Section 3. IFAS and other regional organizations in Central Asia

3.1. International Fund for Saving the Aral Sea

The International Fund for Saving the Aral Sea (IFAS) was established by the decision of the Heads of the Central Asian states on January 4, 1993, to develop and fund the environmental and applied research projects and programs to improve the ecological situation in the areas affected by the Aral Sea catastrophe and to address the socio-economic issues in this region. The organizational setup of IFAS is depicted in the diagram below.

The chairmanship of IFAS is rotated every three years. Since 2024, the chairmanship of IFAS has passed to the Republic of Kazakhstan. The Head of State, Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, has been elected President of IFAS for a term ending in 2026.

3.1.1. Implementation of Initiatives of the Presidents of CA States Voiced at Summits of the Heads of IFAS Founding States in Turkmenbashi (2018) and Dushanbe (2023)

During the Summits of the Heads of IFAS Founding States held on the 24 August 2018 in Turkmenbashi (Тurkmenistan) and the 15 September 2023 in Dushanbe (Таjikistan), the Presidents of the Central Asian states announced the proposals and a series of initiatives , addressing a broad spectrum of regional cooperation, spanning water management, environment, energy, and socio-economic development. Progress on implementation of these initiatives is systematically reviewed through regular meetings of the Interstate Commission for Water Coordination (ICWC) in the countries of Central Asia.

Information on the implementation of these initiatives in 2025 is given in the "Executive Committee of IFAS and its National Branches", "ICWC of Central Asia," and "Key Water Developments in the Countries of Central Asia".

3.1.2. IFAS Board

The second meeting of the Board of IFAS, chaired by the Republic of Kazakhstan, was held on the 10th of October in Astana. Preparation for the upcoming meeting of the Board of the Heads of IFAS Founding States (April 2026) and the progress of implementation of the EC IFAS work plan for 2024-2026 were discussed. The parties also agreed to consider the issue of proclaiming March 26 the International Day of the Aral Sea and the Amu Darya and Syr Dara rivers at the next meeting of the Board of IFAS.

The members of the Board of IFAS instructed that measures be taken to accelerate the process of improving the institutional and legal framework of IFAS and to intensify joint efforts to ensure the implementation of the Fourth Aral Sea Basin Program (ASBP-4) and the Regional Environmental Protection Program for Sustainable Development in Central Asia (REPSD-CA).

Source

3.2. Executive Committee of IFAS and its National Branches

3.2.1. Executive Committee of IFAS

The Executive Committee of the International Fund for Saving the Aral Sea (EC IFAS) was formed by a decision of the Interstate Council on 13 July 1993. It serves as a platform for dialogue between the CA countries and the international community.

Mr. Askhat Orazbay has been appointed Chairman of the Executive Committee of IFAS.

Activity of EC IFAS in 2025

Improvement of the institutional and legal framework of IFAS. 14th meeting of the Working Group (WG) on the improvement of the institutional and legal framework of IFAS was held in 2025. Key aspects of the Fund’s activities aimed at enhancing its institutional effectiveness and sustainability were reviewed at this meeting (Dushanbe, 2-3 June). The 15th meeting is scheduled for February 2026.

ASBP-4. EC IFAS conducts systematic monitoring of ASBP-4 based on information from countries and executive bodies. In 2025, 42 projects totalling $114.2 million and €77.1 million were implemented in the Aral Sea basin (information provided by EC IFAS at the Board meeting, Astana, October 10).

EC IFAS, together with SIC ICWC and Kazakh Research Institute of Water Economy (KazNIIVH) implements the joint Project “Correcting hydromodule zoning in the Syr Darya River basin using remote sensing data and satellite mapping technologies for correction of water consumption and irrigation regimes for crops cultivated in the region”, with the support from the French Development Agency (AFD). Representatives of EC IFAS participated in the press conference of the Project “Improving the Ecosystem of the Aral Sea Bed through the Use of Innovative E-seed Technology,” aligned with the environmental pillar of ASBP-4 (Аstana, 29 October).

Implementation of projects corresponding to the goals and objectives of ASBP-4 was discussed by EC IFAS with the delegation of Switzerland (28 January); EU Special Representative for Central Asia E. Stiprais (1 April); Executive Director of the Regional Environmental Centre for Central Asia (CAREC) B. Mammedov (4 June). Information on the implementation of the ASBP-4 was announced at the High-Level International Conference on Glacier Preservation (Dushanbe, 31 May), 2nd Global Forum on Transboundary Waters “New Frontiers for Transboundary Water Management, Financing and Cooperation” (Geneve, 19-20 June), a side event “Continuing Work on the Aral Sea: Joint Management for Environmental Restoration” under the COP30 (Belém, Brazil, 11 November).

Capacity building. Capacity building activities were discussed by EC IFAS during meetings with the teams of the Kazakh Research Institute of Water Economy (Taraz, 16 January), the Delft Institute of Water Education (online, 26 February), and the University of Oulu (online, 16 May).

EC IFAS participated in the launch of the Water Diplomacy Training "Promoting Political Cooperation through Water Diplomacy in Central Asia" (Аstana, 17 March); International Exhibition of Environmental Technologies «Eco Expo Central Asia» (Таshkent, 19-21 June); launch of the Peer-to-Peer Program (P2P) under the INBO Global Initiative "Twin Basin" (16 October).

Cooperation. Discussions were held on: (1) development of the water sector at the II Meeting of the Coordination Council of Development Partners in the Water Sector of the Republic of Kazakhstan (10 April); (2) the launch of new water and environmental projects during meetings with representatives of the UNECE Convention Secretariat and the International Water Assessment Centre (IWAC) (9 April); and (3) the environmental and social challenges of the Aral Sea region with the OSCE High Commissioner on National Minorities K.Kamp (18 September).

Memoranda of Understanding were signed between the EC IFAS and (1) United Nations Regional Centre for Preventive Diplomacy for Central Asia (UNRCCA) (Dushanbe, 31 May); (2) UNEP (Dushanbe, 31 May); (3) the ICID (Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, 8-11 September) .

Events. EC IFAS participated and spoke at various events, including: (1) 88th (Dushanbe, 29 January), 89th (Samarkand, 5 April), and 90th (Barabai, 14 August) meetings of ICWC; (2) meeting of the IFAS Board (Аstana, 10 October); (3) meeting of the Advisory Board for the International Chamber of Sustainable Development (ICSD) (Dushanbe, 4-5 November); (4) International conferences, such as «Water Resource Management: Risks, Resilience and Innovations» (Аstana, 12 March), «Central Asia Facing Global Climate Challenges: Consolidation for Common Prosperity» (Samarkand, 4-5 April), “Aral GeoPark – a point of growth of the Region: from geo-heritage to sustainable future”, including the opening of the Representative Office of the Executive Directorate (ED) of IFAS in Aralsk and the Visitor Center of «GeoPark Aral» (21 May) and expedition along the routes of «GeoPark Aral» (Kyzylorda province, 22-24 May); (5) Central Asia Climate Change Conference-2025 (CACCC) «Achieving the global goal on climate finance through regional and national action in Central Asia» (Аshgabat, 13-14 May), Regional Forum “Enhancing Transboundary Cooperation for Water Sustainability and Climate Resilience in Glacier-Dependent Basins of Central Asia” (Dushanbe, 29 May); (6) second meeting of the Working Group for the ADB project "Strengthening the Development of Green Skills within the Central Asia Regional Economic Cooperation (CAREC) Program" (Baku, 3-5 April), 4th meeting of the Regional Working Group (RWG) on a mutually beneficial mechanism of water and energy cooperation in Central Asia (Аstana, 10 July), etc.

