BAKU, Azerbaijan, November 4. The UN calls for
environmental safeguards to be integrated into Caspian transport
corridor planning from the outset to balance growing connectivity
with ecosystem protection.


UN Resident Coordinator in Turkmenistan Xiaojun Grace Wang said
this in an exclusive interview with Trend, answering a question about practical
approaches to aligning transport corridor expansion with
environmental protection.


"The Caspian Sea is much more than a body of water. It is a
unique ecosystem rich in biodiversity, an important economic space
that supports trade, transport and connectivity, and a source of
livelihoods and opportunity for millions of people across the
region. Its future therefore depends on our ability to balance
economic development, social well-being and environmental
sustainability," Wang said.


She stressed that transport and infrastructure projects should
be assessed not only in terms of their economic benefits but also
in terms of their environmental, climate-related and social
consequences.


"From the United Nations' perspective, the key is to ensure that
transport and infrastructure development is guided by sound science
and evidence. Decisions on connectivity should not be measured
solely by economic gains, but also by their impacts on ecosystems,
climate resilience, communities and future generations. Reliable
environmental and socioeconomic data can help governments assess
trade-offs, anticipate risks and make more informed policy and
investment decisions," Wang said.


Wang called for low-carbon transport corridors built to
withstand climate shocks, environmental and social impact checks at
the earliest planning stage, stronger monitoring and early-warning
systems, and wider use of digital tools.


"Practical approaches include developing climate-resilient and
low-carbon transport corridors, conducting environmental and social
assessments from the earliest stages of planning, strengthening
environmental monitoring and early-warning systems, expanding the
use of digital technologies such as earth observation and remote
sensing, and applying nature-based solutions where appropriate.
Effective implementation of regional frameworks, including the
Tehran Convention and its protocols, is also essential for
strengthening cooperation on shared environmental challenges," she
said.


She also highlighted the need to ensure that infrastructure
development takes into account the interests of communities living
in the region and gives different groups a voice in planning
decisions.







"It is equally important to consider the social dimensions of
connectivity. Sustainable transport and infrastructure development
should create opportunities and strengthen resilience for local
communities, while ensuring that the needs and perspectives of
women, men and young people are reflected in planning and
decision-making processes," Wang said.


Wang emphasized that connectivity and environmental protection
should be pursued together rather than treated as competing
priorities.


"Ultimately, the objective is not to choose between connectivity
and environmental protection, but to advance both together. By
integrating environmental safeguards into development planning from
the outset, the Caspian region can strengthen trade and
connectivity while safeguarding its ecosystems and delivering
sustainable benefits for present and future generations," she
added.


Meanwhile, the United Nations in Turkmenistan serves as a
development partner, endorsing national priorities aligned with the
Sustainable Development Goals through the UN Sustainable
Development Cooperation Framework (2021-2025/2026-2030). The
Country Team, led by the UN Resident Coordinator, collaborates with
the government on health, education, economic, and social reforms.
Key focuses include people-centered governance, inclusive economic
growth, and quality services. Major UN agencies involved are UNDP,
WHO, UNICEF, and UNODC.


Additionally, the UN Regional Centre for Preventive Diplomacy
for Central Asia addresses regional security. Key projects
encompass legal aid strengthening, violence protection for women
and children, trade improvement, water resource management, and
pandemic preparedness, supported by significant government
financial contributions.


Water and environmental sustainability are also an important
part of the UN’s cooperation with Turkmenistan. The UN supports the
country in areas including water security, climate resilience,
ecosystem management, and environmental monitoring, while its
current 2026-2030 Cooperation Framework identifies environment and
climate change mitigation and adaptation as one of three strategic
priorities.