China and Turkmenistan Conduct Joint Desertification and Biodiversity Survey in Karakum Desert
2026-06-23
Recently, researchers from the Xinjiang Institute of Ecology and Geography, Chinese Academy of Sciences (XIEG), and the National Institute of Deserts, Flora, and Fauna under the Ministry of Environment Protection of Turkmenistan,conducted a 16-day joint scientific expedition focusing on desertification processes and biodiversity across the Karakum Desert in Turkmenistan.
The expedition aimed to collect basic data on wild flora and fauna, as well as soil profiles in the Karakum Desert, and to clarify dune evolution patterns and wind-sand disaster risks along major transport corridors and priority zones.
During the field survey, the joint team surveyed the north-south transect stretching from Ashgabat to the Gaplangyr State Nature Reserve, and the east-west transect between Serdar and the Repetek State Biosphere Reserve.
The field survey obtained abundant, detailed first-hand data, enriched the database of arid zone flora and fauna, and provided valuable biological materials and data support for global efforts to address climate warming and extreme ecological crises.
This comprehensive scientific expedition marks XIEG’s first integrated field research mission within Turkmenistan in recent years. It advances practical cooperation between XIEG and Turkmenistan’s research institutions, promotes joint research on desert ecosystem monitoring, sand hazard control technology development, and ecological restoration of degraded land, and strengthens regional scientific capacity to tackle desertification challenges within the region.
Group photo of the joint expedition team. (Image by XIEG)
Researchers discussed plant sampling protocols, on-site documentation and specimen preparation. (Image by XIEG)
Contact
Ms. HUANG
Xinjiang Institute of Ecology and Geography
E-mail: zlhuang@ms.xjb.ac.cn