Water Crisis Looms in Central Asia, Threatening Social Stability
Water management is a critical issue that could lead to social tension between and within countries, according to Zafar Makhmudov, Executive Director of the Regional Environmental Centre of Central Asia (CAREC). Speaking at the Central Asian Climate Change Conference (CACIC-2024) in Almaty, Kazakhstan, Makhmudov emphasized the importance of learning how to effectively manage water resources to meet the needs of developing economies and populations.
CAREC is actively working on projects aimed at introducing new water and energy-saving technologies to address the increasing demand for water. In addition to managing water resources, there is also a focus on emergency management in the event of severe floods and mudflows. Early warning systems play a crucial role in preventing human casualties and reducing economic losses.
Each Central Asian state faces its own water-related challenges, including water shortage, desertification, land degradation, and rising groundwater levels. Adapting to these new conditions in agriculture requires time and financial resources, making transboundary cooperation essential in addressing these issues.
Makhmudov highlighted the importance of collaboration between countries to ensure that water resources are used efficiently and sustainably. Failure to cooperate could lead to misunderstandings and conflicts between nations. Additionally, Makhmudov stressed the need to streamline regional processes and avoid duplicating efforts and resources.
By working together within existing regional projects, countries can maximize their impact and effectively address the challenges of water management and climate change in Central Asia. Cooperation, innovation, and sustainable practices are key to ensuring the well-being of both present and future generations in the region.