Source: EC IFAS

3.2.2. Regional Center of Hydrology

The Regional Center of Hydrology (RCH) of EC IFAS was founded on August 23, 2002 by the decision of the IFAS Board in order to improve the system of hydrometeorological forecasting, environmental monitoring and data exchange between the National hydrometeorological services in the region.

3.2.3. IFAS Executive Directorate in Kazakhstan

The Executive Directorate of IFAS in the Republic of Kazakhstan facilitates the resolution of critical issues and coordinates practical measures to improve the water-related, socio-economic, and environmental conditions within the Kazakhstani part of the Aral Sea Basin. The focus areas of its activities and actions are directly aligned with those of the EC IFAS, and ongoing operations are coordinated with the authorised representatives of Kazakhstan in the EC IFAS.

Activity of the IFAS ED in the Republic of Kazakhstan in 2025

Improvement of the institutional and legal framework of IFAS. ED IFAS participated in the 14th WG meeting (Dushanbe, 2-3 June).

Project activity. ED IFAS in the Republic of Kazakhstan is participating in the «Geopark Aral» Project , which has been included in the list of environmental projects under the ASBP-4 and contributes to SDG 8. Under the Project: (1) a Cooperation Agreement was signed with the Kazakhstan-Russian enterprise “Infrokos” (Baikonur, 25 February), and Memorandum of cooperation on the development of tourism in the Aral Sea region (26 February) was signed; (2) the following events were held: the Conference ««GeoPark Aral» – a Growth Point for the Region: From Geo-heritage to Sustainable Future» (Аralsk, 20-24 May); the opening ceremony of the Representative Office of the Executive Directorate of IFAS in the Republic of Kazakhstan and the "Geopark Aral" Visitor Centre in Aralsk; an expedition along the route "Mergensai - Chinki - Akespe (thermal springs) - Kokaral Dam - Lake Kambash» (22-23 May); a tour of the museums of Aralsk and the final meeting of UNESCO experts (24 May); (3) the establishment of the transboundary “Aral” Geopark in the Republic of Karakalpakstan was considered. In this context, the reciprocal visits were organized, including a working visit by the Kazakh delegation to Nukus (23-26 June) and experts from Karakalpakstan to Kyzylorda; a round-table discussion and several other meetings. As a result, a Memorandum of Cooperation was signed (4-9 October); (4) an international expedition and field mission for the inventory of natural and cultural heritage «Geopark Aral» – «GeoАral-2025» were organised and an application was prepared for the geopark’s inclusion in the UNESCO Global Geoparks Network; and the round table «GeoAral 2025: International Dialogue on the Future of the Aral Sea Region» was held in Kazakhstani part of Aral Sea region on 10-16 August.

As part of the project «Scientific substantiation of the possibility of using phosphogypsum in phytoforestry reclamation works in the Kazakhstan part of the Aral Sea region and the dried bed of the Aral Sea» (2024-2026), implemented in Taraz, Turkistan, and Kyzylorda with the participation of the Kazakh Research Institute of Water Management and funded by LLP «Каzphosphate», the workshops оn the prospects of the use of phosphogypsum to improve soil fertility were organised (Таraz, 18-21 November).

The Project “Improving the Aral Seabed Ecosystem Using Innovative e-Seed Technology” was launched. The technology was developed by the Morphing Matter Lab at the University of California, Berkeley. The technology enables the aerial planting of seed capsules, which can take root under conditions of high aridity and salinity. The project is implemented by the B. Utemuratov's Foundation together with the ED IFAS in the Republic of Kazakhstan, the University of California (Berkeley), and the Kyzylorda University named after Korkyt Ata. In 2026, the pilot stage will cover a plot of 1 hectare; with a survival rate of at least 20%, the area will be expanded to 50 hectares.

Capacity building. ED IFAS in RK is the leading organization of the Consortium for the development and updating of professional standards.

A Memorandum of Cooperation was signed between the ED IFAS in RK and the Almaty Management University to develop joint projects in the environment, education, and sustainable development of the Aral Sea Region (21 October).

ED IFAS participated in the following events: (1) meetings of STC of the MWRI of RK (1 March, 16 June, 16 July, 30 December); (2) an experience exchange program on rice cultivation under the GIZ Project “Environmentally Oriented Regional Development of the Aral Sea Region” (Tashkent–Nukus–Urgench, 25–29 May); (3) meeting of the Scientific Council of Kyzylorda University named after Korkyt-Ata (Kyzylorda, 20 June); (4) roundtable discussion as part of the International Expedition "Journey to the Heart of Eurasia" on Moscow – Dushanbe route (Аralsk, 22 June).

Together with GKU, the 7th Aral Summer School was organized at the Aral Sea. Following the results, a booklet was prepared (15-23 August).

Events. ED IFAS in RK оrganised: (1) several events dedicated to the Aral Sea Day (26 March), including a round table, an environmental campaign, and a football tournament (Аralsk, 27 March); (2) an international expedition to assess the ecological conditions of the Aral Sea region (30 August – 12 September, Aral and Kazalinsky districts); (3) «Araldy Saqta» Environmental campaign - planting of 18 thousand seedlings of black saxaul on 60 hectares, 80 km southwest of the village of Karateren (Aral District, 45036’21,30” N; 60017’21,3” E, 5 November).

ED IFAS in RK participated in the meeting of the Kazakh-Uzbek WG on the development of the water and energy cooperation mechanism (Tashken,t January 28), and in the meeting of the Kazakh WG (Astana, May 4-6).

Leadership and representatives of ED IFAS participated and spoke at the following events: (1) international conferences in Schuchensk (Kazakhstan) on "Revival of the Aral Sea" (February 7) , «Ecology is a step into the future» (5 June), «Water Resources: sustainability and cooperation» (14 November), as well as the «Environmentally-Oriented Regional Development of the Aral Sea Region / ECO ARAL within the GIZ Project (Таshkent, 17 February); (2) Regional Forum of the Organization of Turkic Peoples (Brussels, 5 March); (3) workshops “Efforts for Saving the Aral Sea through International Cooperation: Past, Present and Future (Tottori, Japan, 19 March), «Sustainable farming of Artemia brine shrimp: a new business opportunity in the Aral Sea Region» (Kyzylorda, 10 June); (4) conferences «The Impact of Climate on the Water Management Sector» (Аstana, 9 July); (5) At the Meeting of the Intergovernmental Working Group on the Health and Environmental Impacts of the Aral Sea crisis it was decided: to establish a WHO regional office for the Aral Sea in Kyzylorda; to develop and approve an interstate roadmap; ⁠and submit a Resolution on the Aral Sea for consideration at the WHO Summit in April 2026 (September, Kyzylorda 15-16), etc.

Cooperation. Prospects for cooperation on the Aral Sea region, ASBP-4, and the REP4SD CA were discussed at meetings with delegations of (1) Japanese universities and the Zoological Institute of the Republican Academy of Sciences (19 February) and (2) the British Embassy in Astana (1 May).

Mass media. Deputy Director Narbaev M.T. participated in the TV project “The journey from the Kyrgyz glaciers to the Aral Sea” on the “7th Channel of Kyrgyzstan” (27-31 January) and 24KZ – «Day shift» (11 April) and gave an interview to H. Hammargren on the most critical and urgent issues that will shape the development of the Asia-Pacific region for the next decade, including their greatest impact on the role and mandate of ESCAP (Аlmaty, 20 October).

