Lebap Velayat, Turkmenistan, March 26–28, 2026 — The Scientific Information Center of the Interstate Commission for Sustainable Development (SIC ICSD), in partnership with the UNDP-GEF project, conducted a series of activities aimed at strengthening capacity in achieving Land Degradation Neutrality (LDN).
The initiative included practical consultations and roundtable discussions with participation from representatives of land resource services, forestry and water management authorities, protected areas, local administrations, and farming associations.
The main objective was to enhance practical skills in the use of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and remote sensing technologies for assessing land degradation and supporting integrated land-use planning. The activities were aligned with national reporting requirements under the UN Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) for 2026.
Particular focus was placed on improving land degradation monitoring systems, including the optimization of LDN indicators, integration of modern GIS tools, development of digital solutions, and strengthening land management practices across irrigated, pasture, forest, and protected areas.
The program combined analytical sessions with field visits to demonstration sites in Dyanew and Chardjew etraps, where participants gained hands-on experience in applying GIS tools for land assessment, mapping, and identifying degradation “hotspots.”
As a result, significant progress was achieved, including enhanced methodological approaches to monitoring, development of a unified digital database framework, and improved reporting processes under international commitments.
Participation of SIC ICSD contributes to strengthening regional cooperation, promoting innovative technologies, and integrating international best practices into national land management and reporting systems.
📌 Source: Scientific Information Center of the Interstate Commission for Sustainable Development of the International Fund for Saving the Aral Sea
