Water security in the Central Asian region was
discussed at an international conference in Astana. The event brought together experts,
scientists, environmentalists, diplomats, and representatives from relevant ministries
of Kazakhstan, the Kyrgyz Republic, Uzbekistan, and other countries. One of the
issues addressed was the construction of the Qosh Tepa Canal in Afghanistan, which
is designed to divert water from the Amu Darya river. This may impact
Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan, as well as affect Kazakhstan’s water supply. The
participants emphasized the need to develop common strategies for sustainable
development to ensure the effective management of transboundary water
resources. Water diplomacy involving all interested parties is crucial.
«We do not share a border with Afghanistan,
but we understand that the volume of water they will be taking will have an
impact. The first point we want to raise concerns our diplomatic and
negotiation processes. We understand that, in the future, it may be necessary
to involve our colleagues from Afghanistan in IFAS (the International Fund for
Saving the Aral Sea). We must already start teaching our farmers and
agricultural producers to use water-saving technologies such as drip and
sprinkler irrigation systems,» noted Kazakh Vice Minister of Water Resources
and Irrigation Aslan Abdraimov.
Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyz Republic agree
on water allocation of Syr Darya river
Meanwhile, at the energy forum in the capital
of Uzbekistan, three Central Asian countries, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, and the Kyrgyz
Republic, agreed on the joint management of the Syr Darya river basin resources
during the growing season. The signed Protocol defines the operating modes of
regional hydropower plants and the volumes of water allocation. According to
experts, this measure aims to ensure that each country receives enough water for
irrigation while maintaining the stability of the hydropower plants. The
signing of such a document allows the countries to consider their needs and
ensure the rational use of resources. Notably, the Syr Darya holds great
importance for the economies of the Central Asian countries.
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