An Expert Seminar with Representatives of the International Institute for Central Asia Held at SIC ICWC

An expert seminar with the participation of researchers from the International Institute for Central Asia (IICA) was held at the SIC ICWC, focusing on current issues of regional water cooperation.

Director of the SIC ICWC, D. Ziganshina, introduced the participants to the Center’s main areas of activity and its role in providing scientific and analytical information to support the work of the ICWC. Particular attention was paid to strengthening interstate cooperation in the water sector, improving regional water management mechanisms, and prospects for cooperation in the face of climate change.

The seminar addressed water security in Central Asia, changes in transboundary river runoff, the interlinkages between water and energy resources, and improving the accuracy of water-use accounting and forecasting.

Positive developments in regional water cooperation over the past decade, including the development of joint initiatives and projects, were noted. One example discussed was the Kambarata HPP-1 construction project, implemented with the participation of Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, and Uzbekistan.

Special attention was given to existing mechanisms for interstate coordination of water resources use. The participants discussed the role of the ICWC in harmonizing water resources management regimes in the Amu Darya and Syr Darya basins during the growing and non-growing seasons. They also emphasized the importance of regular information exchange and updating water availability forecasts to support coordinated decision-making.

Prospects for regional cooperation with Afghanistan were also discussed. The importance of strengthening the exchange of hydrological data and conducting joint monitoring was emphasized, as was the need to involve the Afghan side in regional dialogue on water management and climate change adaptation.

The seminar was followed by an exchange of views on current issues related to water development in Central Asia. Representatives of the SIC ICWC responded to questions from IICA researchers concerning regional water cooperation practices and prospects for improving mechanisms for the joint management of water resources.

Following the meeting, the parties expressed interest in further developing expert cooperation, exchanging scientific and analytical materials, and jointly addressing issues on the regional water agenda.