Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — A regional seminar was held in Tashkent to prepare for the launch of the next phase of the "Blue Peace Central Asia" (BPCA) project, supported by Switzerland.

The event brought together over 100 representatives from national delegations of Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan, as well as experts, government partners, and representatives of international organizations.

The seminar was organized by a consortium comprising:

The International Water Management Institute (IWMI)

The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN)

The Regional Environmental Centre for Central Asia (CAREC)

Participants praised the "Blue Peace" initiative, introduced by Switzerland in 2010, as an effective mechanism for strengthening cooperation among Central Asian countries in the water sector. Since 2017, the region has been one of three in the world where BPCA actively fosters "water diplomacy," supports interstate dialogue, and prepares a new generation of specialists. A notable success story is the hydropost between Uzbekistan and Tajikistan, which facilitates joint water resource monitoring, builds trust, and promotes sustainable water use.

Andrin Fink, Deputy Head of Mission at the Swiss Embassy in Tashkent: "Cooperation in water resource management is the foundation for Central Asia's sustainable development. The BPCA initiative fosters dialogue, joint problem-solving, and improved water governance. Switzerland is proud to have supported this project for many years and is confident that it will continue to benefit the region."

A key topic of the seminar was joint planning for the next five years, involving local, national, and regional stakeholders. The new phase is set to begin in May 2025.

Key priorities discussed included:

Water diplomacy and enhanced regional cooperation

Water quality and climate change adaptation

Ecosystem resilience

Digitalization and data management

Youth and women’s engagement in decision-making processes

Maria Lindelin, Senior Water Resources Management Officer at IUCN: "Climate adaptation requires comprehensive measures, especially in the water sector, which is directly linked to ecological stability. Improved management strategies will help Central Asia not only mitigate climate risks but also strengthen long-term partnerships. This seminar marks an important step toward uniting experts and governments."

With growing pressure on the region’s water resources, effective interstate cooperation is becoming critically important. Only through joint efforts can equitable water distribution and reliable management strategies be ensured.

Dr. Barbara Janusz-Pawletta, Regional Representative of IWMI in Central Asia: "The search for mutually beneficial solutions is the foundation of successful cooperation. Science-based approaches optimize water resource management and ensure their rational use. With 20 years of experience in the region, IWMI is ready to make a significant contribution to strengthening bilateral and regional partnerships."

Building on eight years of experience, the next phase of BPCA will continue to reinforce water cooperation in Central Asia, providing a platform for constructive dialogue and innovation. By combining knowledge and efforts, the region's countries can ensure sustainable development and improve the quality of life for their populations.