Awards. Director of the ED IFAS in the Republic of Kazakhstan S.M. Mukatayev and Head of the Department of Ecology and Sustainable Development D.M. Burlibayeva were honoured to be awarded the «Su sharuashylygynyn uzdigi badges (Аstana, 9 July); representative of the ED IFAS in the Republic of Kazakhstan in the Aral and Kazalinsky districts A.U. Baimakhanova was awarded with the honorary title "Honoured Worker of Fisheries Production" (Аralsk, 10 October).

Source: ED IFAS

3.2.4. Agency for implementation of IFAS projects in Uzbekistan

The GEF Agency of IFAS, established in 1998, is an IFAS working body with the status of an international organization, which is accredited by the Ministry for Foreign Affairs of Uzbekistan as a representative office of EC IFAS in Uzbekistan.

Activity of GEF Agency in 2025

Projects in the South Aral Region are implemented in collaboration with the EC IFAS Nukus Branch.

Afforestation in «Protective afforestation in “Akkum” side by local trees and shrubs» (to the north of the Sudochie Lake system) on 2082 hа and the protective afforestation on 828.3 hа were transferred to the Muynak State Forestry’s responsibility. Works (2nd stage) to stop the movement of sand toward the lake's structures are still in process.

By the Resolution of the Presidium of the Republic of Karakalpakstan No 204 of 28.04.2025 the Concept of the “Transfer of collector-drainage water of the Main Southern Collector of Karakalpakstan to increase water availability of the Takhtakupir district and recharge the Western Aral Sea” Project was approved (1093 billion UZS for 2.5 years, the total length of the transfer system will be 438.6 km).

Under the «Monitoring of biodiversity of wetlands in the South Aral Region» Project , biomonitoring of the water bodies of Karateren, Sudochei, Muynak Bay, Mezhdureche (lakes Shege Kuksu), Makpalkul, Sarbas (Rybache), and Akchakul was conducted, focusing on hydrological changes, waterfowl biodiversity, and vegetation conditions.

The Project «Reconstruction of a road dam (10.6 km) around Maipost Lake and construction of a spillway structure (capacity 1.250 m³/s) on the Amu Darya River (Akdarya) and measures to prevent canyon-formation processes in Domalak Lake» continued (general contractor JSC "Kuprikkurilish»). By the end of 2025, project works totalling UZS430.903 billion (94.5%) were completed. Full completion is scheduled for 2026.

«Construction of protective dam and water outlet structure on Lake Makpalkul» Project (UZS29.729 billion, 2025-2027) launched to fill the lake with Amu Darya water from the Mezhdureche reservoir through the Marinkinuzyak Canal. In 2025, design estimate documentation and environmental impact assessment were prepared (LLC «UzGIP», UZS945.735 million); construction work has begun (LLC "Ellikkalamahsussuvpudrat"). Under the Project "Construction of a concrete canal on the dried Aral Sea bed to protect green cover, develop livestock farming and its forage base, and establish essential wildlife habitats” (UZS232307.113 million, contractor JSC "Kuprikkuriliis"), The Ministry of Water Resources of the Republic of Uzbekistan is working to mobilize investment financing for its implementation.

Projects under coordination by the IFAS Agency. As part of the National Water Resources Management (NWRM) Project in Uzbekistan» (NWRM), the following events were organised: (1) Training Course «Legal framework for the regulation of administrative offenses in the water sector» for the staff of "Water Supervision" Inspectorate under the MWR of Uzbekistan; (2) “International Conference on Water Cooperation and Improvement of Water Legislation of the Republic of Uzbekistan” (Таshkent, 17 November). The results of work and further steps were discussed during the Project’s Steering Committee meeting on 12 December.

As part of the projects: (1) «Conservation and Sustainable Management of Lakes, Wetlands, and Riparian Corridors as Pillars of a Resilient and Land Degradation Neutral Aral Basin Landscape Sustainable Livelihoods» Project (UNDP-GEF, $3 552 968, 2022-2026), IFAS participated in the meetings of the multilateral WG on water management (Urgench, 23 April and Таshkent, 26 June); training to discuss scenarios for the distribution of water resources of the Amu Darya River was organised in Таshkent, 28-29 July); (2) «Ecologically-oriented regional development in the Aral Sea region»/ECO-ARAL Project (implemented by GIZ on behalf of BMZ, 2021-2024), V. Sokolov served as a moderator of the workshop «Cultivating Artemia brine shrimp – new business opportunity in the Aral Sea Region» (Таshkent, 17 February); (3) «Climate Change and Resilience in Central Asia» Project (UNDP/EU), a meeting to discuss topical issues of adaptation to climate change was held in Таshkent (26 September).

A regular exchange of information is maintained with the International Innovation Centre for the Aral Sea Basin under the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan regarding the activities of organizations and innovations attracted by the Centre.

The Agency made an expert contribution to the analytical study «Enhancing Transboundary Cooperation for Water Sustainability and Climate Resilience in Glacier-Dependent Basins of Central» implemented by SIC ICWC , with the support of GIZ under the “Green Central Asia” Initiative.

Activities in support of IFAS. The Agency (1) at the request of EC IFAS, provides information on the progress of projects implemented under the ASBP-4; the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Water Resources of the Republic of Uzbekistan, prepared materials on the agenda items for the 26th meeting of the IFAS Board (Аstana, 10 October); (2) participated in the 14th Meeting of the Regional Working Group (RWG) on institutional and legal improvement of IFAS (Dushanbe, 2-3 June); (3) assisted EC IFAS in organising a boot at the International exhibition of environmental technologies Eco Expo Central Asia 2025.

Political and civil engagement. The Agency participated in: (1) key events under the auspices of the Ecological Party, including the round table “Our Rivers for the Future Generation" to coincide with the International Days of the Amu Darya and Syr Darya rivers (оnline, 25 December, ); (2) a meeting of the Committee of the Legislative Chamber of the Oliy Majlis on Ecology and Environmental Protection (18 February) ; (3) a meeting of the WG on preparation for the International Forum on Water-Saving Technologies (Tashkent, May 2026). The Agency was involved in the preparation of analytical notes and proposals on water management and the Aral Sea-related issues.

Cooperation. The Agency coordinated the development of and discussion on the draft Regional Strategy of GWP CACENA for the period of 2026-2030 at the GWP CACENA Regional Council (online, 3 November) and with the partners of the National Water Partnership of Uzbekistan (online, 16 December).

The IFAS Agency, as a member of: (1) the AWC , participated in the 22nd (27 February) and 23rd (Hanoi, Vietnam, 5 November) Board of Council Meetings, AWC events (Phnom Penh, Kingdom of Cambodia, 27-28 February) and a meeting with the AWC delegation (Таshkent, 4 August); (2) Asia-Pacific Water Forum (АPWF), took part in the 33rd meeting of the Governing Council (Bangkok, оnline, 12 December); (3) International Commission on Irrigation and Drainage (ICID) , participated in the 4th World Irrigation Forum in Kuala Lumpur (7-10 September); 76th meeting of the International Executive Council Meeting of ICID and made a presentation (10-13 September); (4) the Advisory Council (also referred to as the Advisory Board) of the Central Asian Institute for Environmental Research/ CAIER (Аlmaty) participated in the 1st meeting (online, 5 June).

The Agency signed a Memorandum of Cooperation with “Beijing Hengrun An Technology” Company, Ltd (China); a meeting with «SAPECO» LLC representatives was held in Таshkent, 18 June.

