Uzbekistan, Japan, and UNDP Launch Initiative to Transform Water Management in the Aral Sea Region

Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — Uzbekistan, in partnership with Japan and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), has launched a new project aimed at transforming water management in the Aral Sea region.

The signing ceremony took place at the Ministry of Water Resources of Uzbekistan, marking the official start of the initiative titled “Strengthening Water Resources Governance and Climate Resilience in the Aral Sea Region.” Japan and UNDP are project partners, with financial support provided by the Government of Japan, and the total budget amounts to US$4.6 million.

The event was attended by Uzbekistan’s First Deputy Minister of Water Resources, Zokir Ishpulatov; the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Japan to Uzbekistan, Kenji Hirata; and the UNDP Resident Representative in Uzbekistan, Akiko Fuji. They signed notes of exchange and project documents, symbolizing their joint commitment to the region’s development.

The project, planned for 2026–2028, aims to address the region’s water sector challenges comprehensively. Key objectives include strengthening institutional governance, improving water use efficiency, supporting climate-resilient agriculture, and enhancing food security.

Special attention will be given to developing digital monitoring tools, including centralized GIS systems, enabling data-driven decision-making and increasing accountability at all levels.

“The disappearance of the Aral Sea is one of the most serious environmental disasters of our time. This is why Japan, as an Asian partner, collaborates with Uzbekistan to mitigate the negative consequences of the Aral crisis,” Ambassador Hirata said. He emphasized Japan’s readiness to share knowledge and technology for sustainable use of limited water resources and praised UNDP’s support in implementing the project.

Uzbekistan’s First Deputy Minister of Water Resources, Zokir Ishpulatov, noted that the initiative aligns fully with the state’s strategic priorities in the water sector and positions the Aral region as a model for adaptation, innovation, and new opportunities.

UNDP Resident Representative Akiko Fuji highlighted that the project promotes the adoption of best global practices, strengthens the legal and regulatory framework, builds institutional capacity, and expands access to modern technologies for farmers and local communities.

The project plans include rehabilitation of irrigation infrastructure, implementation of precision irrigation and climate-resilient agricultural practices, wastewater reuse, and desalination powered by renewable energy. These measures are expected to improve agricultural productivity and enhance access to water resources for over 1,000 farming households.

The initiative encompasses four interconnected areas: strengthening national and local water management institutions, digitalization of water governance systems, improving infrastructure and farmers’ capacities, and fostering regional knowledge exchange and communication. Gender equality is a core principle, with active participation of women in resource management and decision-making prioritized.

Beyond national impact, the project promotes regional cooperation through dialogue platforms with other Central Asian countries and international partners. Awareness campaigns, documentary films, and forums, including the Aral Culture Summit, will enhance advocacy and position the region as a model for climate-resilient water management.

The project builds on the successful 2023–2025 UNDP-Japan initiative, which enhanced community resilience in four districts of the Aral region, improved access to drinking water for more than 7,700 people, and introduced innovative Japanese water technologies, including the Johkasou wastewater treatment system. The new initiative aims to scale these solutions and establish a sustainable model of water resource management in the region.