A festive and environmental event dedicated to Caspian Sea Day was held in the “Avaza” National Tourist Zone. The event was organized with the aim of protecting the marine environment of the Caspian Sea, raising environmental awareness among young people and promoting responsible attitudes toward nature.

The initiative was held within the framework of the regional project of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) entitled “Addressing Marine Litter and Marine Plastics in the Caspian Sea – A Systemic Approach”. The project is being implemented with financial support from the Russian Federation.

The event was organized in cooperation with the “Yash Tebigatchy” public organization, with the support of the Ministry of Environmental Protection and the Ministry of Education of Turkmenistan. Representatives of the Ministry of Internal Affairs and the Ministry of Defense of Turkmenistan also took part in thematic educational sessions.

Children staying at the “Dayanch” health center and the “Arzuw” children’s recreation center participated in the environmental event. During the event, young participants received detailed information about the natural resources of the Caspian Sea, the characteristics of its ecosystem and the importance of protecting the marine environment.

Experts from UNDP, representatives of the Secretariat of the Framework Convention for the Protection of the Marine Environment of the Caspian Sea, known as the Tehran Convention, and representatives of the “Yash Tebigatchy” public organization spoke about the biodiversity of the Caspian Sea. They also explained the impact of plastic waste and microplastics on the marine ecosystem and the need for joint efforts to prevent pollution.

During practical training sessions, children were taught water and coastal safety rules, fire safety during the summer season, as well as basic methods of providing first aid in emergency situations.

The interactive quiz titled “Defenders of the Caspian” generated particular interest among the young participants. They completed various tasks related to water safety, biodiversity conservation and environmental protection.

During the environmental creative workshop, children drew pictures highlighting the importance of protecting nature. They also learned about methods used in environmental volunteer activities to clean coastal areas and practical tools for monitoring pollution.

According to UNDP specialist Jemal Durdykova, such activities are aimed at expanding young people’s understanding of marine litter and plastic pollution, encouraging environmentally responsible behavior and preserving the unique ecosystem of the Caspian Sea for future generations.

The event held in Avaza not only drew public attention, particularly among young people, to the environmental condition of the Caspian Sea, but also demonstrated the importance of regional cooperation in environmental protection.