Ashgabat has completed the development of an updated National Strategy and Action Plan for Biodiversity Conservation, taking into account the experience of previous programmes and Turkmenistan's commitments under the UN Convention on Biological Diversity. This was reported by IIC.

The main innovation will be the electronic reporting format: The seventh national report will be presented via a digital platform for the first time.

The strategy adapts the 23 global targets of the Kunming-Montreal Framework to national conditions. The priorities are combating desertification, biological protection of plants, control of invasive species and conservation of the genetic diversity of cultivated flora.

There are plans to expand the network of specially protected natural areas (currently 4.38% of the country's territory), including the opening of the Greater Balkan Nature Reserve and several wildlife sanctuaries in the Koytendag, Gaplangyr and Amudarya regions.

The BIOFIN project, in collaboration with the GEF and UNDP, analysed the financing of environmental protection measures: currently, 99% of the costs are covered by the state budget, which is allocated to laboratories, equipment for inspectors and the infrastructure of nature reserves. In the future, it is planned to involve business, young people and science in environmental initiatives.

Work on the strategy was carried out throughout 2025 under the coordination of the Ministry of Environmental Protection and takes into account the link with the National Adaptation Programme and the UN Sustainable Development Goals. A comprehensive approach will strengthen legislation and balance economic growth with the protection of natural ecosystems.