The complexities of water management and energy production in Central Asia require unified regional strategies, according to Dmitry Petrin, Regional Projects Coordinator at the World Bank, who spoke during the Eurasian Development Bank’s annual meeting in Almaty on December 6. Petrin emphasized the need for collaborative approaches to mitigate risks posed by projects like Afghanistan’s Qoshtapa Canal while ensuring sustainable resource management.
Qoshtapa Canal: A Regional Concern
The construction of the Qoshtapa Canal in Afghanistan has raised concerns over potential reductions in water availability for Central Asia. However, Petrin highlighted opportunities to address these risks without direct engagement with Afghanistan.
“We see very clear paths for Central Asian countries to mitigate water shortages caused by Qoshtapa, even without involving Afghanistan,” said Petrin. He pointed to water-use efficiency as a critical focus area, noting that up to 60% of water is lost due to outdated systems. Investment in digital water management and joint resource planning could significantly offset the canal’s impact.
“A cooperative approach is the only viable solution,” he stressed.
Balancing Water and Energy Needs
Water shortages in the region not only threaten agriculture but could also disrupt hydroelectric power generation, a key energy source for many countries. Petrin clarified that the total water supply for irrigation and hydropower remains stable, but challenges arise from seasonal mismatches in demand.
“Hydropower and irrigation are not in conflict—they are complementary,” he explained. “Major hydropower projects like Rogun and Kambarata-1 can conserve water for summer irrigation while addressing winter energy needs.”
Petrin praised the collaboration between Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, and Kazakhstan on the Kambarata-1 project, describing it as a model for regional cooperation.
MDBs and IFIs: Partners in Progress
On the broader theme of collaboration, Petrin underscored the importance of multilateral development banks (MDBs) and international financial institutions (IFIs) working together to support Central Asia’s priorities.
“The World Bank is actively coordinating with other MDBs through initiatives like CAREC and the Central Asia Water-Energy Program (CAVEB),” said Petrin. He highlighted partnerships with the European Union, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom as vital to aligning policy development and financing major projects.
Strengthening Regional Institutions
For sustained progress, Petrin emphasized the need for strong regional institutions. He expressed optimism about ongoing reforms to the International Fund for Saving the Aral Sea (IFAS) and the role of the Central Asia Regional Environmental Center in facilitating dialogue and coordination.
“Central Asian countries must present a unified position on regional priorities to enable MDBs to better support their goals,” Petrin stated.
A Path Forward
As Central Asia faces mounting challenges from climate change, population growth, and geopolitical pressures, Petrin’s message at the Almaty meeting was clear: cooperation and efficiency are the keys to unlocking the region’s potential. By working together, Central Asian nations can ensure sustainable management of their most vital resources—water and energy—while fostering economic resilience and regional stability.
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