Water: Nature’s Priceless Treasure
Protecting the environment is a central pillar of Turkmenistan’s national policy. This includes safeguarding flora and fauna and using land and water resources wisely. In addition, substantial efforts are underway to modernize irrigation infrastructure. Aging water facilities are being rebuilt, and more efficient irrigation systems are being introduced across the country.
Regional Cooperation on Water and the Aral Sea
In April 2026, the esteemed President of Turkmenistan took part in the Regional Environmental Summit in Astana. There, he also joined the Council of Heads of State of the International Fund for Saving the Aral Sea (IFAS). The summit brought together the Fund’s founding states to discuss several key issues. These included the integrated use of water and energy resources, as well as socio-economic development in the Aral Sea basin. Furthermore, delegates addressed transboundary water-sharing arrangements based on international norms. They also reviewed joint regional projects to environmentally rehabilitate the Aral seacoast zone. Finally, the summit covered expanding cooperation on water management and energy across Central Asia.
Expanding Irrigated Agriculture
Under the guidance of the esteemed President, Turkmenistan has pursued sustained efforts to improve water supply to farmland. Previously unused land is being reclaimed, and new areas are being brought under irrigation. Turkmenistan’s abundant sunshine and hot summers have long made water security a defining concern. As a result, careful, efficient water use has deep historical roots — for drinking, livestock, and crops alike.
Water in Turkmen Tradition
Water has held a sacred place in Turkmen culture for centuries. It is regarded as one of life’s seven treasures. For example, a well-known saying compares a drop of water to a grain of gold. This reflects a long-standing awareness of water’s role in sustaining life. Generations of proverbs capture this reverence: “Where there is water there are flowers, without water there is only desert,” “Water is the mother of the harvest,” “There is no life without water, no blessing without labor,” “Water gathers into a lake, people gather into a nation,” and “Water purifies all things.” Together, these sayings reflect an understanding of water as the wellspring of life. It sustains health and hygiene, and it supports agricultural abundance as well.
A Foundation for Development
Careful water management continues to underpin Turkmenistan’s agricultural output. It also supports the greening of towns and settlements with orchards, ornamental trees, and gardens. Meanwhile, the country’s rivers, springs, and groundwater reserves sustain its farmland, pastures, and rangelands. In this way, water remains central to the broader socio-economic development goals pursued across the country.
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Source: mineco gov tm
