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Current challenges in Central Asian water governance and their implications for research, higher education, and science-policy interaction

Author

Listed:
  • Abdullaev, Iskandar
  • Assubayeva, Aliya
  • Bobojonov, Ihtiyor
  • Djanibekov, Nodir
  • Dombrowsky, Ines
  • Gafurov, Abror
  • Hamidov, Ahmad
  • Herrfahrdt-Pähle, Elke
  • Janusz-Pawletta, Barbara
  • Ishangulyyev, Rovshen
  • Kasymov, Ulan
  • Mirkasimov, Bakhrom
  • Petrick, Martin
  • Strobehn, Katrin
  • Ziganshina, Dinara

Abstract

Political tensions over water management in the Central Asia region have intensified since the Soviet era, as ecological issues like the drying Aral Sea and seasonal hydropower disruptions impact downstream countries. The paper discusses the region’s water governance challenges, including climate-induced uncertainties, water resource demands, and the limited capacity of local research institutions. While Central Asia’s governments have initiated reforms, including new infrastructure and agreements, resilience in water management remains underdeveloped. The paper also explores the role of higher education institutions in fostering capacity-building for sustainable governance, emphasizing the need for local expertise and regional collaboration. The proposed establishment of a Central Asian water research platform aims to enhance science-policy integration, promote sustainable water governance, and support informed regional cooperation on transboundary water issues.

Suggested Citation

  • Abdullaev, Iskandar & Assubayeva, Aliya & Bobojonov, Ihtiyor & Djanibekov, Nodir & Dombrowsky, Ines & Gafurov, Abror & Hamidov, Ahmad & Herrfahrdt-Pähle, Elke & Janusz-Pawletta, Barbara & Ishangulyyev, 2025. "Current challenges in Central Asian water governance and their implications for research, higher education, and science-policy interaction," EconStor Open Access Articles and Book Chapters, ZBW - Leibniz Information Centre for Economics, vol. 11(1), pages 47-58.
    • Handle: RePEc:zbw:espost:311921
    DOI: 10.29258/CAJWR/2025-R1.v11-1/47-58.eng
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. repec:zbw:iamodp:327298 is not listed on IDEAS
    2. Amirova, Iroda & Petrick, Martin & Djanibekov, Nodir, 2022. "Community, state and market: Understanding historical water governance evolution in Central Asia," IAMO Discussion Papers 200, Leibniz Institute of Agricultural Development in Transition Economies (IAMO).
    3. Iskandar Abdullaev & Jusipbek Kazbekov & Herath Manthritilake & Kahramon Jumaboev, 2010. "Water User Groups in Central Asia: Emerging Form of Collective Action in Irrigation Water Management," Water Resources Management: An International Journal, Published for the European Water Resources Association (EWRA), Springer;European Water Resources Association (EWRA), vol. 24(5), pages 1029-1043, March.
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