- 6
- 01.05.2023 08:42:00
- 5 min read
The international conference "Central Asia: towards a sustainable future through a strong regional institution" dedicated to the 30th anniversary of the International Fund for Saving the Aral Sea will be held from June 5-7 in Dushanbe, the correspondent of NIAT "Khovar" reports.
For 30 years of its activity, the International Fund for Saving the Aral Sea has been able to provide a regional platform for dialogue and cooperation in solving regional problems related to water and the environment. The Foundation promotes the development of qualitatively new interstate relations in the region by strengthening regional cooperation and conflict-free solution of complex water management issues.
"The conference is designed to emphasize the role of the Foundation as a unique platform for water and environmental cooperation in Central Asia, to reflect on past achievements, to give an idea of current areas of cooperation and to develop a future vision program.
The conference is organized by the Executive Committee of the International Fund for Saving the Aral Sea with the support of the Government of the Republic of Tajikistan in cooperation with development partners. Within the framework of the conference, interested parties are given the opportunity to organize interactive dialogue sessions, parallel and special events structured in accordance with the program on the first day of the conference," the International Foundation noted.
The conference is expected to be attended by high-ranking officials, politicians, experts, scientists and enthusiasts from the IFAS founding states and other regions, representing government agencies, international organizations, financial institutions, academia, civil society and other stakeholders. Special attention will be paid to the participation of youth, women, the private sector and the scientific community.
Within the framework of the conference, it is planned to hold a meeting of the IFAS Board and the fourth meeting of the Coordination Platform of the IFAS Executive Committee with international development partners.
The founders of the Fund are Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan.
IFAS is a unique organization and political platform that plays an important role in the development and strengthening of water cooperation between the countries of Central Asia.
According to IFAS, water in Central Asia plays an important role not only for socio-economic development, but also for the development of regional cooperation. The countries of the region are united by two great rivers – the Amu Darya and the Syr Darya, which have been giving life-giving water to the population, agricultural lands and other sectors of the economy of the countries of the region for centuries.
An important feature of the region in the context of water resources is the uneven distribution of water resources: more than 80% of the region's water resources are formed on the territory of two upstream countries – Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan, and the lion's share of the use – more than 80% of water resources falls on three downstream countries – Kazakhstan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan. It is obvious that in such conditions it is impossible to solve complex water management issues without appropriate regional cooperation. Moreover, the upstream countries, due to the lack of sufficient fuel and energy resources, are interested in using water mainly in winter to meet their energy needs, while the downstream countries are interested in using water resources mainly in summer for irrigation of agricultural land.
"With the collapse of the Soviet Union and the acquisition of independence in 1991, the countries of the region switched to a policy of self-sufficiency and self-sufficiency. However, taking into account the transboundary nature of water resources, in February 1992 they signed the Almaty Agreement and created the Interstate Coordinating Water Management Commission. Further, in 1993, in order to mitigate the Aral Sea crisis and improve the socio-economic and environmental situation, the Heads of State of the region created the International Fund for Saving the Aral Sea. Thus, a solid foundation was laid for regional cooperation in the field of water resources and ecology.
At the dawn of our countries' independence, there were many statements that water would become a bone of contention and lead to instability in the Central Asian region. But, as time shows, thanks to the wise leadership of the heads of State and Government of the countries of the region, it was possible not only to resolve water issues without conflict, but also to move much further by creating a new infrastructure. Of course, IFAS has played a significant role in achieving this result," the source explained.
The IFAS Executive Committee plans to organize and hold a number of commemorative events dedicated to the 30th anniversary of the International Fund for Saving the Aral Sea.
"On this basis, the IFAS Executive Committee has prepared a Plan of organizational measures for the preparation and celebration of the 30th anniversary of the formation of the International Fund for Saving the Aral Sea. According to this plan, from among the representatives of the countries of the region in the Executive Committee of IFAS, it is planned to create an Organizing Committee for the preparation and holding of anniversary events dedicated to the 30th anniversary of IFAS. In 2023, it is also planned to hold a number of historical events, such as the next anniversary meetings of the Council of the Heads of the Founding States of the International Fund for Saving the Aral Sea and the Consultative Meeting of the Heads of Central Asian States, as well as an international conference dedicated to the 30th anniversary of IFAS," the source reports.
