Concept of integrated water management discussed in Tashkent

The roundtable was organized within the joint project of the Ministry of Agriculture and Water Management of Uzbekistan and UN Development Programme “Integrated water management and water efficiency plan for Zarafshan River Basin”. It was attended by representatives of ministries and departments of Uzbekistan.

The developed national integrated water management and water efficiency plan was presented at the event.

The international practice shows that introduction of integrated water management and water efficiency plan helps to solve issues of fair water distribution among various sectors of economy, and take into account interests of environment. Taking into account this, the Government of Uzbekistan approved implementation of the project “Integrated water management and water efficiency plan for Zarafshan River Basin”. The pilot will serve as model for developing national integrated water management and water efficiency plan.

Uzbekistan has the largest irrigated land and the largest population in the region and it is the most vulnerable country in terms of water resources. Only about 18% of the volume of water, necessary for satisfaction of water demand, is formed within the country and major part is formed due to resources due to trans-boundary rivers of Amudarya and Syrdarya. Water shortage limits development of agriculture and other sectors. It is actual to reform water supply and consumption system taking into account development of economy and growth of population’s number.

The draft national integrated water management and water efficiency plan includes four important components – improving legal base for water resources management, strategy for improving water resources management in rural areas, sectoral strategies for water resources management and strengthening potential and institutional development.

Clear law or code on water will ensure general legal base foal l types of activities, related with water and will help to improve water management process and coordination between departments.

It is proposed to save water and decrease expenses with water distribution due to increasing efficient use of water resources. Formation of prices for supplied water is tool for changing consumers behavior.

Public and other interested sides will have right to participate in process of planning and adopting decisions. Well-being of farmers will depend on implementation of the land and water use rules.

The coordinated management from water resources will help to decrease future conflicts as the volume of water will decrease further and water consumptions will increase. All win from effective use of water.