Central Asia struggles for common water strategy

Central Asian countries are under increasing pressure to fundamentally reform their management of rapidly dwindling water resources. While there is agreement that the existing institutional framework is inadequate, there is still no consensus on how to reconcile economic development goals with limited water resources.

Last year, several countries unveiled water-intensive development programs, including plans for nuclear power plants, data centers, IT hubs, and the expansion of mining and processing industries. At the same time, the region's population is growing rapidly. Both factors are increasing demand for water in a region that is already facing structural water shortages.

Kazakhstan pushes for reforms

Against this backdrop, the idea of deeper regional cooperation is gaining importance. At a meeting of the Intergovernmental Commission for Water Coordination (ICWC) on February 23 in Dushanbe, Kazakhstan presented a reform proposal.

The plan envisages the establishment of a new institution within the framework of a Central Asian framework convention on water management. Unlike existing bodies, this one would have enforcement powers. Kazakhstan's Minister of Water Nurzhan Nurzhigitov called for support for the initiative, pointing to the need for greater coordination of climate adaptation and sustainable resource management.

Upstream versus downstream

The ICWC meeting highlighted how difficult it remains to find a common line. Although alarmingly low water levels in reservoirs and rivers were discussed, no concrete joint measures for the upcoming irrigation season were agreed upon.

A key obstacle is the conflicting interests of upstream and downstream countries. As upstream countries, Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan control the majority of water resources. Kazakhstan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan, as downstream countries, consume the largest share, mainly for agriculture.

The use of water resources is closely linked to energy policy. Upstream countries are heavily dependent on hydropower in winter. In the post-Soviet era, downstream countries sometimes supplied energy in return for regulated water releases. However, with water levels falling, these informal exchange arrangements are reaching their limits.

Kyrgyzstan calls for fundamental reform

In Kyrgyzstan, too, there are growing calls for reform. A commentary by the state news agency Kabar emphasized in early February that around half of the Central Asian population – some 37 million people – live in regions with acute water shortages. Water scarcity is increasingly threatening economic growth.

At the same time, the commentary highlighted the continuing divide between upstream and downstream states. From Kyrgyzstan's point of view, the interests of upstream states have been disadvantaged since the collapse of the Soviet Union. Kyrgyzstan now only participates in the ICWC as an observer.

The government in Bishkek is calling for regional mechanisms that take the interests of all states equally into account. Otherwise, it says, the legal framework will have to be revised, as many provisions are considered outdated.

Discussion about water prices

Kyrgyz politicians are now going even further. Some members of parliament are demanding that Kyrgyzstan should charge for the use of its water resources in future. References to international examples – such as water or energy compensation payments between Canada and the US or between Germany and Sweden – are used to support their argument.

However, such a move would provoke resistance from downstream countries, which are historically accustomed to largely free access to water.

The debate makes it clear that strategic awareness of the urgency of the water crisis is growing in Central Asia. But tactical agreement remains difficult to achieve for the time being.

This article was produced in cooperation with our partner bne intelliNews.