Germany and Turkmenistan intend to cooperate in the area of environmental and climate protection. This was agreed today in Ashgabat by the Parliamentary State Secretary at the Federal Environment Ministry Michael Müller and representatives of the Turkmenistan government. "For us Turkmenistan is an increasingly important partner in environmental and climate cooperation. As a country with one of the world's largest natural gas resources there are a number of different starting points for cooperation. On the one hand there is considerable CO2 reduction potential in the exploitation, processing and transport of natural gas and in the efficient use of gas in the country itself. On the other hand Turkmenistan is a big gas exporter and thus an increasingly important partner in international climate protection negotiations."
The impact of climate change is particularly obvious in Central Asia. The increase in temperature is already above average and is leading to further desertification and an aggravation of water shortages. On the occasion of Michael Müller's visit to Turkmenistan a joint project was launched, geared towards reforestation and improved forest protection in order to contain desertification and ensure carbon storage. The project will be financed through the Federal Environment Ministry's international climate initiative. Above and beyond this Turkmenistan can use the Kyoto mechanisms to finance climate protection initiatives.
Another focus of cooperation is the establishment of a national park system in Turkmenistan. The country comprises natural landscapes that are as yet untouched but are threatened since they are under high pressure for use. The wide range of biological diversity of these areas makes their conservation essential. Advisory projects cover the drawing up of an inventory of ecosystems, the designation of areas and the development of management plans.
Moreover, Germany supports regional projects in Central Asia which are geared towards the transboundary protection of water resources and thus contribute to cooperation between the countries of this region.