Название практики | Introduction of Integrated Water Resources Management (IWRM) principles on the Aspara small transboundary river | Restoration of irrigation infrastructure in mountainous regions of Kyrgyzstan |
---|---|---|
Category | Water resources | Water resources |
Tool | Public participation principle | Restoration of water management infrastructure |
Field of application | Use of water resources |
|
Usability of practice for adaptation to climate change | High | Moderate |
Implemented by | USAID/CAREC |
Mountain Societies Development Support Programme Kyrgyzstan (MSDSP KG) on the initiative of Aga Khan Foundation |
Used by |
Country: Kyrgyzstan |
Country: Kyrgyzstan Province: Osh Region District: Nookat District |
Local specifics | Transboundary river |
The northeastern part of Osh Region lies in the Tien Shan spurs (Fergana Range) with the Pamir-Altai Mountains in the south and west (Turkestan, Alai, Trans-Alai (Lenin Peak) Ridges. The climate in the region is sharp continental. The Kyzyl-Suu, Ak-Buura and Kara Darya are the largest rivers in the area used for irrigation. |
Practice usage period |
Start date: 01.04.2012 End date: 31.10.2016 |
Start date: 01.01.2013 End date: 31.12.2016 |
Problem solved through this practice | Imperfections of the water management mechanism in the Isfara small transboundary river basin |
Conflicts due to disputes over water resources and pastures |
Tools used in the practice | The principle of stakeholder engagement in decision-making associated with water management of small transboundary river; IWRM planning technique |
Repair works to restore irrigation networks and infrastructure |
Description of the practice and its results | The Aspara River originates in the Western Tien Shan on the territory of Kyrgyzstan and flows northwards crossing the border with Kazakhstan. The river’s total length exceeds 44 km, and its catchment area amounts to approximately 66 km2. The Aspara River Basin is located in Chu Region in Kyrgyzstan’s northwest and Jambyl Region in Southern Kazakhstan. The basin is shared by several different ethnicities where they live and work. The basin’s population is rapidly growing, and the agriculture is developing. In many places along the course of the river, especially in its lower streams, the water doesn't meet quality and sanitary standards. Liquid waste produced by the population, industry and livestock production as well as solid waste constitute major sources of environmental pollution. Project efforts were carried out in Jambyl Region of the Republic of Kazakhstan and Chu Region of the Kyrgyz Republic. Actions: Establishment of 2 stakeholder groups, i.e. Small Basin Councils (SBC) – on both Kazakhstan’s and Kyrgyzstan’s sides of the river – representing local authorities, NGOs, water users and local communities. The SBCs already held 6 joint meetings proving the value of SBCs as platforms to exchange opinions and information as well as take joint decisions on enhancing the overall situation in the basin. In addition, hydrometric posts were reconstructed and underwent certification, and the automated water distribution and accounting system was installed on the Mailybai Canal. The water supply system in the village of Cholok-Aryk also underwent reconstructed. A demo-site to demonstrate drip irrigation equipment and technology was established on the premises of Ravshan Farm receiving its irrigation water via the Mailybai Canal. Results: Thus, the creation of national Small Basin Councils (SBC) on the Aspara River ensured a platform for exchanging opinions and information as well as joint decision-making to improve the overall situation in the Aspara River Basin, including the development of the IWRM basin-specific plan. |
Disputes over water resources and pastures can lead to conflicts, in particular among the communities living in border zones in the Fergana Valley. Every year, this urgent issue gains even more relevance as - according to expert forecasts – by 2020 Kyrgyzstan’s population may reach 7 mln 70% of which will live in rural communities. Actions: The project to rehabilitate irrigation canals aimed to improve access to water resources and pastures for local residents. The project also promoted introduction of equal-right practices in the sphere of water resources and pastures management among local population. All project actions targeted the improvement of living conditions of local residents and decreasing tensions. Results: On June 8, 2016, Aga Khan Foundation (AKF) and Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN) held the ceremonial opening of 5 repaired irrigation canals in Nookat District of Osh Region. Repair works to rehabilitate the irrigation canals were co-funded by Nookat District Water Management Administration, ajyl aimaks (Kyrg. rural local governance bodies) and local residents themselves. Financial and economic:
Environmental: The condition of over 4,000 ha (irrigated land) improved. Technical results: The total length of all repaired irrigation canals exceeded 10,900 meters. Social results:
|
Lessons learnt and recommendations made | Lessons learnt: Introduction of IWRM principles is the pre-requisite of stable and fair water supply irrespective of a given water user’s location. Recommendations: Currently, when local stakeholders are represented in SBCs and are engaged in joint water management, it is necessary to continue the capacity-building efforts to build-up SBCs’ efficiency. In the long term, it might be necessary and possible to establish a joint body to manage the whole Aspara River Basin shared by Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan. |
Lessons learnt: Repair and restoration of irrigation infrastructure facilitated the improvement of living conditions among local population, decreased tensions and disputes associated with water and pasture use in border zones of the Fergana Valley, and enhanced farmer welfare. Recommendations: The practice yielded positive outcomes and is recommended for further scaling-up to improve the welfare and ensure sustainable development of mountain communities in border zones. |
Source of practice | Foreign tools (transfer of foreign experience) |
Foreign tools (transfer of foreign experience) |
Readiness for implementation |
1. Cost of implementation: High 2. Approximate cost of investment per 1 ha: 3. O&M costs: High 4. Expert support: Not needed |
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 | Development and implementation of basin plans constitute principal elements of integrated water resources management. Multi-agency coordination mechanism via basin councils or coordination groups is an important advantage of IWRM. This approach allows streamlined coordination and synergy of actions on all levels of management hierarchy. Project title: Stakeholder partnership in joint policy-making: assistance to transboundary cooperation in small watersheds of Central Asia. Project duration: Apr 2012-Oct 2016 Project goal and objectives: introduction of the integrated water resources management (IWRM) practice in three transboundary watersheds and its scaling-up in Central Asia. Project beneficiaries: communities of the Aspara small transboundary river basin, specialists of water and environmental agencies, farmers. Project implementer: USAID/CAREC. |
Project title: Improving infrastructure and building capacity of relevant local institutes on effective management of water and pasture resources. Project duration: 2013-2016. Project goal and objectives: enhance welfare and ensure sustainable development of mountain communities, prevent conflicts, facilitate stability and security of using natural resources in border zones. Scale of implementation and project beneficiaries: populations of Nookat and Aravan Districts, town of Kyzyl-Kiya. Project implementer: Mountain Societies Development Support Programme Kyrgyzstan (MSDSP KG). |
Funding source | USAID | Aga Khan Foundation and the UK Embassy in Kyrgyzstan |
Information sources | Mountain Partnership Member News (www.ekois.net) |
|
Contacts of a person, who filled this form | SIC ICWC |
SIC ICWC |
Form submission date | 02.04.2018 | 18.05.2018 |