Capacity building. The Agency’s leadership participated in international scientific and practical conferences at National Research University (NRU) “Tashkent Institute of Irrigation and Agricultural Mechanisation Engineers” (ТIIAME) on: «Development of Specialized Higher Education and Science in the Context of Globalization: Problems and Opportunities» (9 April), «Water Diplomacy in Central Asia: Trust, Dialogue, and Multilateral Cooperation for Sustainable Development”, with a presentation «Vision for the situation of water scarcity in the Aral Sea Basin 2025-2025» (10 April), “Water security and climate change - 2025» and made a presentation «Prospects for Agricultural Development and Environmental Improvement in the Aral Sea Region Using Biotechnology from «Hybrid Innovation Agro»” (8-10 October).

At the invitation of the Swedish Aral Sea Society (SASS)/Aralsjösällskapet, lectures were delivered on the problems of the Aral Sea during the online sessions of the master's degree academic course «Sustainable Development and Sustainability Science» at Karakalpak State University (January and April). Under the Agreement with the UNDP Representative Office of Turkmenistan, 3 workshops were organized for specialists from the country’s ministries and agencies (Ashgabat, January and February).

The staff members were trained at (1) an international workshop (Bishkek, 16-19 June); (2) the Educational Program “Training for Young Leaders of Central Asia: Climate Change Adaptation and Water Resources Management – From Research to Sustainable Solutions» (online, 11 September- 11 November).

Events. The IFAS Agency participated in: (1) launch of the Project «Climate Resilient Integrated Water Resources Management in the Zarafshan River Basin in Uzbekistan (ZRB)» (Green University, Таshkent, 30 January); (2) the first Aral Cultural Summit and made a presentation «Overview of Uzbekistan's Actions to Stabilize the Environmental Situation in the South Aral Sea Region» (Nukus, 5-6 April); (3) International Conferences on «Water Resources in the Climate Policy of a Multipolar World» and made a presentation «Intensity of climate change in Uzbekistan – an incentive for international water cooperation» (Моcsow, 30 January), «Climate Change and the Aral Sea Crisis: The Role of Trade Unions in Ensuring Decent Work and Public Health» and prepared the report «Overview of Uzbekistan's Actions to Stabilize the Environmental Situation in the South Aral Sea Region» (Muynak district, Republic of Karakalpakstan, 25-26 March), «Scientific Approaches to Solving Global Environmental and Water Problems in Central Asia» (Таshkent, 20 June), «Post-Aral Transformation of the Republic of Karakalpakstan: Challenges and economic opportunities» (Таshkent, 20 November), etc.

Media outreach. The events held by the IFAS Agency in 2025 were covered in the media and on web resources: telegram channel "Tashkent Memory» (9 January – 1 February), Information portal "Caravan-info" (25 April, 16 June, 19 June, 20 June, 30 July, 14 September, 17 November, 25 December), socio-political newspaper of Kazakhstan "Vremya" (14 May), Environmental Web Portal «Sreda.uz» (1 September, 9 September), international business publication "Kursiv Media" (17 September), Uzbek news channel "Kun.uz" (23 September, 24 September), Uzbekistan National News Agency "UzA" (13 October).

An interview was given to the TV channel "24 KZ" (26 December).

Publications can be found onе.

Source: FAS Agency

3.3. ICWC of Central Asia

Established on February 18, 1992, the Interstate Commission for Water Coordination in Central Asia (ICWC) is a regional body dedicated to the management, sustainable use, and protection of transboundary water resources in the Aral Sea basin. The Commission operates on the principles of cooperation and mutual respect, implementing joint programs that balance the interests of all member states. The organizational set-up of ICWC is shown in the diagram below.

3.3.1. ICWC Meetings

In 2025, ICWC held four meetings: 88th (Dushanbe, 29 January), 89th (Samarkand, 5 April), 90th (Borovoye, 14 August), and 91st (Аshgabat, 13 November). ICWC members from Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan , as well as the executive bodies (SIC, Secretariat, BWO Amu Darya, BWO Syr Darya) and invited persons, including a representative of EC IFAS, attended the meetings.

Agenda. The main items on the agenda were the limits/quotas of water withdrawal and the operational regimes of reservoir cascades in the Amu Darya and Syr Darya basins (use of such quotas in the past period and their approval for the next period. The reports of BWO Amu Darya and BWO Syr Darya on the results of water use during the non-growing season 2024–2025 (88th and 89th meetings) and the growing season 2025 (90th and 91st meetings) were reviewed and taken into consideration. It was noted that the Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan sides need to set up a joint gauging station at the section of the state border between the countries by the 2025 growing season. To ensure high-quality preparation for the non-growing and growing seasons, as well as more accurate forecasting of hydrological indicators, the parties should take measures to synchronize actions and improve coordination among the national hydrometeorological services.

For the growing season 2025 (89th meeting), country-specific water withdrawal limits for the Amu Darya and Syr Darya river basins were approved; the forecast operation modes of the reservoir cascade proposed by BWO Amu Darya and BWO Syr Darya were taken into account. Basin organizations need to ensure the monitoring of the operation of reservoirs. BWO Amu Darya, if necessary, shall consider the possible emptying of the Tuyamuyun reservoir down to 3 billion m3.

For the non-growing season 2025-2026 (91st meeting), the country-specific water withdrawal limits by river basins were approved; the forecast operation modes of reservoir cascades proposed by BWO Amu Darya and BWO Syr Darya were taken into account.

During the meetings, activities of water management organizations and the ICWC executive bodies on implementation of proposals and initiatives voiced at the meetings of the Heads of IFAS Founding States in Turkmenbashi (2018) and Dushanbe (2023) were commended. A decision was made requiring the members and executive bodies of the ICWC to provide updated reports on the progress of implementing the assigned tasks at subsequent meetings.

At the 89th meeting, SIC ICWC provided information on the progress of preparation for the Regional Forum «Enhancing Transboundary Cooperation for Water Sustainability and Climate Resilience in Glacier-Dependent Basins of Central Asia» (Dushanbe, 29 May), and during the 90th meeting, the information on the results of its implementation was provided.

Source: ICWC

3.3.2. Activities of ICWC Executive Bodies in 2025

BWO Amu Darya

Activity in 2025

BWO Аmu Darya continued working on: (1) distribution of water among the states and monitoring of water withdrawal limits/quotas approved at the ICWC meeting (see Section "Water-management situation in the Amu Darya and Syr Darya River basins"); (2) improvement of the technical condition and operation of structures under its responsibility. Reports were prepared, and BWO participated in 4 ICWC meetings (88th in Dushanbe, 29 January; 89th in Samarkand, 5 April; 90th in Borovoye, 14 August; and 91st in Ashgabat, 13 November). For more details, see subsection "ICWC Meetings".

Sixteen meetings of the heads of water management organizations in the lower reaches of the river were held on water allocation. Over the year, BWO Amu Darya actively cooperated with water management agencies of Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan, hydrometeorological services, as well as SIC ICWC, IWMI, and GIZ.

Source: BWО Аmu Darya

BWO Syr Darya

Activities in 2025

BWO Syr Darya and its territorial branches have developed action plans for the operation and maintenance of facilities under the organization's responsibility to ensure the efficient use of water resources and a trouble-free and sustainable supply of water to user-states. These plans include maintaining waterworks facilities, including canals, gauging stations, communication facilities, buildings, and other structures. The implementation of the planned measures is monitored and controlled quarterly.

