Developing a National Oil Spill Response System in the Caspian Region: Turkmenistan Case Study1

Abstract

ABSTRACT The collapse of the former Soviet Union a decade ago has led to increasing interest in the Caspian region as a source of crude oil and gas for global markets. This paper explains the project scope and the framework under which a sustainable national oil spill response system is being developed in Turkmenistan, a former Soviet Republic and one of the Caspian's littoral states. The key success factors of the oil spill contingency planning project in Turkmenistan, which are believed to be relevant for similar activities under development in other parts of the Caspian region, include the support of high-level government representation; a participatory and cross-sectoral approach; adopting a standardized process based on international guidance and Conventions; alliance of local and international experts to provide input and support the progress of the project; and accumulation of knowledge and its dissemination using digital media.