Ashgabat, 10 November 2009 – Specialists of agricultural sector representing National institute of Desert, Flora and Fauna, Etrek Research Center and local practitioners at the end of October have visited Garagel of Hazar city, Gyzyl suw and Belek settlements of Turkmenbashy region of Balkan province with the aim to conduct practical exercises and consult those representatives of Caspian communities who wish to start their own business on land. This seminar was held within the framework of MNP/GEF/UNDP joint project «Conservation and Sustainable Use of Globally Significant Biological Diversity in Hazar Nature Reserve on the Caspian Sea Coast». The seminar was attended by representatives of Hazar city and Turkmenbashy region administration.

In the course of the seminar participants were introduced to the main techniques of wool processing in home conditions and manufacturing national thick felt souvenirs. Along with practical exercises experts of the National Institute of Desert, Flora and Fauna, Etrek Subtropical Plants Research Center and local practitioners consulted local population on the issues of small farming and selection of place for planting crops. Recommendations given by the experts were concerning selection of a proper place for planting, watering in times of low water availability and possibilities of getting high harvests and income from selling the obtained harvest.

According to Mukhammet Nepesov’s opinion, a scientific officer of the National Institute of Desert, Flora and Fauna, for developing small farming in pilot settlements there is a need for wider introduction of traditional techniques of various crops growing developed by local population along with the modern methods of irrigations, such as drip irrigation.

In the course of the visit to Balkan province representatives of the project also took part in the opening ceremony of hunting season in Garagel settlement and discussed with representatives of Turkmenbashy region administration activities which are planned within the project in Gyzylsuw settlement.

Encouraging public participation in the issues of biodiversity conservation is a priority objective of the project. For example, development of small farming along with manufacturing thick felt souvenirs are considered by the project as alternative means of income for local population that may reduce negative impact on biological resources of Caspian Sea.

After 2 years of awareness raising work, local communities begun to understand and accept the idea of joint management of natural resources of the country. At present, activities of local hunters and Turkmen society of hunters and fisheries became notable in terms of regulating hunting in Caspian Sea coast, agreements between the reserve and local communities were prepared, small grants program became active in Gyzylsuw settlement located within the territory of the reserve and having quite strong influence on resources of the reserve.

The seminar resulted in working out recommendations which would facilitate strengthening trust relationship between Hazar reserve and local people. More than 20 participants expressed their willingness to engage in wool processing activities and growing crops. The project will consider these initiatives within small grants program.