An inter-agency meeting was held in Ashgabat in a hybrid format to mark the 30th anniversary of the entry into force of the UNECE Convention on Transboundary Watercourses and International Lakes. This was reported by the news website Turkmenportal.

Originally a regional legal instrument, it has since taken on global significance and is applied in Central Asia in conjunction with the work of the International Fund for Saving the Aral Sea (IFAS), the UN Special Programme for the Economies of Central Asia (SPECA) and bilateral water agreements.

The discussion was attended by experts from relevant departments responsible for water supply, irrigation, wastewater treatment, the protection of aquatic ecosystems and the operation of hydraulic structures.

A key topic was the coordination of a cross-sectoral approach to integrated water resources management in Turkmenistan. Separate consideration was given to issues relating to the development of irrigation, improving the efficiency of water use and the introduction of modern technologies in water management.

Participants also discussed regional cooperation, the digitalisation of the water sector and measures to adapt to climate change. Representatives of the UNECE emphasised the importance of continuing the dialogue and improving the legal and technical mechanisms for water resources management.