Collective governance and coordination. BWО Syr Darya, based on the data from the Uzbekistan Hydrometeorological Service (UzHydromet), the Ministry of Energy, and the Ministry of Water Resources of the Republic of Uzbekistan, in coordination with the members of ICWC and other stakeholders, develops the projected operation schedules of the Naryn-Syr Darya reservoir cascade (NSRC) and water withdrawal limits for non-growing and growing seasons, as well as coordinates water allocation among the countries of the Syr Darya River basin in line with the forecast schedule and operational requests within the approved limits.

ICWC meetings. BWO prepared required documentation and reported at the 88th, 89th, 90th, and 91st ICWC meetings. The organization submitted calculations of the forecast indicators, reports for review and approval regarding the projected and actual operation of the Naryn-Syr Darya reservoir cascade. These included water withdrawal limits for the following periods: (1) non-growing season 2024-2025 (progress and results), 2025-2026 (forecast); (2) growing season 2025 (forecast taking into account water content, progress, and results).

Repair and rehabilitation. Territorial branches of BWO Syr Darya completed the following works: scheduled repairs and rehabilitation of hydraulic structures, dam restoration, canal dredging, and routine repairs of dispatch office buildings in accordance with the defect reports and the approved plan.

Reconstruction and modernization. As part of the investment program established by the Resolution of the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan №PP-454 of 24.12.2024 «On measures to develop the social and production infrastructure of the Republic of Uzbekistan in 2025-2027», the 1st stage of reconstruction of the Uchkurghan Hydroscheme in the Namangan Province has begun.

ASBP-4. The work on funding mobilization is conducted for the implementation of the following projects included in the АSBP-4: (1) 1.3. «Ensuring dam and large hydraulic structure safety in Central Asia: capacity building and regional cooperation»; (2) 1.6. «Automation of water distribution, accounting and monitoring in the Syr Darya Basin. Development of national water information systems as the basis for the regional information system».

Source: BWO Syr Darya

IСWC Secretariat

Activity in 2025

The ICWC Secretariat, in collaboration with other executive bodies, contributed to the organization of four ICWC meetings (see "ICWC meetings") and ensured the implementation of ICWC decisions and directives.

Source: Activity in 2025

Scientific Information Center of ICWC

Activity in 2025

ICWC Meetings. SIC, in cooperation with other ICWC bodies, contributed to four ICWC meetings (88th in Dushanbe, 29 January; 89th in Samarkand, 5 April; 90th in Borovoye, 14 August, and 91st in Ashgabat, 13 November), and ensured the implementation of ICWC decisions and directives.

Analytics and assessments. SIC generated ten-day reports on water management situation in the Amu Darya River Basin and the Syr Darya River basin, as well as analytical reports on the basins for the growing (2025) and non-growing seasons (2024-2025); estimated inflow from the Amu Darya and collecting drains, the water surface area of lakes, wetlands and the Large and North Aral seas, as well as the dried seabed using satellite images. The Center renders information and expert assistance to national and regional organizations on the key water management and climate adaptation issues.

Central Asian Water and Environmental Knowledge Portal CAWater-Info was added with 2277 GB of information (more than 10.5 GB); ICWC website update continued, SIC website and some other knowledge bases were updated; new GIS materials and databases are in the process of development; information about ongoing projects is uploaded on the SIC website on the Projects page; Nexus Project Database translated into web format; the transfer of the CAWater-IS data to a separate server is continued (www.cawater-is.net).

IFAS. SIC took part in activities of the Working Group on institutional and legal improvement of IFAS; interacted with EC IFAS on the implementation of ASBP-4 and the joint implementation of the AFD Project to update hydromodule zoning and optimize irrigation schedules for crops in the Syr Darya River basin, using remote sensing data and satellite mapping (project 1.11, ASBP4).

Scientific cooperation and research. In 2025, the implementation of 5 projects continued: jointly with the Agency for Innovative Development of Uzbekistan (completed), ОECD/IKI, GIZ, IHE-DELFT and WB and SEI (extended). 5 new research projects have been launched, of which 2 were completed in 2025 (SDC, АDB) and 3 projects will continue in 2026 (UNEP, AFD, INBO). Based on the research results, 1 monograph and 23 papers were published in UNESCAP, INBO, "Economy and Society" IJARSET, "Bulletin of Agrarian Science of Uzbekistan", AGROILM, CAJEI, AKTUAR MOLIYA VA BUXGAL-TERIYA HISOBI, Ilgʻor iqtisodiyot va pedagogik texnologiyalar, Yashil iqtisodiyot va taraq-qiyot. The research efforts were undertaken in the following key areas:

Transboundary Water Cooperation, Law and Diplomacy

Preparation of analytical materials on regional water cooperation, including on the construction of the Kambarata HPP-1, Kosh-Tepa Canal in the north of Afghanistan, implementation of the Lower Kokcha project, and other areas.

Transboundary cooperation under umbrella of ICWC was covered at various platforms, including the international conference "Water Diplomacy in Central Asia: Trust, Dialogue, and Multilateral Cooperation for Sustainable Development» (Таshkent, 10 April), «Regional Dialogue on Water Diplomacy: Challenges, Solutions, and Partnerships» (Таshkent, 4 June) and the meeting of the Working Group on Water Law under the Global Forum on Law, Justice and Development (GFLJD), World Bank (оnline, 13 March), as well as the Pan-Asia Training on International Water Law (Bangkok, 8 11 December) and other events.

As part of the Project “Cross-regional learning for transformative water diplomacy (CroWD)” (IHE-DELFT, 2023-2027), SIC experts continue research on climate narratives, issues of trust and water security in the Aral Sea basin and other transboundary basins.

Water-energy-land-ecosystem nexus and water financing

SIC, in partnership with the OECD and UNECE and experts from the region’s countries, is implementing the IKI Project «Regional Mechanisms for a Low-Carbon and Climate-Resilient Transformation of the Energy-Water-Land Nexus in Central Asia». The following activities continued: CAWater-Info Portal update; development of recommendations on the mechanism for financing of water-energy coordination in Central Asia (see more below), the concept of the Regional Centre of Excellence based on the SIC Training Centre and the Expert Platform for Future Studies, as well as the development of practical tools for effective management of natural resources - hydromodular zoning and calculation of crop water requirements. An improved methodology for assessing and monitoring the water security of the administrative territories of the Aral Sea Basin was developed and an associated information system (IS) was developed, configured, and tested. HPm-GAMS, CHPm, and WAm models were developed and tested to analyse flow generation scenarios under climate change, flow regulation by reservoir hydropower facilities, water consumption, and energy generation by hydropower cascades. In addition, the Em-NEXUS economic model was developed to assess the economic impacts of management decisions in the water-energy sector and to identify the benefits of regional cooperation.

The results of this work and the development of a mutually beneficial water and energy mechanism are regularly discussed at the meetings of the Regional Working Group (4th Astana, 10 July; 5th Таshkent, 4 December), organised jointly with OECD and GIZ under the Green Central Asia Initiative.

Flow planning and regulation through advanced data and tools

In partnership with the World Bank, the capabilities of WEAP и LEAP models were assessed and adapted to the conditions of the Amu Darya and Syr Darya river basins; the opportunities of integrating LEAP-WEAP models for assessing water and energy scenarios and supporting cross-sectoral decisions were assessed. A series of training events was held for experts from Central Asian countries on model handling (two five-day and one one-day face-to-face trainings, as well as 5 online sessions).

SIC continued its cooperation with the University of Manchester on the use of the PyWR model: the hydrological and water management parts of the model were improved, and scenarios for assessing the joint operation of the Rogun and Nurek HPPs, as well as the Kambarata-1 HPP and the Toktogul HPP, were proposed. Work is underway to integrate the water and hydropower parts of the model based on the Amu Darya basin example.

