Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan discuss protection and sustainable use of transboundary water resources

AKIPRESS.COM – The environmental experts from Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan held the second meeting on the protection and sustainable use of transboundary water resources, UzA reported.

The meeting was held at the initiative of the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE). Participants discussed protecting the aquifer, operating it sustainably, and developing a Memorandum of Understanding to strengthen the partnership.

The meeting was attended by representatives of the Ministry of Mining Industry and Geology of Uzbekistan, the Ministry of Water Resources, Uzbekhydrogeology State Institution, the Institute of Hydrogeology and Engineering Geology, and the State Geological Monitoring Service, along with experts from the UNECE Convention on the Protection and Use of Transboundary Watercourses and International Lakes, the International Water Assessment Centre (IWAC), and international experts. The Kazakh side was represented by officials from the Ministry of Water Resources and Irrigation, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and Kazhydrogeology JSC.

Participants reviewed the issues raised at the initial meeting in Tashkent on July 1, explored solutions, and discussed a draft Memorandum of Understanding.

The participants also reviewed the draft Roadmap for the protection and effective use of the Tashkent transboundary Aquifer 2030 in detail. The document focuses on rational water use, assessing quantitative and qualitative resource indicators, improving the monitoring system, and implementing measures to protect the aquifer.

Following the meeting, the sides shared their views on implementing new initiatives and international projects with support from the United Nations.

It was highlighted that practical cooperation between Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan is crucial for managing transboundary water resources, maintaining ecological balance, and securing regional water supplies.