The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) announces the launch of the creative ideas competition "Aral of the Future - Creating Solutions Today," timed to coincide with Aral Sea Day, celebrated on March 26.

The competition is part of the project "Conservation and Sustainable Management of High-Value Land Resources and Ecosystems in the Aral Sea Basin for Multiple Benefits," implemented by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) jointly with the Ministry of Environmental Protection of Turkmenistan, with financial support from the Global Environment Facility (GEF).

The initiative aims to engage young people in the search for innovative solutions for water conservation and ecosystem restoration in the Aral Sea region.

Who can participate?

Young people aged 15 to 25 are invited to participate.

Participation Format

Participants must create a 3D physical model (installation) demonstrating:

• solutions for the efficient use of water resources

• restoration of the Aral Sea region ecosystems

• a sustainable future for the region over a 15-25 year horizon

Thematic Areas

Participants can choose one of the following areas:

• "Water Chronicles" — the past, present, and future of the Aral Sea

• "Conservation Architecture" — water-efficient technologies and solutions

• "Green Shield" — the role of forest plantations in combating desertification

• "Cycle of Change" — sustainable consumption and waste management

• "Equal Opportunities for All" — a model or installation demonstrating the involvement of women and men, across generations, in the sustainable management of natural resources and the restoration of the region's ecosystems

Important:

• Maximum model size: 80 × 80 cm, height — up to 60 cm

• The use of natural and Recycled materials (upcycling)

The model may include, but is not limited to, the following elements:

• A water feature (e.g., a canal, irrigation system, or reservoir)

• Protective planting elements (saxaul, etc.)

• A technological solution (e.g., filtration, sensors, drip irrigation)

Participants are encouraged to be creative and propose any other elements that will help visualize the restoration of the Aral Sea region's ecosystems and the sustainable use of water resources.

Deadlines

• Submission deadline: May 22, 2026

• Model exhibition and evaluation: June 3, 2026, at the UN building, as part of World Environment Day; All entries will be judged by UN staff through voting at the exhibition.

• Announcement of winners and award ceremony: June 5, 2026 (World Environment Day)

How to apply

To participate, please submit:

• the title and a brief description of your model idea
• a photo of the model in JPEG or PNG format
• contact details (full name, phone number, participant’s e-mail)

to the following e-mail addresses: undptm@gmail.com; zuleyha.achilova@undp.org
with the subject line: “Aral–2026 Competition”

For more information, please call: +99312488325; +99361144951

Important: Participants must arrange for the transportation of their layouts to the capital, Ashgabat, for the final exhibition and presentation. All transportation costs will be fully covered by the UNDP project.

For more information, please call the number listed above.

Note: Submitting your entry automatically grants the United Nations Development Programme the right to use your layout for exhibitions and other project events.

Evaluation Criteria

Entries will be evaluated based on the following parameters:

• Relevance to the competition theme - how well the layout reflects the competition objectives: restoration of the Aral Sea region, water conservation, and sustainable development.

• Scientific validity - the accuracy of the presented water conservation methods, ecosystem restoration, and technologies.

• Creativity and originality - unconventional ideas, use of unusual materials, innovative solutions to environmental problems.

• Technical implementation - the quality of the layout, the presence of interactive or movable elements.

• Vision for the future of the region - demonstrating long-term positive changes for nature and society.

• Project presentation - the author's ability to clearly and convincingly present their idea and answer the jury's questions.

Water is not just a resource, but the foundation of life and the right of future generations.

Show us how you envision the future of the Aral Sea today - your ideas can become a voice for change for the entire region!