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    UNDP and GEF unfurl challenge in Turkmenistan to tackle Aral Sea crisis head-on

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    By Aman Bakiyev

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    UNDP and GEF unfurl challenge in Turkmenistan to tackle Aral Sea crisis head-on

    ASHGABAT, Turkmenistan, September 11. The
    United Nations Development Program (UNDP) and the Global
    Environment Facility (GEF), in partnership with Turkmenistan’s
    Ministry of Environmental Protection, have announced a contest for
    residents of the Dashoguz and Lebap regions to develop solutions
    for the consequences of the Aral Sea crisis, Trend reports via UNDP.

    The initiative is part of the UNDP/GEF project “Conservation and
    Sustainable Management of Land Resources and High Nature Value
    Ecosystems in the Aral Sea Basin for Multiple Benefits.”

    The contest aims to support rural communities in creating new
    income sources that are resilient to climate change, with a special
    focus on promoting women’s leadership and participation. Farmers,
    entrepreneurs, and NGOs in the pilot regions are invited to submit
    proposals in areas such as alternative agriculture and agrotourism,
    eco-crafts and waste recycling, green economy services and
    technologies, and eco-education. Each submission must outline the
    problem addressed, proposed solution, target audience, business
    model, implementation plan, team, and expected results.

    The Aral Sea region is among Central Asia’s most
    climate-vulnerable areas, with declining crop yields, water
    scarcity, and limited access to knowledge and resources affecting
    local livelihoods. The contest seeks to address these challenges by
    empowering women, fostering sustainable land use, promoting
    efficient water management, and encouraging environmentally
    friendly entrepreneurship.

    Applications can be submitted in the form of a presentation,
    short video, or written project description until 15 October 2025.
    Finalists will be invited to the contest final on 25 October, where
    winners will receive prizes and mentoring support from the UNDP/GEF
    project team. Successful projects will serve as examples of climate
    adaptation, strengthen women’s economic independence, and raise
    community awareness of sustainable resource management.

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