7th Meeting of Kafirnigan River Basin Council

On October 17, 2025, SIC ICWC’s representative attended the Seventh Meeting of the Kafirnigan River Basin Council. The event was organized by the Ministry of Energy and Water Resources of the Republic of Tajikistan, with the support of the GIZ project “Climate-Sensitive Water Resources Management in Central Asia.” SIC ICWC was represented by expert Ms. Matluba Rahimova.

The meeting offered an important platform for dialogue among stakeholders on sustainable water management in the context of climate change. The meeting brought together 69 experts, including 25 women representing the water sectors of Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and Iran. The broad international representation underscored the importance of transboundary cooperation and the coordination of efforts under basin water management.

A key item on the agenda was the presentation of the draft Basin Water Management Plan for the Kafirnigan River Basin for 2026–2030. The document, prepared by national experts from Tajikistan, aims to ensure the rational, sustainable, and balanced use of water resources, taking into account environmental, economic, and social factors. The plan outlines specific measures to improve the condition of aquatic ecosystems, enhance water use efficiency, and support adaptation to the impacts of climate change. SIC ICWC proposed including water experts from Uzbekistan in the composition of the Kafirnigan River Basin Council and holding the Council meetings at the regional level. It was also suggested that, during the review of the Council’s activities, the analysis should include the allocated water limits and actual water withdrawals in the Kafirnigan River.

Following the discussion, the draft Basin Plan was submitted to the Ministry of Energy and Water Resources of Tajikistan for review and subsequent approval. The meeting reaffirmed the commitment of the countries of the region to jointly address water challenges and to further strengthen cooperation based on the principles of integrated water resources management.