Water Resource Management in Central Asia: A coalition for survival
Regional Cooperation on Shared Water Reserves Among Central Asian Nations
As Central Asian nations deal with escalating climate challenges and water scarcity, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, and Kyrgyzstan are stepping up coordinated efforts to manage their precious water resources.
The summer irrigation pact
Representatives from Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan joined forces, signing a summer season agreement to regulate water allocation from Tajikistan's Bahri Tochik reservoir (formerly known as Kayrakkum) for irrigation purposes. The agreement, effective from June through August 2025, allocates 491 million cubic meters of water to Kazakhstan for its farming needs. But the water distribution isn't just about Kazakhstan – officials have yet to disclose the shares for Tajikistan and Uzbekistan.
Joint cooperation is not only vital for driving climate resilience, but it also enables these countries to tackle water challenges effectively, as Kazakhstan's Minister of Water Resources, Nurzhan Nurzhigitov, deems necessary.
The Syr Darya Basin outlook
An analysis of the Syr Darya Basin's water situation for the years 2024-25 showcased that the amount of water released from the Bahri Tochik reservoir slightly surpassed the intake during the non-growing season. Interestingly, more water reached the Northern Aral Sea than initially anticipated[1]. This pattern underpins the importance of cooperative water management in an era marked by climate change.
Hydropower unification
Reinforcing their commitment to collaboration, officials from Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and Uzbekistan inked a protocol for coordinating hydropower facility operations during the summer period. The primary objective of this agreement is to ensure both the seamless and efficient operation of water and energy systems when demand is at its peak[1].
Overcoming challenges and progressing forward
While Central Asia's water management strategies have made meaningful headway, the region still grapples with challenges such as inefficiency, ageing infrastructure, and climate change. Nevertheless, the focus is steadily shifting towards modern technology and digital innovation to bolster water efficiency and resilience[2].
Recent legal reforms exemplify the changing landscape of water resource management in the region. For instance, Kazakhstan's new Water Code prioritizes environmental sustainability and climate adaptability, underscoring the significance of policy changes in creating a framework for effective water management[2].
As Central Asian nations pool their efforts in combating shared water issues, they will continue to take significant steps towards ensuring their survival in a climate-changed world.
- To address the climate-change challenges and water scarcity in Central Asia, environmental-science research and innovative solutions in the finance and energy sectors may need to be integrated into water resource management, enhancing overall efficiency and resilience.
- In an effort to boost renewable energy generation and decrease reliance on traditional fossil fuels, coordinated hydropower projects could be a crucial step for Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and Uzbekistan, as they work together to improve their water and energy systems while mitigating the impacts of climate change.
- Given the changing patterns in water availability across the Syr Darya Basin, it is vital for Central Asian nations to monitor and analyze the data in the realm of science and climate-change research to better understand the regional water cycle and inform effective policy decisions in the finance and industry sectors for sustainable water management practices.
