The event brought together nearly 35 participants from Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, and neighboring regions to discuss the unique challenges and opportunities of managing small rivers — a crucial resource for the region’s food security, energy supply, and ecosystem health.
Key topics included improving water use efficiency in transboundary basins, strengthening sub-basin level cooperation, and sharing ongoing regional projects. Participants exchanged valuable insights from initiatives such as Hydro4U’s small hydropower solutions, WE-ACT’s water allocation optimization, ISTC’s tributary data management, and the Global Partnership for Shared Waters’ cooperation frameworks, as well as CGIAR’s integrated resource management efforts.
A highlight of the workshop was the group session focused on validating an Agreement template developed by IWMI within the Hydro4U project. This tool aims to enhance collaboration and sustainable management of small transboundary rivers across Central Asia.
The workshop marked a significant step toward fostering stronger partnerships and innovative solutions for sustainable water management in the region.
