Integrating open-source datasets to analyze the transboundary water–food–energy–climate nexus in Central Asia

J. De Keyser, D. S. Hayes, B. Marti, T. Siegfried, C. Seliger, H. Schwedhelm, Oyture Anarbekov, Zafar Gafurov, R. M. Lopez Fernandez, I. Ramos Diez, B. Alapfy, J. Carey, B. Karimov, E. Karimov, B. Wagner and H. Habersack
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Oyture Anarbekov: International Water Management Institute
Zafar Gafurov: International Water Management Institute

Papers published in Journals (Open Access), 2023, 15(19):3482. (Special issue: Water Management in Central Asia)

Abstract: In today’s intrinsically connected world, the Water–Food–Energy–Climate Nexus (WFEC Nexus) concept provides a starting point for informed and transparent decision-making based on the trade-offs and synergies between different sectors, including aquatic ecosystems, food security, energy production, and climate neutrality. The WFEC Nexus approach is particularly applicable in regions requiring transboundary water management, such as Central Asia. Unfortunately, this region with unevenly distributed water resources—consisting of Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan—is characterized by data scarcity, which limits informed decision-making. However, open-source geodata is becoming increasingly available. This paper aims to fill Central Asia’s WFEC Nexus data gap by providing an overview of key data. We collected geodata through an integrated survey of stakeholders and researchers, stakeholder consultation, and literature screening. Sixty unique datasets were identified, belonging to one of six thematic categories: (1) climate, (2) hydrology, (3) geography and topography, (4) geomorphology, (5) ecology, and (6) anthropogenic uses. For each dataset, a succinct description, including a link to the online source, is provided. We also provide possible applications of using the presented datasets, demonstrating how they can assist in conducting various studies linked to the WFEC Nexus in Central Asia and worldwide.

Keywords: Transboundary waters; Food security; Energy generation; Climate change; Nexus approaches; Open data; Datasets; Spatial data; Geographical information systems; Hydropower; Biodiversity; Geomorphology; Ecology; Anthropogenic factors (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2023
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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:iwt:jounls:h052318

DOI: 10.3390/w15193482

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