Speaking at the 7th Central Asian Conference on Climate Change (CACCC-2025) in Ashgabat, Turkmenistan's Minister of Environmental Protection Charygeldi Babanyyazov emphasised the country's serious attitude to climate change issues and the importance of uniting efforts of Central Asian states.

Turkmenistan demonstrates its responsible approach through specific measures at the national level, including the adoption of the National Climate Change Strategy (2019), the approval of the Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) under the Paris Agreement (2022), and accession to the Global Methane Commitment (2023).

The Minister paid special attention to regional cooperation in addressing the economic and environmental problems of the Aral Sea, as well as the need to work together to mitigate the effects of desertification and the spread of salt dust. As an example of national efforts, Turkmenistan is carrying out large-scale afforestation - 20 thousand hectares around the Butendag Upland and 10 thousand hectares each in the Dashoguz and Lebap velayats.

An important aspect is also the rational use of water resources. The Minister noted the commonality of such problems as the consequences of the Aral Sea, water resources, desertification and melting of glaciers for the countries of the region due to the interconnectedness of natural components, emphasising the need to solve them primarily at the regional level.

Charygeldi Babanyyazov expressed hope that the CACCC-2025 conference will make a significant contribution to the consolidation of efforts and exchange of experience, and that the unification of views, initiatives and strengths of the Central Asian countries will help achieve the goals.