The United Nations Development Programme, in partnership with the United Nations Environment Programme, the Secretariat of the Tehran Convention, and the Ministry of Environmental Protection of Turkmenistan, held a presentation seminar marking the launch of a regional project to combat marine litter and plastic pollution in the Caspian Sea.
The event brought together representatives of relevant government agencies, research institutions and civil society organizations, according to Turkmenistan’s official media.
Participants were briefed on the project’s objectives and key focus areas, including improving waste management legislation, strengthening monitoring and pollution prevention, and enhancing cooperation within the framework of the Tehran Convention.
“The regional initiative envisages a comprehensive approach covering the collection and analysis of data on the sources and pathways of marine litter, improvement of the regulatory framework, promotion of circular economy and product life-cycle principles, stimulation of investment in waste management, and expanded engagement of local communities, women and the private sector,” said Farhat Orunov, program analyst for the environmental portfolio at UNDP in Turkmenistan.
The project is being implemented with financial support from the Russian Federation in Azerbaijan, Iran, Kazakhstan and Turkmenistan and is scheduled to run through October 2027.
The launch of the initiative underscores the commitment of Caspian littoral states to strengthening regional cooperation and taking joint action to preserve the unique ecosystem of the Caspian Sea for future generations.