SIC assisted in improving the interaction between developers and users of the SnowMapper and GlacierMapper cryosphere monitoring tools (CROMO-ADAPT/SDC). SIC specialists were trained on the model "MODSNOW: new modules, special products, real-time information/data on water availability in Central Asia" (1-2 December); the 2nd version of the model was installed at SIC.

Water Financing

SIC, in cooperation with other countries of the region, continues discussing approaches to improve the institutional and financial mechanisms of water-energy cooperation in Central Asia , including the potential introduction of new elements, interlinkages, and mechanisms for coordination, harmonization, and service provision, as well as the development of modelling tools to assess the benefits of regional cooperation in water, energy, and land use. A discussion paper «Water and energy coordination in the countries of the Syr Darya basin: hierarchies, networks, and economic mechanisms» has been prepared. Approaches to strengthening financial mechanisms for cooperation, set out in the document, were presented at the 14th International Forum on Energy for Sustainable Development "From Goals to Action: Powering the Future with Sustainable Energy» (Skopje, North Macedonia, 28 30 October) during the session on enhancing the food-water-energy nexus (online, 30 October) and at the 4th meeting of the Regional Working Group on a mutually beneficial mechanism for water and energy cooperation within the framework of the Green Central Asia Initiative organized jointly with GIZ and OECD (Аstana, 10 July).

Adaptation of water and land use to changing conditions

Research completed at pilot sites in Muynak and Ellikkala districts of Karakalpakstan, focusing on the adaptation of modern water and land monitoring systems, modelling of water balance (crop water requirements) to address salinization and improve land productivity in the Aral Sea region . A research version of the REQWAT model for calculating crop water requirements was developed and tested. An analysis of methods for estimating crop water requirements under climate change was carried out.

Environmental issues

SIC experts made field visits to water bodies in the South Aral Sea region (Mezhdureche Reservoir, systems of Rybachye, Sudochie, Muynak, and Jyltyrbas, 12 19 May), as well as the Aidar-Arnasay Lake System (Navoi province, 28 July 3 August). During the visits, the current ecological status of the water areas was assessed, and their hydrological regime and salinity were studied. The research materials were submitted to the relevant state bodies and presented in the publications of the scientific journal "Economics and Society» (№6 (133) и №9 (136), 2025)

In cooperation with the national experts from Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan, a study to inform joint work on ecosystems in the Amu Darya River basin, including the zone of flow formation and dispersal, was completed (GIZ). As part of this, field surveys were conducted at key protected natural sites in the Amu Darya River basin: the Beshai Palangon State Nature Reserve (formerly “Tigrovaya Balka”, Tajikistan, 30 May), the Lower Amu Darya State Nature Reserve (Republic of Karakalpakstan), the “Jeyran” Eco-Centre and its associated water bodies, as well as the Kuyimazar and Tudakul reservoirs in Bukhara province of Uzbekistan (27 29 July). Country and summary analytical reports «Ecosystems in the Amu Darya River Basin: Current Status and Future Priorities», a package of joint measures for their conservation, as well as a documentary film «From the Pamir Heights to the Amu Darya lowlands» (available on: www.youtube.com/watch?v=iUJ8ORNH918) were prepared. The results were presented and approved at the Basin Dialogue on the Amu Darya and Syr Darya River basins (Таshkent, 2 December).

Proposals for the development of recommendations for an updated regulation on the classification and protection of surface water bodies in the territory of the Republic of Uzbekistan were presented by Z.R. Yarullina at a meeting of the Working group on water quality and the 8th meeting of the Uzbek-Kazakh Working group on the Syr Darya River basin (Аstana, 10 11 December).

GIS maps of water salinity dynamics for 2023-2024 have been added to the Knowledge Base on the Amu Darya River.

Optimization of water use

Together with the EC IFAS, under an agreement with the French Development Agency (AFD), the implementation of the ASBP-4 project «Correction of hydromodule zoning of the Syr Darya River basin using remote sensing data and satellite mapping technologies for correction of crop water requirements and irrigation regimes for crops cultivated in the region» has begun. A review of the existing standards and methodologies for hydromodule zoning (HMZ) was conducted; comprehensive ground-based surveys (in Andijan, Fergana, and Namangan provinces) and satellite studies were completed; agrometeorological, hydrological, and soil-reclamation data were collected. Based on remote sensing data and computational models, water use parameters were refined, providing a scientific basis for adjusting irrigation regimes and optimizing crop water norms in the region.

Resilience to climate and environmental risks

With the support of UNEP and EU funding, the project «Facilitating region-specific approaches to addressing climate and environment-related risks for socio-economic stability in Central Asia». Training in UNEP tools for local communities in the Ferghana Valley (Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan) was conducted; 8 grantees were selected for the implementation of local environmental initiatives; consultations with the population were organized to identify climate risks; expert support was provided for the establishment of a regional dashboard for exchanges.

Water, heritage and culture

SIC continued research on water heritage and promoted the cultural value of traditional irrigation systems in Central Asia. In 2025, canals «Dustlik» and «Eski Tuyatortar», the unique water structures over 100 years old, were awarded the WHIS Award 2025 (World Heritage Irrigation Structure). These are the first structures from Central Asia to receive this status. The applications were prepared by SIC under the IKI project "Regional Transformation Mechanisms" and submitted by the Uzbekistan National Committee on Irrigation and Drainage. As part of the Project, a collection of papers titled «Water heritage of Central Asia: its value for present and future generations" was also prepared and dedicated to the understanding and preservation of the unique tangible (man-made and natural objects) and intangible (traditional knowledge, practices, rituals, community memory) water heritage of the countries in the region.

To promote cultural and scientific exchange, SIC participated in the International Conference "Bridges and Nexuses: Italy-Central Asia Cooperation towards a Sustainable Future" , to expand knowledge networks and strengthen cultural and scientific ties between the Central Asian countries and Italy (Venice, 19 June).

Gender mainstreaming

SIC contributed to the development of the draft 2030 Gender Concept for the Water Sector of the Republic of Uzbekistan; participated in Concept draft discussions (MWR of the Republic of Uzbekistan, 16 January, 16 May) and in the presentation of the Concept at the workshop "Empowering Women in the Water Sector" organized by the We-Act Project (оnline, 25 March).

To increase the engagement of women and youth in expert platforms, SIC, as a member of the Network “Women in Water Management in Central Asia and Afghanistan” , (1) spoke at: the meeting of the “Drops of the Future” Initiative (Vienna, Аustria, 25 27 February); Network Meeting (оnline, 19 September); workshops on "Strengthening cooperation through data sharing» (оnline, 28 November); participated in workshops on the IWRM in the context of Climate Change and the Inter-Network Exchange between Central Asia and the South Caucasus (25-26 November); Regional Dialogue "Gender and Youth in Water and Energy: Building Inclusive Futures for Central Asia» (Bishkek, 3 4 November); (2) took party in the study tour (Geneva, Switzerland and Koblenz, Germany, 29 September 4 October) and the events of the Global Network "Women in Water Diplomacy" (11 February, 12 March, 24 June, 3 December).

