UNDP and IOM held a workshop to improve preparedness for climate change risks

Within the framework of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) project, implemented with the financial support of the Green Climate Fund (GCF), "Development of the national adaptation planning process in Turkmenistan" in cooperation with the Ministry of Agriculture and Environmental Protection Turkmenistan a seminar on “Climate change: risks, assessment, planning” was held together with the International Organization for Migration (IOM) in Turkmenistan.

Climate change is one of the most severe threats of our time, which can lead to significant negative consequences for global ecosystems and socio-economic development. With its predominantly semi-arid climate, Turkmenistan belongs to the most vulnerable country group. Like other countries with a similar climate, the water and agricultural sectors will be most vulnerable to a drier and hotter climate. These sectors play a vital role in the country's economy, and possible economic losses will negatively affect many population segments. Thus, timely risk assessment and adaptation planning are priorities that will help mitigate the adverse effects of climate change on society and the economy.

During the seminar, representatives of key ministries and departments discussed the complex risks associated with climate change, including those relevant to Turkmenistan and its main sectors of the economy. The participants also reviewed the issue of climate change-driven migration and learned about risk assessment procedures for planning policies, strategies and programs for the short, medium and long term.

Additional attention was paid to the gender aspects of risk assessment, since experts are already noting a gender imbalance in vulnerability, exposure to hazards, and adaptive capacity, with women living in rural areas among the most vulnerable groups.