Kazakhstan's water policies are more environmentally friendly than Uzbekistan's according to the document. Kazakhstan funded construction of a dike to regulate water flow from the Small Aral Sea to the Large Aral Sea, improving the environment. Due to this construction and water inflows, the water level of the Small Aral Sea rose rapidly, allowing renewed outflows to the Large Aral Sea and maintaining habitat. In contrast, Uzbekistan's growing population and prioritization of cotton farming have increased water use, contributing to environmental degradation like the disappearance of fish species in the Large Aral Sea and damage to the Amu Dar'ya delta ecosystem.

1. Hidrodiplomacy and Environmental
Security of Transboundary Waters
SULTAN ERBAŞ
International Relations
1658707

2. Do you agree the statement that Kazakhstan’s Water Policies
are more environmet-friendly than Uzbekistan’s ones?
2

3. Literature Review
• After independence , the Central Asian States agreed to
continue with the water allocation principles set during the
Soviet Union. However, Dukhovny and Sokolov (2003, p. 27)
argue «there is clearly no way to preserve the desired «status
quo» of former water allocation and use because of emerging
geopolitical and economic diffrences in development among
Central Asian countries.»
• Reduction of funding for operation and maintenance
• This has led to a deterioration of the infrastructure and to a
decrease in water management control
• It would suggest that more water is used in agriculture
3
Wegerich, K. (2011). Water resources in Central Asia: regional stability or patchy make-up? Central
Asian Survey, 275-290.

4. Literature Review
• According to Conca (2006: 27)critically refers to as a
regime concept of natural resource governance,
dominated by norm of authority, territoriality and
knowledge(scientific rationality)
• On the other hand, risk-based governance decenters
state authority, accepts the transnational features of
social life, respect to shared natural resources,
allows for experimentation as a source of legitimate
knowledge.
4
Rosario, T. C.-d. (2009). Risky riparianism: cooperative water governance in Central Asia . Australian
Journal of International Affairs , 405.

5. Literature Review
Multidimensional and
interest-seeking
Multinational and common
profit
• Uzbek Water Policies are multidimensional and
effective on water security issues just like the
Rogun project
• Uzbek Government is very critical of the Rogun
Dam (Spoor and Krutov 2003), because it
would put it(Tajikistan) firmly in control of the
river(ICG 2002, p. 23) According to Libert et al.
(2008, p. 15) the World Bank recently agreed to
allocate some funding for the project.
• As a countermove, Uzbekistan recently ratified
the two international conventions on
Transboundary water.
• Even if Tajikistan can secure investment for
Rogun, still problem with selling hydropower.
Because Central Asia’s current electricity
energy grid is centered on Tashkent. Recently
Uzbekistan withdrew from the joint energy
grid.
• On the other hand, Kazakhstan only rely on
the agreements but it would not bring any
result
• According to Ryabtsev(2008, p. 2): «The
bilateral Protocol does not guarantee for
Kazakhstan a water supply over the
Syrdarya river up to the Shardara
reservoir(because the water) allotted for
Kazakhstan, is partly used in Uzbekistan
and Tajikistan.
• However, Ferghana ru (31 May 2010, 1 June
2010) reports that Kazakhstan fulfils its
obligation to Tajikistan but that Uzbekistan
did not in 2008 or 2009 and is late for 2010
as well.(signed between Kazakhstan and
Kyrgyz Republic, and between Uzbekistan
and Tajikistan.»
5
Wegerich, K. (2011). Water resources in Central
Asia: regional stability or patchy make-up?
Central Asian Survey, 275-290.
Wegerich, K. (2011). Water resources in Central Asia:
regional stability or patchy make-up? Central Asian
Survey, 275-290.

6. Literature Review
• According to Khankhasayev and Leitman (2008)
«the Aral Sea environmental disaster is reputed
to be one of the biggest man-made ecological
disasters in the region and perhaps the world.»
6
Rosario, T. C.-d. (2009). Risky riparianism: cooperative water governance in Central Asia .
Australian Journal of International Affairs , 405.

7. Background
• The downstream countries (Kazakhstan,
Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan) receive 73 percent of
total withdrawals from Aral Sea basin, despite their
small contribution to water supplies in region.
• In contrast, Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan, which both
contribute almost 70 percent of all water supplies,
receive only 0.4 percent and 11 percent
respectively(Horsman 2001: 71).
7
Rosario, T. C.-d. (2009). Risky riparianism: cooperative water governance in Central Asia . Australian
Journal of International Affairs , 405.

8. Background
• Demand for water in Central Asia has been
dominated by needs of agriculture (more than
90% of total use)
• Agriculture , major employer of the region’s
workforce, producing a large % of each
countries GDP
8

9. Background
• In the 1960s, the Soviet Union centralized the
use and exploitation of the Aral Sea through the
Aral Sea Plan
• It converted the region into a «cotton belt»
• Soviet Policy of concentrating cotton production
in Uzbekistan effectively enshrined highly
unequal water use among the riparian republics
9
Rosario, T. C.-d. (2009). Risky riparianism: cooperative water governance in Central Asia . Australian Journal of
International Affairs , 405.

