Specialists from UNDP and the Global Environment Facility, within the framework of the project “Conservation and Sustainable Management of Land Resources and High Nature Value Ecosystems in the Aral Sea Basin for Multiple Benefits,” are announcing a competition. The event is being organized jointly with the Ministry of Environmental Protection of Turkmenistan and is aimed at developing visual materials about the importance of conserving biodiversity in the specially protected natural areas of Turkmenistan.

The competition is timed to coincide with World Environment Day, celebrated on June 5. Citizens of Turkmenistan, including those temporarily residing abroad, are invited to participate. They can submit works in the form of drawings, infographics, or digital projects intended for the creation of thematic boards in eight categories.

The boards will be installed in the Amudarya and Gaplangyr State Nature Reserves, as well as their buffer zones. Submissions should be in PDF format in Turkmen, Russian, or English and prepared across several categories:

- Directional signs to indicate protected areas;

- Information boards on nature protection measures;

- Boards for visitor centers.

The boards should be dedicated to the specially protected natural areas of Turkmenistan, reflecting the uniqueness of the flora and fauna of Turkmenistan, as well as efforts to protect and conserve them. The design of the works should be bright, accessible, and contain useful information. All submissions must use verified and reliable data with mandatory indication of sources. The submitted works will be reviewed by a jury. Evaluation criteria will include:

- Compliance with competition conditions;

- Quality and clarity of the information presented;

- Accuracy of data and proper citation of sources;

- Originality of the idea and creative approach.

The award ceremony will take place on June 5, 2025, at the UN Building in Ashgabat. The winning works will be used within the reserves to raise public awareness about the importance of specially protected natural areas.

All competition materials must be sent via email to undptm@gmail.com or by post to: Ashgabat, UN Building, 21 Archabil Avenue, 744036. The deadline for submissions is May 20, 2025.

Contact person: Dowlet Rejepov, Public Relations Specialist  

Email: registry.tm@undp.org / undptm@gmail.com  

Phone: (99312) 488325  

Fax: (99312) 488311