The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the Government of Turkmenistan have completed a joint project aimed at reducing seismic risks and strengthening earthquake preparedness, according to a press release by UNDP.

The final meeting of the project board took place on July 28 at the UN office in Ashgabat. The event was attended by representatives from ministries, research institutions, and local authorities who discussed the project’s outcomes.

The work focused on three main areas. For the first time in Ashgabat, a comprehensive seismic hazard assessment was conducted using the digital platforms ASTERHAZ and ATERRISK. Scientists studied active tectonic faults, carried out micro-zoning, and inspected the condition of buildings and educational facilities.

The Institute of Seismology and Atmospheric Physics of the Academy of Sciences of Turkmenistan received modern equipment and software worth over USD 650,000. More than 100 specialists were trained, educational materials were developed, and a trilingual glossary of professional terms was compiled. A national seismic data processing center was established, along with recommendations for government agencies and a draft law on seismic safety.

Future plans include expanding seismic risk assessments to other cities such as Arkadag, Balkanabat, Turkmenbashi, and Avaza. The integration of seismic safety topics into educational curricula will also continue.

The project, launched in 2018, represents a significant step toward building a national system for disaster warning and response. Its implementation involved Turkmen ministries, research institutions, and international partners, including seismological centers in Uzbekistan and Tajikistan, as well as the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA).