PROBLEMS OF SHARING TRANSBOUNDARY WATER RESOURCES IN CENTRAL ASIA

Abstract

ABSTRACT The main water resources in Central Asia are the two major transboundary rivers of Syr Darya and Amu Darya. Territorial distribution status of shared waters from these rivers and increasing demand for water in both upper reaches and downstream countries lead to competition between water use for hydropower generation and for irrigation contributing to serious consequences for the economy of these countries. This also raises the political tension between the upper reaches and downstream countries. Therefore, efficient and sustainable management of water resources in the region remains highly important for economic, political and environmental cooperation between the Central Asian Republics. When Central Asian Republics gained their independence after the breakup of the old Soviet Union, the problem of sharing the transboundary water resources aggravated due to the collapse of the old single centralized model of management. The essence of the problems with sharing transboundary waters in the region is that the goals for water use in the region predominantly differ from one country to another. This contradiction is rooted in differing national interests of the republics’ water consumption priorities, with some countries more dependent on irrigated agriculture while hydropower generation is more priority for others. This paper attempts to look at the issues with joint water use, management of transboundary water resources by Central Asian countries and points out the main causes of the problem.