10. Background
• Irrigation projects diverted water flows and
shrunk the two rivers.
• Irrigation purposes has caused a drastic
reductionon the volume of water in the Aral Sea
by as much as 75 percent.
• Its shoreline has reportedly retreated by more
than 120 km(Gungoren and Regallet 1998: 19).
10
Rosario, T. C.-d. (2009). Risky riparianism: cooperative water governance in Central Asia . Australian Journal
of International Affairs , 405.

11. 11
McKinney, D. C. (2003). Cooperative Management of Transboundary Water Resources in Central Asia. In D. B.
T.Sabonis-Helf, In the Tracks of Tamerlane-Central Asia’s Path into the 21st Century (p. 191). National Defense
University Press.
The increase in irrigated lane
and the corresponding
diminished flow. In addition
to the dwindling flow,
inefficient irrigation systems
and mismanagement of
irrigation water diversions
have resulted in elevated
water and soil salinity levels,
widespread environmental
degradation, and diminished
agricultural productivity.

12. Background
12
(2004). Water Resources of Kazakhstan in the new millenium . Almaty: UNDP.

13. 13
(2003). Regional Workshop on Development of eco Efficent Water Infrastructure in Asia and Pasific. Seul:
Resources, Republic of Uzbekistan Ministry of Agriculture and Water.
Uzbekistan

14. Yes, I agree the statement that Kazakhstan’s water policy is
more environmental-friendly than Uzbekistan’s water policy
14

15. Irrigation Water Use
• On approach to reduce irrigation water use
significantly would include conversion of more of
the irrigated area to less water-intensive crops(e.g.
Substituting soybeans, fruits and vegetables for
cotton and rice), and reducing the irrigated
area(Micklin 2000, pp. 24-42)
• But, two primary irrigation nations (Uzbekistan and
Turkmenistan) are intent on retaining cotton as a
major crop, particularly its key role in earning
foreign currency.
15
Micklin, P. (2010). The past, present, and future Aral Sea. Lakes and Reservoirs: Research and Management,
193-213.

16. Irrigation Water Use
• Also, reduction of irrigated area are unlikely to
occur in near- to mid-term future.
• Except Kazakhstan, all the former Soviet
republics intend to expand irrigation, mainly to
meet food needs for a «growing population».
16

17. 17Uzbekistan’s growing population
(2003). Regional Workshop on Development of eco Efficent Water Infrastructure in Asia and Pasific. Seul: Resources, Republic of
Uzbekistan Ministry of Agriculture and Water.

18. Environment
• Uzbekistan can ensure water policies toward other
riparians as reason for environmental security. But
it is highly related with increase in national interests
rather than saving environment.
• Even though Schrader (2008) argues that the Yavan
Dam would not have any impact on Uzbekistan, the
news agency Ferghana.ru (15 August 2008) states
that «after neighboring Uzbekistan expressed
concerns over ecology and possible future lack of
water for irrigation, China quit the project».
18
Wegerich, K. (2011). Water resources in Central Asia: regional stability or patchy make-up? Central
Asian Survey, 275-290.

19. Environment
• The Government of Kazakhstan and the WB
subsequently funded construction of an engineering
sound 13 km earthen dike with a concrete outflow
control structure, including gates that could be raised
and lowered, to regulate the flow from the Small to Large
Aral Seas(Micklin 2007).
• Completed in August 2005
• Part of a larger US$ 85 million project that also included
«hydraulic infrastructure improvements along the Syr
Dar’ya to increase flow into the Small Aral Sea
19

20. Environment
Due to constructions toward Syr Dar’ya
and Small Aral Sea , and heavier than
expected winter water inflows into the
Small Aral Sea, the water level rose
much more rapidly than expected,
reaching design level (42 m asl) by
March 2006, and allowing renewed
outflows to the Large Aral Sea. The
Level of the Small Aral has been
maintained at a minimum of 42 m since
that time, but sometimes rises to higher
levels.
Micklin, P. (2010). The past, present, and future Aral
Sea. Lakes and Reservoirs: Research and Management,
193-213.
20
Micklin, P. (2010). The past, present, and future Aral Sea. Lakes
and Reservoirs: Research and Management, 193-213.

21. Ecology
• Kambala( or Black Sea flounder (Platichthys flesus
lulscus) disappeared from the Large(southern) Sea
in 2003, however, as its salinity increased to more
than 70 g L-1
• On the other hand, in Small Lake the average
salinity to 10-14 g L-1, which has facilitated the
return and flourishing of indigenous species, such as
the sudak or pike-perch (Lucioperca lucioperca) and
sazan (Cyprinus carpio), a type of carp.
21
Micklin, P. (2010). The past, present, and future Aral Sea. Lakes and Reservoirs: Research and
Management, 193-213.

