Ensuring environmental well-being, treating nature with care, and using its resources rationally are key priorities for the sustainable development of Turkmenistan.
For more than two decades, the country has upheld a noble tradition: organizing large-scale tree-planting campaigns.
These regular campaigns, in which the National Leader of the Turkmen people Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty, Hero-Arkadag and President Serdar Berdimuhamedov participate, contribute to transforming our native land into a blossoming garden. They help preserve the ecosystem and foster a high level of environmental culture within society.
The history of mass tree-planting in independent Turkmenistan dates back to the turn of the century. Over the years, as nationwide tree-planting campaigns have been held regularly each spring and autumn, true man-made forests have grown across the country, fundamentally transforming the landscape. Around Ashgabat, in the foothills of the Kopetdag Mountains, and throughout all the provinces (velayats), an extensive forest-park belt has been established, consisting of millions of evergreen, deciduous, and fruit-bearing trees. An initiative that began more than two decades ago as an initial step toward creating green spaces has since evolved into a robust, human-made ecosystem that reliably shields settlements from hot, dry winds, mitigates summer heat, and enriches biodiversity of the region.
All environmental initiatives are carried out within the framework of the National forest program of Turkmenistan. As this initiative was implemented, technologies also evolved significantly: traditional methods were replaced by a science-based approach. In conditions of today, the vast majority of new plantings are equipped from the outset with water-saving drip irrigation systems. Planting stock is grown in specialised nurseries, where species best adapted to the local climate are selected. An ecological approach is also actively applied in urban planning and design, a prime example of which is the new «smart city» of Arkadag.
These now-traditional greening campaigns bring together residents of all ages and professions. Side by side, the saplings are being planted by employees of ministries and government agencies, representatives of public organisations and the diplomatic corps, elders, and university students. Trees planted 15-20 years ago now provide dense shade, bringing joy to the public and serving as a clear testament to the continuity between generations and a deep, caring connection to native land of the one.
Long-standing practical experience of Turkmenistan in greening arid zones is highly regarded by international organisations, making a tangible contribution to the achievement of the UN Sustainable development goals and ensuring environmental well-being throughout the entire region.
