Media

Report
Presentation 

Team
Diana Castillo
Lisa Marie Izquierdo
Gloria Jimenez
Mari Stangerhaugen
Robert Nixon

Organization
United Nations Development Programme (UNDP)

About
Central Asian countries (notably Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan and Kazakhstan) are relatively well-endowed with natural resources, especially in terms of water and energy. However the distribution of these resources is uneven, and there are major tensions between the upstream riparian countries ( Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan) and downstream countries ( notably Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan) on the use of these resources. During Soviet days, there was a regional power grid established that ensured equitable use of water for irrigation and electricity generation. However the central grid is falling apart because of political tensions among the countries. This situation is exacerbated by the fact that the regional countries face short-term crises of water, energy and food security due to recurring droughts. And global warming is clearly threatening the glacier system that supplies water for irrigation and hydro power.

While efforts are underway to ease tensions by agencies such as the UNDP, World Bank and Asian Development Bank, there are many challenges.

This report, “Water Crisis in Central Asia: Key Challenges and Opportunities” was prepared for the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) to provide an assessment of the key challenges, opportunities and recommendations for increasing regional cooperation with regards to water management. The aim was to propose viable options which could, through increased regional collaboration, lead to an acceptable arrangement that is sustainable and peaceful. This report is composed of seven sections: Introduction, Overview, Major Challenges, Regional and International Efforts, Case Studies, Lessons Learned, and Recommendations.