Capacity building. During the year, 23 training events were organized. Under the ОECD/IKI jointly with Kazakh Research Institute of Water Management, three training sessions were conducted in Taraz for specialists and managers of branch offices of “Kazvodkhoz” from five provinces on the topics: “Water saving and addressing unproductive water losses in water management organizations and among water users”/Module 1 (31 March 1 April, 2 3 April) and “Law and statutory instruments, and the rules for the operation and maintenance of hydraulic structures: control, supervision and monitoring for safe operations”/Module 2 (4 April); jointly with the Ministry of Water Resources and Irrigation of the Republic of Kazakhstan, International Water Assessment Centre, United Nations Economic Commission for Europe, and Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development, a workshop was organized in Astana to explain the provisions of the Water Code of the Republic of Kazakhstan (6 10 October). With support of the WB Group and SEI, 11 trainings on the application of the WEAP and LEAP models were conducted for specialists from Central Asian countries; UNEP - 6 trainings for grantees in the application of a package of adapted UNEP methodologies and tools; in cooperation with the University of Oulu, regional and national workshops "WEFE NEXUS in the Amu Darya basin» (Таshkent, TC SIC ICWC, 6 7 October).

SIC’s experts acted as lecturers at the Pan-Asia Training on International Water Law (Bangkok, 8 11 December), as part of the "Water Resources Management in the Fergana Valley Project. Phase-2» (22-29 December); conducted sessions for the BWO Syr Darya specialists (30 October; 1 December), students of several universities in Central Asian countries and the Delft Institute for Water Education.

Regularly, practical classes are held at Suvchilar Maktabi/«School of Water Workers» at the Ministry of Water Resources of Uzbekistan, and the "International and National Water Relations" course for master's students at the NIU TIIAME. Cooperation with the editorial boards of scientific journals continues: Central Asian Journal of Water Research, Scientific Journal of Actuarial Finance and Accounting. Employees improved their qualifications through projects and other training activities; one of the experts defended the PhD thesis in the field of "Land Reclamation and Irrigated Agriculture".

Regional and International Cooperation. SIC co-organized 8 major conferences. Its experts delivered more than 60 reports at various events , including the International Climate Forum in Samarkand (4 5 April), CACCC-2025 (Ashgabat, 13 15 May); High-Level International Conference on Glaciers’ Preservation (Dushanbe, 29-31 May), Fergana Peace Forum (Fergana, 15 16 October), 14th International Forum on Energy for Sustainable Development (Skopje, 28 30 October), Joint meeting of the Working Group on IWRM and the Working Group on Monitoring and Assessment (Geneva, 13 15 October), meeting of the RWG on a mutually beneficial mechanism of water and energy cooperation (GIZ, OECD), etc.

SIC strengthens its international standing through prominent chairmanship of the Implementation Committee of the Convention on the Protection and Use of Transboundary Watercourses and International Lakes, membership on the World Water Council’s Board of Governors, and engagement in the international science councils. A significant milestone in international recognition was the election of SIC as a co-coordinator of the key theme “Water Governance and Water Diplomacy” of the 11th World Water Forum (Riyadh, March 2027).

Partnerships with UNECE, OECD, IWMI, GIZ, WB, ADB, the University of Manchester, and other organizations are being developed.

SIC supports activities of the Network of Water Management Organizations of Eastern Europe, the Caucasus, and Central Asia (EECCA NWO), one of the eight regional networks of INBO. Work on the Peer-to-Peer (P2P) Project has begun under the INBO Global Initiative «Twin Basin» aimed at sustainable water management by creating a platform for direct exchange of knowledge and experience between basin organizations.

Publications. In 2025, 52 newsletters and 54 publications were issued, including: 2024 Water Yearbook: Central Asia and Around the Globe, scientific papers and policy briefs, legal compilations, SIC ICWC collection of scientific papers (Edition 20), information bulletins. The news digest is disseminated weekly to 80 addressees.

Mass media. Interviews were given to the correspondents of: (1) Sputnik Uzbekistan News Agency (@SputnikUzbekistan) about the activities carried out by SIC ICWC; (2) POLITIK Central Asia (https://t.me/politik_ca) on the construction of the Kosh-Tepa canal in Afghanistan; (3) IA "Dunyo» (https://dunyo.info/en) on the results of the Samarkand International Climate Forum, held on 4-5 April; (4) "Akhborot 24" TV-channel on the Water Code of the Republic of Uzbekistan (approved by the Law of the Republic of Uzbekistan ZRK 1076 of 30.07.2025).

Source: SIC ICWC

3.4. ICSD of Central Asia

The Interstate Commission on Sustainable Development (ICSD) was established by the decision of the Interstate Council for the Aral Sea Basin in 1993. It is entrusted with the mission of coordination and management of regional cooperation in the field of environmental protection and sustainable development of the CA states. The organizational setup of ICSD and the location of its executive bodies are shown in the figures below.

The Republic of Tajikistan assumed the chairmanship for the 2024–2026 term (28 March 2024).

Activity in 2025

Institutional and legal improvement of IFAS. In 2025, ICSD participated in the 14th meeting of the RWG (Dushanbe, 2-3 June).

ICSD Meetings. The following events were held in Dushanbe: (1) meeting of the ICSD Advisory Council to discuss the results of the ICSD’s work for 2024–2025, the implementation of the 35th ICSD meeting decisions, the progress of the REP4SD CA implementation, and other issues (4 November); (2) 36th ICSD Meeting (5 November). As a result, it was decided to include the Regional Waste Management Centre for Central Asia into the structure of the ICSD, granting it the status of a regional organization; extend the powers of the leadership of the Regional Mountain Centre of Central Asia; authorize the review of the ICSD Statute to improve its institutional structure and interaction with the IFAS; approve the candidacy of the new Head of the ICSD Secretariat (4-5 November).

REP4SD CA. With the support of GIZ, an analytical report on the mid-term assessment of the REP4SD CA implementation was prepared. ICSD representatives participated in several events under REP4SD CA in the following areas: (1) №1 (SDG4) «Achieving inclusive, equitable quality education and promoting lifelong learning for all» - launch of the Central Asia – Russia Interregional Group webpage, developed with the support of the UN Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) Secretariat; (2) №2 (SDG6) «Providing universal, safe, and affordable water and sanitation for all» - Regional workshop on the results of the third reporting cycle on SDG indicator 6.5.2 (Таshkent, 12–13 February); Validation workshop «Blue Peace Central Asia» (Таshkent, 28 March); (3) №3 (SDG 7, 11, 12) «Green economy, including renewable energy sources, waste management and the development of environmentally friendly transport infrastructure - at the II Central Asian Forum on E-Waste: From awareness to action (Dushanbe, 4-5 March); discussion of the draft Strategy for informing the population about the benefits of renewable energy (Аshgabat, 18 July); (4) №4 (SDG 13) «Taking urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts» - 62nd (Hangzhou, PRC, 24-28 February) and 63rd Sessions of IPCC (Lima, Peru, 27-30 October); COP30 (Belém, Brazil, 10–21 November); international conferences "Transparency through GOSAT for BTR » (Tokyo, 3-4 February) and «Central Asia in the Face of Global Climate Challenges: Consolidation for Shared Prosperity» (Samarkand, 4–5 April); meetings/conferences in Ashgabat to discuss climate reporting as part of the implementation of Turkmenistan's obligations under the UNFCCC and the Paris Agreement (19 March), National Adaptation Plan (10 April) and to build the country's capacity to access climate finance (5 September); training workshop «Best practices for creating transparency systems (MRV)» (Baku, 9–11 April), etc. ; (5) №5 (SDG 15) «Protect, restore and promote sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems» - round tables in Ashgabat on improving the legal mechanisms for the creation of buffer zones and ecological corridors in the Aral Sea basin (22 May); assessment of management effectiveness of protected areas within the transnational serial UNESCO World Heritage Site “Cold Winter Deserts of Turan” (15-16 October), etc.; (6) №6 (SDG 17) «Strengthening the means of implementation and revitalizing the global partnership for sustainable development» - in Ashgabat meeting to discuss the NDC 3.0 update process (12 September) and a workshop on the principles and benefits of Strategic Environmental Assessment (18 June), etc.

