OREANDA-NEWS. June 14, 2011.  The seminar “Improving Structure and Legal Basis of the International Fund for Saving the Aral Sea” was organized by the UN Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE) and the Ministry of Water Industry of Turkmenistan in the assembly hall of the new administrative buildings of the Turkmen agricultural sector in the Turkmen capital. The forum brought together specialists of water industry and other branches of the agro-industrial sector and international experts.

The seminar was held in the framework of the programme on “Regional Dialogue and Cooperation in Water Resources Management” implemented by the UNECE and German UN Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE) and the German Agency for International Cooperation (GIZ). It is aimed at enhancing positive cooperation between countries in the region, updating further international legal basis and ensuring monitoring and effective water resources management. In this context a critical role is assigned to the International Fund for Saving the Aral Sea (IFAS).

As is known, Turkmenistan as one of the IFAS founders actively contributes to its activities. By applying advanced technologies and innovative engineering solutions, our country has gained the profound positive experience in the efficient use of water resources and alternative energy sources that is critical for addressing the problem of scare water resources facing the region and the problems related to the Aral Sea

In cooperation with the UN and in the interests of Central Asian states the IFAS is to elaborate an effective legal mechanism for water resources management based on international practices and take preventive measures to control environmental crisis in the Aral Sea. The Fund contributes to implementation of relevant international projects and conducts monitoring of the regional ecological system.

Seminar participants focused on significance of Turkmenistan’s efforts aimed at promoting efficient use of water resources and called for enhancing further positive cooperation in this field.