Sustainable Transboundary Water Governance in Central Asia: Challenges, Conflicts, and Regional Cooperation

Albina Prniyazova, Suriya Turaeva, Daniyar Turgunov and Ben Jarihani ()
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Albina Prniyazova: Department of Diplomacy, Academy of Public Administration under the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Astana 010000, Kazakhstan
Suriya Turaeva: Department of International Economics, University of World Economy and Diplomacy of Uzbekistan, Tashkent 100007, Uzbekistan
Daniyar Turgunov: Hydrometeorological Research Institute, Ministry of Ecology Environmental Protection and Climate Change, Tashkent 100043, Uzbekistan
Ben Jarihani: College of Science and Engineering, James Cook University, Townsville City, QLD 4814, Australia

Sustainability, 2025, vol. 17, issue 11, 1-21

Abstract: Sustainable transboundary water governance in Central Asia faces significant challenges, including political tensions, ecological issues, such as the drying Aral Sea, and seasonal hydropower disruptions impacting downstream countries. This study aims to address these problems by examining the complexities of water resource governance in the region, emphasizing the interplay between national interests and regional cooperation. We analyze how social, economic, environmental, and political factors influence water diplomacy among Central Asian states. Key challenges include water scarcity, climate change impacts and the growing tensions over transboundary river basins, particularly in the Aral Sea basin (i.e., the development of the Kushtepa Canal in Afghanistan). The intricate linkages between water, energy, and agriculture further complicate decision-making processes among riparian nations. While recent diplomatic efforts signal a shift towards enhanced regional cooperation, existing agreements remain fragmented, and a sustainable, long-term governance framework is still lacking. Our findings highlight the importance of an integrated, basin-wide approach to transboundary water management. We argue that a cohesive regional water strategy—grounded in international legal frameworks and supported by collaborative governance mechanisms—can mitigate conflicts and promote water security in Central Asia. The significance of this study lies in its potential to inform policy decisions and promote sustainable practices in transboundary water governance, ultimately contributing to the broader goals of sustainable development and regional cooperation.

Keywords: transboundary water management; water security; regional cooperation; hydro–politics; Central Asia; climate change; Aral Sea basin (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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