Project and scientific activities. SIC ICSD (1) acted as a key developer of the draft national Law "On Climate Change", ensuring its compliance with modern requirements and international climate obligations; (2) within the framework of the project "Conservation and Sustainable Management of Land Resources and High Nature Value Ecosystems in the Aral Sea Basin for Multiple Benefits» (UNDP/GEF), was a co-organizer of the workshop "Restore the Land. Unlock the Opportunities», during which the participants discussed the concept for updating the National Action Programme to Combat Desertification (NAP) (Ashgabat, 17 June); participated in a study tour of water and environmental facilities of the Republic of Uzbekistan (22-28 June) and the round table on desertification (Ashgabat, 15 October), in the water diplomacy workshop (Turkmenbashi, 13 August), where innovative GIS tools for effective pasture management were presented (Dashoguz, 12 November and Seydi, Lebap province, 19 November), etc.; (3) participated in the launch of the second phase of the Regional Climate Action Transparency Hub (ReCATH) . The Centre’s experts became members of the Regional Coordination Committee (Ashgabat, 12 May); (4) organized a series of training workshops on the topic "Assessment and application of nature-based solutions». (Turkmenabad, 14-16 April).

The Centre is implementing the project on behalf of the Ministry of Environmental Protection of Turkmenistan «Strengthening the capacity of Turkmenistan to comply with the Enhanced Transparency Framework under the Paris Agreement (CBIT Project)» (FAO, July - December 2025). The objective of the project is to strengthen Turkmenistan's national capacity to comply with the Enhanced Transparency Framework (ETF) for climate change mitigation and adaptation and to improve accounting and reporting, including on assistance received for sectors covered by the NDC. In Ashgabat, the following seminars were organized under the Project: Inception (15 May) and "Reporting Requirements under the Paris Agreement, Technical Support, Key Gaps, and Actions for Institutional and Technical Capacity” (22 December).

Results of SIC ICSD work under the "Integrated Natural Resources Management in Drought-Prone and Salt-Affected Agricultural Production Landscapes in Central Asia and Turkey» Project (CACILM-2) were presented at the final workshop (Ashgabat, 8 April).

Media. Director of SIC ICSD M. Durikov, in an interview (1) with TASS, spoke about large-scale environmental initiatives being implemented in Turkmenistan (30 March); (2) newspaper "Neutral Turkmenistan" stressed the importance of updating the National Forest Program (24 July).

Source: SIC ICSD

3.5. Regional Environmental Centre for Central Asia

CAREC is an independent, non-profit, non-political international organization established in 2001 by the governments of the five Central Asian countries, as well as the EU and UNDP. Its mission is to assist the Central Asian countries in addressing their national and regional environmental issues.

Activity in 2025

Projects. The following projects continued: «Climate-resilient WRM in the Zarafshan River Basin»/iCH2O (SDC, CHF523123, 2023-2026) in Uzbekistan and "Land Management, Environment and Solid-Waste: Inside Education and Business in Central Asia». /LESLIE (EACEA, €359850, 2024-202), aimed at the development of educational programs of universities in Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan.

At the regional level, СAREC coordinates and integrates the subcomponents of the World Bank Initiative «Resilient Landscapes Restoration Program in Central Asia (RESILAND CA+)» as part of three national projects in Таjikistan (May 2024 - September 2027), Kyrgyz Republic (June 2025-December 2028) and Uzbekistan (from July 2025), aimed at strengthening transboundary cooperation, sharing knowledge and developing harmonized approaches to landscape restoration.

The following projects were launched: (1) «Assessing Adaptive Resilience of Rural Communities in Central Asia»/CARe (Volkswagen Foundation, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, in 2025 – 2029) to study the factors of resilience of rural communities to climate, water, economic and social challenges and develop scientific evidence-based recommendations for authorities and stakeholders. Key research issues, methods and expected results of the project were addressed during the kick-off workshop (Таshkent, 17 October); (2) «Blue Peace- Central Asia. Phase II» (SDC, 2025-2029), aimed at strengthening transboundary water cooperation in the region. Validation workshop was held in Таshkent (28 March). Also, the following events were organised: regional workshop "Water Challenges in Central Asia» (Таshkent, 13 November); Regular meeting of the RWG on water quality (RWG-WQ), where the strategic vision for the development of RWG-WQ was discussed, and the Action Plan for 2026-2029 was preliminarily approved (Аstana, 10 December); the 8th meeting of the Kazakh-Uzbek joint WG on environmental protection and water quality in the Syr Darya river basin (Аstana, 11 December).

Capacity building. Trainings were conducted under the following projects (1) «Climate-responsive and gender-sensitive basin management» (GIZ, SDC, February 2025–February 2026) on IWRM for specialists of water management organizations of Central Asian countries (Dushanbe, 11-12 February; Tashkent, 26-27 February; Bishkek, 12-13 March; Shymkent, 27-28 March; Bishkek, 7-8 October; Dushanbe, 4 November; Bukhara, 5 December); (2) «Climate Risk Management in Central Asia» (GIZ) on the integration of climate adaptation into territorial and basin planning in the basins of the Zarafshan river (Samarkand, 12 June), Chon-Kemin and Chu rivers (Taraz, 13 June).

The following events were organized: (1) 15th Central Asian Leadership Programme (CALP) on environment for sustainable development, aimed at training a new generation of leaders to address the region's environmental challenges, counter disinformation, and promote cooperation (Almaty, 15-19 September); (2) In cooperation with the OSCE, a discussion of a new university course on "Integration of Variable Renewable Energy (vRE) into Power Systems in Central Asia" (оnline, 12 November). Faculty from across the region were invited to participate in the discussion.

CAREC, together with OSCE (Vienna) and the Stockholm International Water Institute, supports the Network "Women in Water Management in Central Asia and Afghanistan». CAREC took part in a "Drops of the Future” series in Ashgabat (29-30 January) and the panel discussion "The First Drop: How to Achieve the Dialogue We Want" in Vienna (26-27 February). For the networks "Women in Water Management in Central Asia and Afghanistan" and "Women in Water Diplomacy in the South Caucasus," a regional training to strengthen participation of women in transboundary water management and the development of water diplomacy (25 November) was organised in Tashkent; CAREC took part in the workshop on the exchange of experience between women's networks of the two regions (26 November).

Events. The following events were organised: (1) Central Asian Climate Change Conference (CACCC-2025) «Achieving the Global Climate Finance Goal through Regional and National Actions in Central Asia» , confirming its readiness to jointly respond to climate challenges (Аshgabat, 13-15 May); (2) together with the International Water Management Institute (IWMI), the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) the Regional Workshop "Water Challenges in Central Asia" (Таshkent, 13 November).

The CAREC branch office in Tajikistan, together with the Committee for Environmental Protection of the Republic of Tajikistan, held a High-level International Conference on Glaciers’ Preservation through transboundary, intersectoral and intergenerational water cooperation (Dushanbe, 31 May).

Support was provided for the celebration of (1) the International Day of the Caspian Sea (Тurkmenbashi, 12 August); (2) the Regional Dialogue of Central Asian Countries under the slogan "80 Million People, 5 Nations, 1 Voice", which has become a platform for strengthening climate ambitions and coordinating the region's actions (Dushanbe, 31 October).

Dushanbe, 31 October

Source: CAREC