CAREC training on transboundary cooperation in the water management for specialists from Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan in Osh
Osh, Kyrgyz Republic – On October 24, the Regional Environmental Centre for Central Asia (CAREC) conducted a transboundary training on the Syrdarya river basin in Osh as part of Component 2 of the regional project “Climate-Resilient Water Resources Management in Central Asia” (2024–2026), funded by Germany’s Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) and co-funded by the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC).
The training was attended by water management specialists from Uzbekistan and the Kyrgyz Republic, including staff from the Water Delivery Service of District Irrigation System Departments, the Pump Station Operation Department of the Water Management Facilities Operation Agency, Center for Water Management Reform under the Ministry of Water Resources of Uzbekistan, as well as the Main Water Management Departments of Osh, Batken, and Jalal-Abad regions of Kyrgyzstan. This training is part of a series of transboundary events aimed at strengthening the capacity of basin organizations, scheduled for completion by the end of 2025.
The primary goal of the training was to provide participants with practical knowledge for implementing the concept of Integrated Water Resources Management (IWRM) and to introduce them to tools that enhance water use and distribution efficiency in agriculture. Discussions paid special attention to issues of water allocation and data sharing on water flows in transboundary channels between Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan, as well as the impact analysis of the Kosh-Tepa Canal construction in Afghanistan on future water security for Amudarya riparian countries. Additionally, other relevant issues of mutual interest to both countries were discussed.
“Our countries are increasingly facing the impacts of climate change, and we share almost the same challenges. Unfortunately, we haven’t had many opportunities to meet with colleagues from Uzbekistan recently. However, climate change will inevitably push us to unite and seek joint solutions,” noted Mirzali Asatov, Head of the Karadarya-Syrdarya-Amudarya Basin Water Resources Management Department of Kyrgyzstan.
The training concluded with a group discussion and the awarding of certificates to the participants.
For more information on the project please contact:
Irina Yugay, Manager of the Project “Climate-Resilient Water Resources Management in Central Asia” Project Manager, CAREC Water Initiatives Support Program, wisspecialist@carececo.org
