The National Adaptation Plan (NAP) Global Network in partnership with GIZ and Unique has developed an analysis of Turkmenistan’s national system and processes concerning climate change, particularly within the vulnerable water and agriculture sectors. The analysis identifies significant challenges like the lack of a systematic legal and institutional framework for mainstreaming adaptation, offering key entry points and recommendations for strategic integration through mechanisms.
Below is summary of the problems inferred from the recommendations in the report. Problems have not been defined by the authors of the report.
Institutional frameworks:
- The role of the environmental protection commission in Turkmenistan is unclear, and it is not working well to address climate change.
- The Ministry of Agriculture and Environment Protection is not sharing climate information with all relevant sectors in a way that’s useful for planning.
- The State Statistics Committee is not providing the right data to help sectors make informed decisions.
- Different government sectors are not working together effectively to address climate change.
- International partners and the private sector are not involved enough in helping to implement climate change solutions.
Policy level and legislation:
- There is no clear plan for how to incorporate climate change into sectoral planning, and key ministries are not on the same page.
- Laws and regulations are not aligned, making it hard to plan for climate change.
- Priority actions for addressing climate change are not being identified in key economic sectors.
- It’s hard to access funding for climate change projects, especially for green initiatives.
Mainstreaming adaptation into sectors:
- Key sectors like water and agriculture do not have plans in place to adapt to climate change.
- Sectors need more support to develop effective adaptation plans.
- Sectors are not setting ambitious but achievable goals for adapting to climate change.
- Data is not being shared effectively across sectors and levels of government, making it hard to track progress.
- Technical experts in sectors lack the skills and training they need to effectively address climate change risks and develop solutions.
Editorial note: In report, the term “sector” refers to distinct economic areas or governmental / administrative divisions within Turkmenistan that are responsible for specific aspects of development planning and implementation, such as the Ministry of Agriculture and Environmental Protection, the State Committee for Water Management, the Ministry of Education, and the Ministry of Health and Medical Industry.
