Conclusions

Water has been always the source of life, prosperity and wellbeing in CA and therefore was in the center of any forms of statehood. Although the diversity of interests and challenges that society and state face moved water aside of national and interstate priorities, but growth, demography, natural balance and future sustainable development in the context of natural cataclysms and climate change again move water back on the top of government concerns.

The Central Asian region inherited a huge water-related infrastructure, a wealth of experience, knowledge and technology, and a great desire to ensure well-being of CA nations. However, in the context of globally, geopolitically, economically, politically and technologically changing world, new ways and solutions in the area of water relations and water use must be sought for.

Water development and use in the region is in the focus of all national and regional water organizations that should be guided by considerations of those future factors to overcome the water deficit, which is anticipated by 2035–2040.

The Summit of the Heads of IFAS founder-states in 2018 called the countries to enhance regional cooperation in the field of water conservation and interstate water management and use. In particular, the President of Uzbekistan proposed to adopt a Regional program for rational water use in Central Asia. The Uzbek Ministry of Water Management has developed a draft of the Regional program and presented it to CA countries for discussion.

Experts think that the Regional program of rational water use in the Central Asian region should consider the following:

a) make use of water reserves by:  reducing losses in river’s main courses and at interfaces of water hierarchy;  improving the water accounting system;  increasing uniformity of water distribution and raising stability of water supply;  using return water and wastewater as maximum as possible;  coordinating and ensuring fulfillment of the agreed water releases while operating large hydropower schemes;  revising crop water requirements based on new FAO methodology and considering climate change.

b) potentially huge resource reserves can be developed through the improvement of water and land productivity on the base of agricultural extension services, the work of which will be based on yield programming methods supported by remote sensing; water saving; and, crop diversification. Shifting to drought-tolerant crop varieties, consideration of positive effects of climate change and increased focus on reclamation of land can contribute to improved productivity of land.

c) greater focus should be put on the improvement of surface water and groundwater quality for drinking and household needs (revision of existing water supply schemes and projects, exploration and setting of groundwater discharge).

d) particular attention should be given to water pricing and economic mechanisms for encouragement of efficient water use and to enhancement of material incentives among all water users.

e) a new paradigm of interaction enhancing cooperation between the countries calls for increased trust between them, search for joint solutions in and mutual benefits from the construction of new hydraulic structures and the operation of water infrastructure

f) it is necessary to develop mechanisms for more effective interaction between regional and national water agencies, establish clear procedures of interaction and ensure wider public participation in water management both at national and regional level. Here, the role of donors that could become major facilitators in strengthening regional cooperation is particularly important.

g) regular development of the level of specialized education in colleges and universities and organization of permanent training courses for professionals should ensure upgrade of professional knowledge every five years. Particular attention should be paid to fostering future water leaders.

h) it is necessary to fill critical research gaps in water use management, while paying particular attention to compensation of future water deficit, water conservation, and resumption of work on the partial transfer of Siberian river flow to Central Asia.

New forms of relations are needed to provide for:

enhancement of the system of open access to information and provision of accurate and timely information on water use and forecasts on water and climate, as well as widening of public participation in water management and use; continuous dialogue in water management, elaboration of joint procedures for water management and use, and clear mutual obligations between regional and national organizations; strengthening of the scientific and analytical base for water development and use; organization of the program on water conservation and response to challenges occurring in the context of water, climate, and political changes.