Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — A textbook, “Integrated Water Resources Management,” was released in Uzbekistan. It was developed taking into account modern approaches, international experience, and local practices. The authors of the publication are Shukhrat Muradov, A. Abdukhakimov, and U. Turaev.

The book presentation took place at Green University. The event was attended by Deputy Chairman of the National Committee on Ecology and Climate Change Jusipbek Kazbekov, UNDP Resident Representative in Uzbekistan Akiko Fujii, Green University Rector Bakhtiyor Pulatov, representatives of relevant organizations, the scientific and educational community, faculty, and students. In total, the event attracted over 300 people.

According to one of the textbook’s authors, Professor and Doctor of Technical Sciences Shukhrat Muradov, the need for specialized literature on water resources is increasing against the backdrop of climate change and increasing water shortages.

The publication examines the theoretical foundations and practical tools for sustainable water resources management.

It presents the principles of integrated water resources management, basin planning, transboundary water resources management, water legislation issues, as well as the experience of Uzbekistan, Central Asian countries and other states.

This textbook was recommended for publication by the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, and Innovation of Uzbekistan. It was published with financial support from the Aral Sea Wetlands project, implemented by the National Committee on Ecology and Climate Change, UNDP, and the Global Environment Facility.

This publication became the first Uzbek-language textbook on integrated water resources management in Uzbekistan, recommended for master’s students in 19 specializations at the country’s universities. Russian and English versions are planned for release in the future.

Training of specialists

The development of the textbook was part of the educational work of the Aral Sea Wetlands project. Since the beginning of 2026, the project has conducted 17 specialized training sessions on water resource management and land use, attended by approximately 700 specialists from various regions of Uzbekistan.

The programme covered hydrometry, efficient irrigation management, land degradation neutrality, integrated water resources management, land resource planning and sustainable pasture use.

A separate training program focused on integrated water resources management in the Bukhara region and the Republic of Karakalpakstan. Participants included specialists from water management organizations, representatives of local authorities, farms, and other relevant organizations.

Participants studied methods of water monitoring and distribution, water demand management, modern approaches to irrigation, interaction with water users, and mechanisms for preventing conflicts in conditions of water scarcity.

Women in Water Resources Management

Educational programmes pay special attention to increasing women’s participation in water resources management.

Professor Malika Ikramova, author and developer of the “IWRM Concept for the Lower Amu Darya Basin,” approved by the Ministries of Agriculture and Water Resources and the Committee on Ecology and Climate Change of Uzbekistan, noted the need for greater involvement of women in decision-making in the water sector.

She said women play a significant role in agriculture and food security for rural families, but their participation in water resource management remains limited.

“When we talk about integrated water resources management, we’re talking not only about technology and infrastructure, but also about the people who work with water every day,” Ikramova noted.

She stressed the importance of creating opportunities for women’s professional development, expanding access to training and their participation in water resources management at various levels.

The project considers the training of specialists, the creation of modern educational literature, and the dissemination of practical tools as interrelated areas of long-term development in the water sector.

The new textbook aims to systematize modern knowledge in this area and be used in training specialists who will work in conditions of climate change and increasing water resource scarcity.