event 24 Jun 2022

Nexus Regional Dialogue Central Asia // Promoting innovative partnerships and science-based solutions for water-energy-food security in Central Asia

DUSHANBE, 6 June 2022 – Decision makers, technical and academia professionals from five Central Asian countries discussed the experience to address the water-energy-food-environment (WEFE) security through innovative partnerships and science-based solutions within the framework of the 2nd International High-Level Conference on the 2018-2028 International Decade for Action "Water for Sustainable Development". The dialogues were organized with the support of USAID Water and Vulnerable Environment Activity, European Union funded project “Nexus Dialogue in Central Asia” and Regional Environmental Centre for Central Asia (CAREC).

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Water, Energy and Food Security in Central Asia are tightly interlinked, forming a resource Nexus that transcends the borders of the five Central Asian states of Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan. Whereas all sectors are subject to increased stress from climate change, water scarcity and economic restrictions, the demand to strengthen the application of the integrated water resources management (IWRM) and start practical application of WEF Nexus approach is increasing.

Session 2 showcased how the green, resilient and inclusive economic development in a water-scarce world can be ensured through application of IWRM and NEXUS approaches, covering economic and financial aspects of their promotion. The participants learned the experience on restoration of ecosystems at the dried bottom of the Aral Sea basin and using sedimentation as a resource for public-private partnership and economic growth in Central Asia.

Session 4 discussed the existing opportunities for enhanced collaboration and inclusiveness, access to knowledge on WFW nexus, cross-cutting SDGs, as well as establishment and promotion of innovative partnerships.The knowledge, education and communication are key for all actors to achieve individual, national and regional Sustainable Development Goals. Sharing specific expertise and knowledge, developing cooperation and alliances, involving the scientific and educational communities, the only way to strengthen our mutual capacities to achieve better results with fewer resources. The need in “collaborative learning” is increasing and demand actions.

The results of both Panel Sessions were included in the final documents reflecting on (i) the science-based solutions, tools and technology available in Central Asia and (ii) the importance of Nexus approach for the water-energy-food security systems of the region. The final documents were presented during the last session of the Forum to synthesize the key messages for the region compiled in the final report of the Conference.

The second phase (2020-2023) of the European Union project "Central Asian Dialogue to Promote Sectoral Financing through the Water-Energy-Food Nexus" is a continuation of the first phase (2016-2019) and is being implemented by the Regional Environmental Centre for Central Asia (CAREC). The project’s duration: June 2020 – May 2023; total budget: EUR 1.25 million with the EU’s contribution of EUR 1 million. The project is a part of the global Nexus Dialogue Programme, which is supported by the European Union (EU) and the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) in five regions.

This article was first published on the CAREC website on June 6 2022.

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