Azernews.Az

By Fatma Babayeva

Turkmenistan and the European Union have launched a joint project on the implementation of strategies for sustainable development in Turkmenistan to help the country in the rational use of natural resources and energy, newspaper Neutral Turkmenistan reported.

This project aims to create a national model of energy-efficient economy.

The publication notes that energy-saving issues are viewed in the context of environmental issues. The implementation of the measures on the energy efficiency contributes to reducing greenhouse gas emissions leading to the climate change.

The three working groups engaged in environmental protection, education and energy efficiency presented their relevant reports in Ashgabat recently.

In addition, trainings on energy efficiency and waste management in urban areas were arranged within the framework of the project.

A series of trainings were organized for the specialist of regional environmental protection departments of Turkmenistan such as evaluation of the impact on the environment and strategic environmental assessment as part of the planning process to achieve the sustainable development at the regional level.

International experts introduced to the Turkmen specialists the advantages of implementing environmental and energy management systems according to ISO 14001 and ISO 50001 standards in industrial plants.

This project has been implemented within the framework of bilateral partnership between Turkmenistan and the EU in accordance with the Memorandum of Understanding and Cooperation in the field of energy, said Sylvia Petropaulo, manager of Administration in International Cooperation and Development of the European Commission.

The project is based on the provisions of the National Strategy on Climate Change of Turkmenistan, and contributes to the country's obligations under the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change.

Environmental impact assessment is a mandatory procedure for all buildings under construction in Turkmenistan.

At the moment, the new version of the national standard of this type is under the development.

Using existing energy sources in energy-efficient manner will help Turkmenistan to overcome energy crisis within the country.

The project will contribute to solve the problem connected to the energy shortage that Turkmen population experience nowadays.

In addition, Turkmenistan will join tackling the global warming process going on in the world with this act.

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Fatma Babayeva is AzerNews’ staff journalist, follow her on Twitter: @Fatma_Babayeva

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