance of ecosystem services.
• Goal 3: Maintaining a balance between human well-being and biodiversity in the development of all economic sectors.
• Goal 4: Capacity building, strengthening scientific and technical cooperation, and ensuring access to resources, including financial resources.

Over the two days, the updated version of Turkmenistan’s NBSAP for the period 2026-2035 is planned to be presented and discussed, and participants will be informed about the progress of preparing the 7th National Report to the CBD. It is expected to gather detailed comments and proposals from key stakeholders to prepare the final text of the NBSAP and the 7th National Report.

Additionally, the workshop will present information on the fulfillment of obligations under the main CBD documents: the Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety and the Nagoya Protocol on Access to Genetic Resources.

For reference: Turkmenistan ratified the Convention on Biological Diversity in 1996. As a specific condition, Article 6 of the CBD stipulates that Parties shall prepare national reports, and develop and implement NBSAPs.

The first NBSAP was developed in 2000-2002, covering the period of 2002-2010. The document defined the main goal and 12 primary targets. The second NBSAP was prepared in 2015, designed for 2016-2020, and after revision, for 2018-2023. The document contained 5 goals and 13 targets.

Berkeli Atayev.