Implementing Integrated Water Resources Management in Central Asia

The problems afflicting the Aral Sea and its environs as a result of the overuse and abuse of the rivers flowing into it are well documented. Until now, however, it was difficult to hear the voices of those responsible for actually managing those waters. This volume reproduces the proceedings of an Advanced Research Workshop held in Bishkek, which brought together all the most senior water resource managers in Central Asia, from Ministers to local experts and eminent academics. It describes, from the practitioner's perspective, the problems encountered in the region's efforts to implement integrated water resources management, and solutions that have been put in place in order to address these.The book sets out the approaches taken by each basin state, by way of the institutional, legal and financial frameworks adopted by them. It details the management practices that have been utilised in order both to surmount potential inter-state conflicts arising from water use disagreements and to make the best use of the available water, and it provides practical examples demonstrating how IWRM has been implemented at more local levels. Ultimately, it conveys the strong spirit of collaboration that drives water management in the five newly independent states.