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Ashgabat, 29 August 2013 – Local communities living in different ecological and geographical regions of the country have identified priorities and plans for action to strengthen the resilience of the communities against the climate change.

These outcomes were accomplished during the local community capacity strengthening trainings conducted in three regions – Sakarchaga (oasis area), Bokurdak (desert area) and Nohur (mountain area under the Project "Addressing Climate Change Risks to Farming Systems in Turkmenistan at National and Community Level". The project is being jointly implemented by the Ministry of Nature Protection of Turkmenistan and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and Adaptation Fund.

Members of the communities discussed issues related to designing adaptation measures to address climate change risks with focus on three correlated topics:

• climate change and water resources in the world, the region and Turkmenistan;
• identification of risk impacts to local communities due to climate  change;
• planning effective adaptation measures.

Taking into account the findings of the global and regional studies on the ongoing decrease of water resources caused by adverse effects of natural and anthropogenic factors, the local communities in each project area assessed the current situation with availability of water resources in their regions and identified opportunities for the sustainable use and management of water resources. The local inhabitants also identified areas where the adaptation measures and the use of modern technologies will considerably contribute to the success in a more rational use of water resources.

During the training sessions the participants drew maps pinpointing the locations of living settlements, the territory of daykhan (farmers) associations, and the location of natural, social and economic resources available for their villages and the local farming economy at large. They also identified the needs of rural residents in the context of water scarcity, discussed ways to improve the water supply and prioritize a set of adaptation activities for each pilot area.

The results of the conducted trainings will enable project experts and local communities to jointly draft and develop investment plans to be funded by the Adaptation Project.

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UNDP partners with people at all levels of society to help build nations that can withstand crisis, and drive and sustain the kind of growth that improves the quality of life for everyone. On the ground in 177 countries and territories, we offer global perspective and local insight to help empower lives and build resilient nations.

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Source - www.undp.tm