OREANDA-NEWS. June 5, 2008. President of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov gave the greeting address to participants of the scientific and practical conference to mark World Environment Day, ecologists and people of Turkmenistan.

By the call of the United Nations Organisation World Environment Day is celebrated in over 100 countries worldwide each year on June 5 and it is the main holiday in the ecological calendar. Turkmenistan celebrates this landmark event from this year. The nature of the Turkmen land with its hot sun, unique landscape, wonderful natural monuments, unique plant and animal life is remarkable for amazing beauty and specificity. In the address the Turkmen said that the climatic and natural conditions of Turkmenistan had cultivated careful treatment to the environment in the people in ancient times. It had an impact on the lifestyle of the people, the ways of managing household, the national traditions and customs. Over many centuries our people acquired the habit of using efficiently and protecting the unique nature of the native land, they learnt to tackle environmental issues independently.

“Today no one can imagine sustainable development of the human society in isolation from environmental issues,” the address says. “Our further progressive development depends to a large extent on the natural resources, the diversity of biological species and ecosystems of all kinds of life in the Earth.

“The nature around us is not only a habitat but also a medium for constructive endeavours. In the epoch of great Revival we have witnessed the new ecological conditions appearing, the notion of ecology transforming and spiritual revival of the nation in independent neutral Turkmenistan

“Protection of the environment and health of the people is regarded as of paramount importance in our state. Turkmen ecologists greatly contribute to protecting the rare plant and animal species, ecosystems, observing the environmental safety rules when constructing industrial, social and economic facilities, conducting the state ecological inspection.

“Being a full-member of the community of nations Turkmenistan takes an active part in tackling environmental issues in the framework for the international agreements and projects. Contributing to the international efforts to control global warming out country joined the Kyoto Protocol and stands ready for co-operation to implement it.

“Environmental protection, replenishment of the natural wealth and sustainable use of natural resources for the future benefit of the people are the ultimate goals of the national environmental policy. Hydrocarbon-rich Turkmenistan attaches particular importance to ecological security. The best international practice and the high standards for environmental security underlie the national project on establishment of the Avaza tourism zone as well. Turkmenistan substantially invested in this important project.

“Over the past years Turkmenistan accumulated the profound experience in designing and implementing the environmental strategies, programme, projects. That can be exemplified by the National Environmental Action Plan of Turkmenistan, the Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan, the National Caspian Action Plan, the National Programme to Combat Desertification, etc.

“The life of people depends to a larger extend on their harmonious relationships with nature, on how effectively they use this wealth. Today, it is very important to look for and find the ways for maintaining harmony and balance in these relationships. Therefore, every citizen of Turkmenistan must consider it a sacred duty to protect the surrounding nature. World Environment Day is necessary for us to feel responsibility and do the best so that our nature of outstanding beauty becomes more wonderful.”