“The Turkmen Lake is of great importance not only for our country, but for the Central Asian region as well”, said President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, speaking during the solemn ceremony of laying a social and industrial complex in the area of the Altyn Asyr Lake. “One of the key vectors of the state policy of our country is the protection of the environment, the conservation of biodiversity and the rational use of natural resources. The construction of new modern villages on the banks of the unique hydraulic facility located in the center of the Karakum Desert will offer a powerful incentive to the economic development of this region, will help creating favorable conditions for the life of the people and achieving the Sustainable Development Goals”, said the President of Turkmenistan. “Water issues are of particular importance in the context of food and environmental security and social affairs, therefore the projects on the development of the area around the Altyn Asyr Lake are recomprehensive in nature. “Currently, large-scale national programmes are implemented in the economic, social, humanitarian and environmental spheres. We use the positive experience accumulated in this direction in the interests of international cooperation. The project on the construction of the Altyn Asyr Lake, a unique hydraulic facility, is aimed at achieving these goals. “The concept of the development of the territory near the lake in 2019-2025 envisages a set of measures for the efficient use of water resources and the development of the Karakum Desert, the creation of forest zones there, the expansion of pasture meadows, the creation of livestock and fish farms. The members of the Union of Industrialists and Entrepreneurs should take an active part in this work. “This activity should be based on scientific research aimed at increasing the biological diversity of flora and fauna, improving the ecological status in the region, purifying water and efficiently using it. “To give a systematic character to scientific research, it is planned to create a special laboratory equipped with high-tech equipment, the head of state noted. “In order to further systematize the scientific research, it is planned to open a special laboratory, supplied with high-tech equipment”, emphasized the President of Turkmenistan.