Ensuring environmental safety is currently a significant priority. In our country, this global problem is being addressed, alongside domestic initiatives, based on the experience of and cooperation with foreign governments and specialized international organizations. The rational use of natural resources and environment protection are well known to be essential conditions for the socioeconomic development of any society. In the 21st century, with the continuous advancement of science and technology, interest from all segments of the population in the improvement of the environment and the rational use and restoration of natural resources is growing.

Environmentally friendly technologies are being introduced in all sectors of the national economy.

The main objectives of environmental policy are the development of a green economy, the production of clean energy and the use of innovative solutions for environment protection. Here, particular attention is paid to raising the environmental awareness of young people and to taking measures aimed at environment protection. Ecology as a discipline has been introduced into the curricula of all educational institutions in the country. Furthermore, environmental faculties have been established to train young specialists, whose tasks are to ensure environmental well-being and to study alternative energy.

The widespread use of eco-innovations is essential for the transition to a green economy. The country’s regions are transitioning to environmentally friendly transport, widely implementing resource-saving technologies, reducing harmful emissions from industrial facilities under construction and in operation and strengthening air quality monitoring.

Broad paths are open for the economic and social development of our independent and permanently neutral state and for the spiritual and cultural revival of our society.

Environment protection, public health, biodiversity, the rational use of land and water resources and environmental safety are always at the forefront of our esteemed President’s attention. The creation of forest zones in the vicinity of our capital, Ashgabat, and in the regions as part of large-scale programs implemented in Turkmenistan, the establishment of the Avaza national tourism zone on the shores of the Caspian Sea, the construction of Turkmen Lake Altyn Asyr in the heart of the Karakum Desert and the adoption of important decisions to ensure the country’s environmental safety are vivid evidence of the enormous importance attached to environment protection at the state level.  

Based on the National Afforestation Program, comprehensive work is underway to transform our homeland into a blooming garden: ecological well-being is maintained through annual nationwide greening campaigns. As a result, a vast forest park has been created at the foot of the Kopetdag Mountains. A number of water treatment facilities have been commissioned in Ashgabat and the regions, which in turn serves as clear evidence of the successful implementation of the state policy to provide the population with clean drinking water.

Modern social, cultural and public facilities that meet environmental requirements are being built in our cities and regions. The environmental impact of each new facility is carefully studied. The construction of parks is a prime example of this. Parks, as areas created for public recreation, play a vital role in maintaining a clean environment.

In September of the current year, proclaimed the International Year of Peace and Trust, the fully modernized Park “15th Anniversary of Turkmenistan’s Independence” opened in the capital. Following the completion of the improvement and construction work, this central part of the city has become one of the most attractive and beautiful places, a popular recreation spot for both children and adults. It is worth noting that the new modern park and its surrounding area have been improved, which has had a positive impact on the residents’ living conditions.

Another example is the Tashkent Park in the capital, symbolizing the strength of the Turkmen-Uzbek relations. It has been modernized in full compliance with environmental requirements. Known as an eco-park, it is now one of the most popular recreation areas for our compatriots and foreign guests. Furthermore, the first modern smart city in our country and the region, Arkadag, based on green technologies, has been built. Advanced and environmentally friendly technologies are also being used in the second phase of the construction of the new city. The equipment and technologies operating in Arkadag City are based on a digital information and communications system. There, Turkmenistan’s environmental initiatives and achievements in this area can be seen.

In the transition to a green economy, special attention is being paid to the use of renewable energy sources. In Turkmenistan, their potential is being extensively studied, and new projects are being developed. Scientific foundations for solar and wind energy production are being developed in accordance with the country’s climatic and geographical conditions. Experience in using solar and electric power plants is being accumulated. Alternative energy sources, while having a positive impact on the environment, provide clean air. Hydrogen energy is considered promising in this area in the oil and gas industry. Research on the influence of hydrogen energy is being conducted in our country. International conferences and meetings on the implementation of this new energy source are being organized with the participation of Turkmen scientists. Therefore, hydrogen energy has a promising future in the oil and gas industry. Research on the impact of hydrogen energy is being conducted in our country. International conferences and meetings on the implementation of this new energy source are being held with the participation of our scientists.

The work, being carried out in this area, is aimed at ensuring environmental safety and maintaining clean air, contributing to the achievement of significant results in the region and globally.

The state policy, pursued by the National Leader of the Turkmen people Hero-Arkadag and Head of State Serdar Berdimuhamedov, is characterized by increased humanization of environment protection. Particular attention is paid to ensuring a clean environment as a prerequisite for human life and health. This confirms that the socioeconomic reforms, carried out in our independent and permanently neutral Motherland are aimed, first and foremost, at protecting human health and ensuring decent living conditions.

Ejekeyik KURBANBERDIYEVA,
a leading specialist at the Council of Trade Unions of Oil and Gas Workers of Turkmenistan