Transboundary Water Management in Central Asia: Analyzing the role of Regional Cooperation and Sustainable Solutions in enhancing Water Governance

Kartbaeva Nawbahar (2025) Transboundary Water Management in Central Asia: Analyzing the role of Regional Cooperation and Sustainable Solutions in enhancing Water Governance. Külkereskedelmi Kar.

	PDF Thesis and Declaration.pdf Hozzáférés joga: Csak nyilvántartásba vett egyetemi IP címekről nyitható meg Download (1MB)
	PDF MAThesisAssessment-NKartbaeva-GAndrasi2025.pdf Hozzáférés joga: Bizalmas dokumentum (bírálat) Download (94kB)
	PDF 2.0-Review-Nawbahar Kartbaeva-Marosan-2025.pdf Hozzáférés joga: Bizalmas dokumentum (bírálat) Download (275kB)

Absztrakt (kivonat)

The main objective of my thesis is to analyze the issue of water scarcity in Central Asia, with a particular focus on transboundary water management and the role of regional cooperation in addressing the water crisis. This study aims to assess the challenges faced by the region’s countries—specifically Uzbekistan, Afghanistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and Tajikistan—in managing shared water resources, and to explore sustainable solutions to mitigate water scarcity. I will examine the political, economic, and environmental dimensions of the issue by drawing on data from international organizations, governmental reports, and case studies to provide a comprehensive analysis. The thesis begins with a historical overview of Central Asia’s water resources, emphasizing the significance of transboundary rivers such as the Amu Darya and Syr Darya. These rivers are critical to the region’s agriculture, energy production, and overall economic stability. The introduction of the Soviet-era water management system, which prioritized irrigation and energy generation, and its long-term impact on the region’s current water challenges, are also explored. This section also discusses the geopolitical context of water governance, including the legacy of regional conflicts over water use, and introduces key water governance theories such as shared watercourse management and the principle of "equitable utilization." A major part of the thesis is devoted to the role of regional cooperation in managing shared water resources. The study explores existing frameworks and institutions such as the International Fund for Saving the Aral Sea (IFAS), the Central Asian Water Initiative, and the Interstate Commission for Water Coordination (ICWC). These institutions, while aimed at fostering cooperation, have faced significant challenges due to political differences, particularly among upstream countries (Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan) and downstream countries (Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, and Kazakhstan). The thesis critically evaluates the successes and failures of these institutions in promoting equitable and sustainable water management practices. One critical aspect of regional cooperation involves the political tensions between Uzbekistan and the upstream countries, particularly with regard to water allocation from the Syr Darya and Amu Darya basins. Uzbekistan, as a downstream country, has historically been concerned about water availability due to the extensive irrigation needs of its cotton industry. On the other hand, upstream countries like Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan rely on water resources for hydroelectric power generation, leading to a clash of interests. The thesis analyzes how Uzbekistan’s position, particularly its withdrawal from some regional agreements in the past, has complicated cooperative efforts and hindered the effective management of shared water resources. Additionally, the political dynamics involving Afghanistan, particularly in relation to its access to transboundary waters, are also examined. Afghanistan, located in the downstream portion of several major rivers shared with Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, and Turkmenistan, faces significant challenges in securing adequate water resources for its growing population and agricultural needs. The thesis explores how political instability, security concerns, and governance challenges in Afghanistan impact its ability to negotiate water-sharing agreements with its Central Asian neighbors. It also discusses the potential role of Afghanistan in future regional cooperation efforts, especially considering the changing political landscape after the Taliban's return to power in 2021. A key part of the thesis is the exploration of sustainable water management solutions in the context of regional cooperation. The study assesses various approaches, including integrated water resources management (IWRM), water conservation practices, and the use of modern irrigation techniques to improve water efficiency. This section highlights successful initiatives in countries like Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan, where technological innovations and better water management practices have shown promise in reducing water wastage and improving agricultural productivity. The thesis also examines the role of international actors, such as the United Nations, the World Bank, and the Asian Development Bank, in facilitating dialogue, supporting regional cooperation, and promoting sustainable water management projects. Finally, the thesis examines the potential future of regional cooperation on water management in Central Asia. It discusses how countries can strengthen existing institutions, improve data sharing, and enhance diplomatic efforts to resolve political tensions, especially between Uzbekistan, Afghanistan, and upstream countries. The study concludes by emphasizing the importance of building trust, fostering dialogue, and pursuing innovative, sustainable solutions to water scarcity that balance the competing needs of agriculture, energy production, and the environment. The role of international organizations in facilitating cooperation and providing technical and financial support for sustainable water management solutions is also highlighted as crucial for long-term success.

Intézmény

Budapesti Gazdasági Egyetem

Kar

Külkereskedelmi Kar

Tanszék

Nemzetközi Kapcsolatok Tanszék

Tudományterület/tudományág

NEM RÉSZLETEZETT

Szak

Nemzetközi tanulmányok (angol)

Mű típusa:	diplomadolgozat (NEM RÉSZLETEZETT)
Kulcsszavak:	fenntartható fejlődés, Integrated Water Resources Management, Közép-Ázsia, regional cooperation, Sustainable Water Management, Transboundary Water Governance, vízellátás, vízgazdálkodás
SWORD Depositor:	User Archive
Felhasználói azonosító szám (ID):	User Archive
Rekord készítés dátuma:	2025. Okt. 27. 14:30
Utolsó módosítás:	2025. Okt. 27. 14:30

Actions (login required)

Tétel nézet