Turkmenistan faces significant environmental challenges, including widespread land degradation, salinization and water scarcity. Currently, around 4.9 million hectares of land are degraded, with projections rising to 6.3 million hectares by 2050 under a business-as-usual scenario. These trends pose risks to food security, rural livelihoods and economic development, particularly given the importance of agriculture to employment and GDP.
This analytical study, developed under the World Bank’s Central Asia Resilient Landscape Restoration Program (RESILAND CA+), examines land degradation and landscape restoration opportunities in Turkmenistan. The study aims to support policy and investment planning for climate-resilient landscape management. Using remote sensing and ecosystem modelling, it identifies degradation hotspots, assess restoration potential, and evaluate the costs of inaction compared to investments in restoration and climate adaptation. In particular, this study incorporates stakeholder consultations and promotes access to environmental information, thereby supporting transparency and informed decision-making.
The findings from the study are being used for the development of country-specific, science-informed development action plans to tackle the issues. Together with ongoing efforts by the government and partners in Turkmenistan, landscape restoration is expected to not only facilitate climate adaptation and environmental security, but also contribute to the objectives of jobs, food production, and economic prosperity for the population in the long run.
