The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) has released a policy brief on the impact of climate change on Turkmenistan’s water sector. The report highlights that the country’s water supply is highly susceptible to climate change which is causing rising temperatures and water scarcity. This has significant implications for the entire economy, as all sectors rely on a stable water supply. Not a single data point and statistics concerning the water sector in Turkmenistan have been presented in the policy brief.
To address these challenges, the report recommends several key measures, including:
- Upgrading irrigation systems to make them more efficient and resilient
- Improving water management practices to reduce waste and optimize usage
- Enhancing groundwater management
- Revising the country’s Water Code (водный кодекс) to incorporate climate change adaptation strategies
The brief also emphasizes the importance of regional cooperation, public participation, and transparency in water management, which would ensure proposed changes are practical, widely supported, and aligned with the needs of the people and the environment. It proposes a phased implementation plan that involves legal reforms, resource allocation, and collaboration with neighboring countries to ensure sustainable water resource management.
