Interactive map of the best practices

on the use of water, land and energy resources,
as well as the environment of Central Asia

Comparison of practices

Название практики Accumulation of rain and runoff water via a series of cascading storage pools (small reservoirs) Arrangement of springs to improve stock watering
Category Water resources Water resources
Tool System for enhancing water availability Public participation principle
Field of application
  • Use of water resources
  • Use of land resources
  • Environmental protection

Use of water resources

Usability of practice for adaptation to climate change High Moderate
Implemented by Ministry of Water Management of Turkmenistan (4 res-ervoirs) and “Responding to climate change risks for dekhan farming system of Turkmenistan on national and local levels” Project (7 reservoirs)
CAMP-Alatoo Public Foundation (PF)
Used by

Country: Turkmenistan

Province: Ahal Region

Country: Kyrgyzstan

Province: Chuy Region

District: Sokuluk District

Local specifics

The settlements are located in the river catchment area; deep ground water occurrence; mountain valleys are under high risk of mudflows and floods.

The site is located in a semi-drought zone subject to acute shortage of water resources in summer period and land degradation

Practice usage period

Start date: 01.01.2012

End date: 31.12.2013

Start date: 01.01.2011

End date: 31.12.2011

Problem solved through this practice

Water deficit; settlements and agricultural land under flood and mudflow threat during mudflow risk periods

Extremely low water availability (supply) of pastures; the quantity of cattle in watering sites below standard; land erosion

Tools used in the practice

Cascading storage pools (reservoirs) accumulating rain and runoff water

Technology of springs arrangement for stock watering

Description of the practice and its results

Actions:

  • assessment of mudflow and flood risks and surveying local population regarding reservoirs’ locations and water uses (drinking and irrigation water supply);
  • designing reservoirs;
  • construction of reservoirs with the engagement of local residents;
  • training of local residents on servicing reservoirs and corresponding equipment.

Results:

  • reduced risks for public life and health;
  • enhanced water supply of irrigated land;
  • reduced risk of agricultural losses due to drought;
  • reduced risk of biodiversity damage caused by mudflows and floods;
  • enhanced public access to drinking water.

Actions:

At first, the exact location of water outcrop was identified and cleaned from mud.  15 meters below the outcrop, 3 interconnected water tubs were installed (each 1.8 m long, 0.5 m wide and 0.5 deep).  Each subsequent tub is located lower than the preceding one, thus, allowing water flowing down in the cascade manner.

Results:

Financial and economic:

Cattle gaining weight quicker.

Technical:

Improved water supply in the area, including for cattle watering.

Lessons learnt and recommendations made
  • Cascading reservoirs provide better cumulative effect at lower cost compared to separate reservoirs;
  • Application of modern water-proofing materials during the construction of storage pools (reservoirs) allows to reliably store winter and spring runoff to be used during vegetation period.

Lessons learnt:

Collection of water in one place had been practiced since ancient times, but was forgotten over time.  Rehabilitation of traditional practices should be welcomed.

Recommendations:

Similar practices should be scaled-up and continued as they not only benefit the local population, but also allow enhancing water availability for wild animals and expanding hayfield meadows.

Source of practice

Domestic tools (outcomes of research by domestic R&D organizations)

Traditional tools transferred from generation to generation which demonstrate their relevance in modern conditions

Readiness for implementation

1. Cost of implementation: Moderate

2. Approximate cost of investment per 1 ha: $50-500

3. O&M costs: Low

4. Expert support: Needed at implementation stage

1. Cost of implementation: High

2. Approximate cost of investment per 1 ha:

3. O&M costs: High

4. Expert support: Not needed

Brief information on the project

Project title: Responding to climate change risks for dekhan farming system of Turkmenistan on national and local levels.

Project duration: 2012-2016.

Project goal and objectives: build the adaptation capacity to respond to climate change impacts, including variability on local and national levels.

Project beneficiaries: population of Garavul Settlement (about 6,000 people) and Konegumbez Settlement (about 1,000 people).

Project implementer: Ministry of Nature Conservation of Turkmenistan and UNDP

Funding source Adaptation Facility PF “CAMP-Alatoo”, local population
Information sources

Government of Turkmenistan

WOCAT.net, Mr. Abdybek Asanaliyev (e-mail: asanaly61@mail.ru), Kyrgyz National Agriculture University, Bishkek

Contacts of a person, who filled this form

SIC ICWC

SIC ICWC

Form submission date 03.04.2018 30.03.2018

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