22. Ecology
• Moreover, The previous rich, diverse ecosystem of
the extensive Amu Dar’ya delta, located in the
Karakalpak Republic of Uzbekistan, have suffered
considerable harm, while the Syr Dar’ya delta in
Kazakhstan has ensured lesser.
• Reduced river flows, construction of upstream
storage reservoirs as well as declining ground water
levels caused by the falling water level of the Aral
Sea, have caused spreading and intensifying
desertification
• Mineral salts have accumulated on the land surface ,
forming solonchak (salt pans) where practically
nothing will grow.
22

23. Ecology
• A UNESCO (2000, pp. 44-46) report notes that,
of the 282 bird species formerly observed in the
Amu Dar’ya wetlands, -30 species have
disappeared and some 88 species are listed as
rare.
23

24. Food Supply
• The commercial fishing industries developed by
Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan in the first half of
the 20th Century(maximum catch reached
44.000 tonnes in 1958) ended in the early 1980s
with the indigenous species that provided the
basis for the fishery disappearing because of
increasing salinity and loss of shallow spawning
and feeding areas.
24

25. Food Supply
• Kazakhstan’s water level stabilization project has
reinvigorated the fishery in the Small Aral. The total
fish catch was only 200 metric tonnes in 2004, but
had risen to 2000 metric tonnes by 2007 (Micklin
and Aladin 2008)
• Also, the fish(Kambala or Black Sea flounder)
flourished in the Small Aral, providing a sizable
non-commercial catch, which was and important
protein source for local settlements(Micklin and
Aladin 2008)
25
Micklin, P. (2010). The past, present, and future Aral Sea. Lakes and Reservoirs: Research and
Management, 193-213.

26. Health
• The population living around the Aral Sea
suffers acute health problems.
• Consequences of lake recession, heavy use of
toxic chemicals in irrigated agriculture, poor
medical care and diets, health conditions in the
Karakalpak Republic in Uzbekistan are
undoubtedly the worst in the Aral Basin.
26

27. Health
• Surveys on Karakalpak Republic health condition conducted
in the mid- to late 1980s illustrated that rates of diseases such
as cancer of the oesophagus, tuberculosis, various intestinal
disorders and kidney ailments had grown significantly
compared with a decade earlier (Anokhin et al. 1991).
• Also, the infant mortality rate rose from an average of
45/1000 live births in 1965, to 72 in 1986. However US
Intenational donors, Uzbek government and NGOs have
efforts to improve health and medical conditions, everall
health picture has not improved significantly from Soviet
times.
27
Micklin, P. (2010). The past, present, and future Aral Sea. Lakes and Reservoirs: Research and Management,
193-213.

28. Finance of water policies
• Although the ICWC budget is confirmed by all
member countries each year, only Turkmenistan
and Uzbekistan have met their obligations for
operation and maintenance works.
• Only Uzbekistan has met the obligation for
research, with a small contribution from others.
• But, it is already not enough to make a difference
in the region.
28
McKinney, D. C. (2003). Cooperative Management of Transboundary Water Resources in Central Asia. In D. B.
T.Sabonis-Helf, In the Tracks of Tamerlane-Central Asia’s Path into the 21st Century (p. 191). National Defense
University Press.

29. Finance of water policies
• In fact, although attempts are underway to implement improvement
measures, the comprehensive programme needed would be
extremely costly.
• Based on studies done by the World Bank in the mid- and late
1990s, a complete renovation of irrigation syastems on 5.4 million
ha could resulted in a net water savings of 12 km3 year-1 , but would
cost an estimated US$ 16 billion.(Micklin 2000, p.40)
• It estimated cost would certainly be substantially higher today.
• So, these estimated monetary figures are far beyond the willingness
and the ability, of the basin states to pay, even with ajor aid from
international donors.
29
Micklin, P. (2010). The past, present, and future Aral Sea. Lakes and Reservoirs: Research and
Management, 193-213.

30. References
• (2003). Regional Workshop on Development of eco Efficent Water
Infrastructure in Asia and Pasific. Seul: Resources, Republic of Uzbekistan
Ministry of Agriculture and Water.
• (2004). Water Resources of Kazakhstan in the new millenium . Almaty:
UNDP.
• McKinney, D. C. (2003). Cooperative Management of Transboundary Water
Resources in Central Asia. In D. B. T.Sabonis-Helf, In the Tracks of
Tamerlane-Central Asia’s Path into the 21st Century (p. 191). National
Defense University Press.
• Micklin, P. (2010). The past, present, and future Aral Sea. Lakes and
Reservoirs: Research and Management, 193-213.
• Rosario, T. C.-d. (2009). Risky riparianism: cooperative water governance
in Central Asia . Australian Journal of International Affairs , 405.
• Wegerich, K. (2011). Water resources in Central Asia: regional stability or
patchy make-up? Central Asian Survey, 275-290.
30