The 21st session of the joint task force on environmental statistics and indicators was held in Geneva from 17 to 18 October 2024. This group helps the countries of Eastern and Southeastern Europe, the Caucasus and Central Asia in:
- The correctuse of techniquesforcollectingenvironmentaldataaccording to international
- Analysisandpresentation of environmental
- Implementation of an environmental and economicdataaccounting
- The use of environmentalindicatorsforsustainabledevelopmentand the “greeneconomy”.
The group also assists the Working Group on Environmental Monitoring and Assessment in applying international methodologies and standards for data collection. The group includes experts from national statistical offices and ministries dealing with environmental statistics and environmental assessment from countries in Eastern and South-Eastern Europe, the Caucasus and Central Asia.
At the 21st session of the group, topical issues were considered, including issues of environmental and economic accounting, analysis of data on international standards and the practice of using environmental indicators to monitor the state of the environment. Important attention was paid to the needs for data, statistics and indicators needed to solve environmental problems that directly affect human health.
The guidance on the application of environmental indicators, issued in 2023, and future initiatives to strengthen the capacity of countries in the field of environmental statistics were also discussed.
Mergen Kepbanov, Director of the Project Office of the Regional Environmental Centre for Central Asia (CAREC) in Turkmenistan, stressed the importance of Turkmenistan’s participation in this event. He noted that the session is an important platform for the exchange of experience and knowledge, which allows the countries of the region to strengthen their national environmental data accounting systems and develop analysis methods that meet international standards.
“Participation in such sessions is extremely important for Turkmenistan. Despite the existing problem of natural dust, air pollution indicators in the country remain within the established norms, which indicates a positive trend in improving the environmental situation. The Voluntary National Review of Turkmenistan 2023, which includes 17 Sustainable Development Goals of Turkmenistan, has been published on the website of the State Statistics Committee of Turkmenistan. The report provides some statistical data. This review examines cases on climate change, ecology and water resources. Participation in such events helps us to maintain a high level of environmental standards and effectively solve emerging challenges,” said Mergen Kepbanov.
Additional information: Mergen Kepbanov, Director of the CAREC Project Office in Turkmenistan, turkmenistan@carececo.org
