The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), together with the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), the Secretariat of the Framework (Tehran) Convention for the Protection of the Marine Environment of the Caspian Sea, and the Ministry of Environmental Protection of Turkmenistan, held a presentation seminar to mark the launch of the regional project “Combating Marine Litter and Marine Plastics – A Systems Approach in the Caspian Sea.”
Representatives from relevant ministries and agencies, scientific institutions, and public organizations participated in the event, according to official media in Turkmenistan.
During the seminar, participants were briefed on the project’s goals and key areas, including improving waste management legislation, developing pollution monitoring and prevention, and strengthening cooperation under the Tehran Convention.
“The regional initiative envisions a comprehensive approach encompassing 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 lifecycle principles, stimulation of investment in waste management, and increased participation of local communities, women, and businesses,” noted Farkhat Orunov, Programme Analyst for the UNDP Environment Portfolio in Turkmenistan.
The project is being implemented with financial support from the Russian Federation in Azerbaijan, Iran, Kazakhstan, and Turkmenistan and will run until October 2027.
Its launch reaffirms the commitment of the Caspian states to strengthening regional cooperation and taking joint measures to preserve the unique ecosystem of the Caspian Sea for future generations.
