Turkmenistan pays much attention to addressing environmental issues, combating desertification and implementing national greening programmes based on best international practices. Doctor of Technical Sciences Allaberdy Ilyasov from Turkmenistan commented on the ongoing work in this area in an interview with CentralAsia.news.
«Turkmenistan was one of the first states in 1996 to ratify the UN Convention to Combat Desertification. A year later, the country developed the national action plan for the implementation of this international document. In general, Turkmenistan has acceded to the three key global UN conventions to combat desertification, protect the ozone layer and fight climate change, the expert noted.
Ilyasov emphasised that Turkmenistan develops and implements a number of large-scale economic projects to meet its international commitments under the ratified conventions, including the UN Convention to Combat Desertification.
«Turkmenistan aims the environmental policy at applying efficient management methods, science-based organisation of production processes and advanced technologies. This allows minimising negative environmental impacts of economic activity,» the scientist said.
The analyst noted that the project of a brand-new social and industrial cluster in vicinity the Altyn Asyr Turkmen Lake is a striking example of Turkmenistan’s integrated approach to environmental issues. This new settlement offers young scientists, researchers, developers, innovators and testers all the necessary conditions for work. Particular emphasis is placed on developments in «smart» agriculture, modern livestock and fish farming technologies, waste-free production and renewable energy sources.
The Doctor of Technical Sciences also mentioned the largest desert in Central Asia, the Karakum Desert. It occupies almost three-quarters of the territory of Turkmenistan, stretching from the foothills of Kopetdag, Karabil and Badkhyz in the south to the Khorezm lowland in the north, from the Amudarya valley in the east to the bed of the Western Uzboy in the west. The length of the desert in latitude is about 800 kilometres, and in longitude — about 450 kilometres. The total area of the Karakum Desert exceeds 350,000 square kilometres, which is comparable to the territories of Great Britain, Italy or Norway.
«The Karakum Desert, first of all, is a land of abundant pastures that support livestock farming. In spring, these pastures bloom and are overgrown with a variety of forage crops,» the expert noted.
Allaberdy Ilyasov clarified that a wide strip of oases stretches along the Karakum Desert. Rail lines, highways, including new modern highways, power lines and water pipelines go deep into the sandy expanses. Many settlements have sprung up in the central regions of the desert. Though the Karakum Desert has quite optimal thermal conditions for growing a wide range of agricultural crops, water scarcity hampers its development. This region receives very negligible amount of rainfall, and the availability of water is a key condition for the life in arid conditions.
«Water is the most common and necessary substance on earth with unique properties that cannot be replaced by anything else. In the 21st century, water is seen as one of the key strategic resources. However, if we start extracting groundwater, which this region is quite rich in, then the Karakum Desert can be transformed into flourishing oases,» the scientist concluded.
Ilyasov noted that 8 large fresh groundwater deposits were discovered in the Karakum Desert and studied in detail. The total static reserves of these aquifers exceed 60 cubic kilometres. Among them, Yaskhan, Cherkezli, Balkuyi, East Zaunguz, Jillikum, Repetek, Karabil and Badkhyz underground lenses are of great significance.
The observer emphasised that the state policy priorities are to apply innovative «green» technologies and achieve environmental well-being. All the large-scale national economic and social development programmes are inextricably linked with the environmental aspect, which is considered a key condition for ensuring the comprehensive well-being and quality of life of people.