Meso-level Cooperation on Transboundary Tributaries and Infrastructure in the Ferghana Valley

The river basin management approach in the Syr Darya basin fragmented after the disintegration of the Soviet Union. However, this approach had already created dependencies between riparian states, such as transboundary water control infrastructure. At the national level, these states hardly cooperate, but at the province and district level, especially in the Ferghana Valley, which is shared by Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan, cooperation continues. This paper analyzes transboundary cooperation in the Ferghana Valley. On the periphery, conflict and cooperation still take place on both water management infrastructure and water sharing. The greatest hindrance to cooperation—border control—is outside the realm of water management, but is key given the property rights to water management infrastructure in the neighbouring riparian states.     

Modern state of the Small (Northern) Aral Sea fauna

The Aral Sea is a terminal lake lying within the deserts of Central Asia in Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan, draining the Amu Darya and Syr Darya rivers. Before the 1960s, it was a large brackish water lake with an average salinity of 10.3 g L^?1. The anthropogenic regression and salinization of the Aral Sea at that time resulted from increasing water withdrawals from the Amu Darya and Syr Darya for irrigation purposes. The salinization resulted in the disappearance of most of its invertebrates and all freshwater fish. As a result of the water level decrease, the Aral Sea divided into a northern Small Aral and a southern Large Aral at the end of the 1980s, with the two having different hydrological regimes. After construction the first Kokaral Dam in 1992, the water level of the Small Aral Sea increased by >1 m, with a gradual decline in the salinity beginning. To date, the Small Aral has again become brackish. Its average salinity reached 5.3 g L^?1 by April–May 2013, with the highest salinity of 9.9 g L^?1 in Butakov Bay, whereas the salinity was very low at 1.2–2.0 g L^?1 in the estuary zone of the Syr Darya. There is an ongoing process of restoration of the former biodiversity, with many fresh water and brackish water invertebrate species reappearing due to the decreasing salinity. Freshwater fish species (bream, roach, carp, asp, zander, wels, etc.) returned into the Small Aral from the Syr Darya River and lakes in its lower reaches where they survived. Fisheries are recovering and catches are growing. Continuing salinity decreases, however, may cause decreases in the numbers, or even disappearance, of marine and halophilic invertebrate species. This study summarizes the results of studies of the Small Aral zooplankton, zoobenthos and ichthyofauna carried out in the spring of 2013. An historical review of changes in the Aral Sea and its fauna also is presented.     

Re-examining conflict and cooperation in Central Asia: a case study from the Isfara River,Ferghana Valley

While conflict and cooperation in Central Asia are mainly focused on the larger basins (Amu and Syr Darya) and the implementation of the agreement reached directly after independence (1991), here an analysis of the history of water-sharing agreements in the Isfara Basin is presented. The paper reveals that there have been fierce negotiations and renegotiations even during the Soviet Union period between the Central Asian riparian republics; agreement was reached mainly though engineering solutions that brought more water to the basin. The paper highlights that although water-sharing agreements were reached early on, the technical capability of implementing these agreements was lacking. Similarly, even after independence, agreements had been reached but lack of water control hindered their implementation.     

International Water Management in the Aral Sea Basin

ABSTRACT

The collapse of the Soviet Union in late 1991 has created five new states in the Aral Sea basin in Central Asia. In addition to the turmoil resulting from this political change, this section of the Aral Sea basin suffers from serious environmental degradation, including the desiccation of the Aral Sea itself This situation has arisen from the Soviet government's decision to develop the region as a center for cotton production from the early 1960s onward, a policy requiring heavy applications of agricultural chemicals and enormous irrigation diversions from the basin's two main rivers. the Amu and Syr Darya. Consequently the jive new states in the region have inherited a complex environmental and water management problem from a time when this part of the basin was managed by a singlegovernment. Any attempts to ameliorate the serious environmental degradation found in some parts of the basin now requires cooperation between the new states. This article reports on the measures taken by the new states and their likelihood of success. Overall, it appears that while the new states have enshrined valuable concepts of cooperation in their international water treaties, these concepts do not, as yet, appear to be supported either with adequate funding or with sufficient legislation at the national level.     

Aral Sea; Irretrievable Loss or Irtysh Imports?

The Aral Sea has shrunk and become a large salt pan, because the water from the two rivers that used to feed the lake (Amu Darya and Syr Darya) is almost entirely used for irrigation. In this paper some possibilities to return to the original (1960) situation are studied. After discussing some of the alternatives, it is proposed to construct a canal along a more southerly route than the original Sibaral canal, starting from the Zaisan Lake along the Irtysh river. This solution requires the construction of a major tunnel through the Khrebet Tarbagataj mountain range. Thereafter, it will flow through the Balkash Lake, saving several hundred kilometers of canal construction, and discharge its water in the lower reaches of the Syr Darya. From here it will flow into Aral Sea, slowly restoring it towards its original (1960) level. Several flanking water saving measures are considered. Most of the drive to restore the Aral Sea is for ecological reasons. There may also be a serious climatic threat to avoid, although this is a matter of debate. It is found that the discharge of the major Siberian rivers into the Arctic Ocean is on the increase, and this may affect the great world ocean conveyor belt. This would have dire consequences for the climate in Western and Northern Europe. This could be avoided by diverting part of the water towards the Aral Sea. A restoration of the Aral Sea will have beneficial effects on climate, human health, fishery and ecology in general.     

论气候压力下的跨国水体协议

全球气候变化无疑会影响河流的来水过程和供水过程,改变河流的水质、水量和水系统运行,使当今跨国水体可持续管理复杂化。然而,目前大部分跨国水体协议缺少处理应对气候挑战的重要措施,没有充分考虑不断变化的气候、社会、经济和状况。跨国水体的分享可能会导致两国或多国之间发生冲突,但也可以成为合作和谈判的源泉。共同应对气候的挑战,为未来的跨国水体管理找到新的方法提供了一个平台。尽管各流域国之间存在政治和社会差异、利益冲突等,但制定灵活而又有效的跨国水体协议以减轻气候变化的不利影响是极其需要且完全有可能的,措施有：①灵活的水分配策略;②精确的数据和信息交换;③综合的水质管理;④应对极端事件的策略;⑤对原有跨国水体协议的修订;⑥联合管理委员会的成立和完善。     

A systems approach to validating the water vision of the Aral Sea Basin

Abstract:

The governments of the Aral Sea Basin countries, in cooperation with international organizations (UNESCO and World Bank) came up with a “water vision “for the region until 2025. The landlocked Aral Sea has been suffering from an imbalance in water evaporation, and, water inflow from its two main sources — Amu Darya and Syr Darya rivers, when the planners in the former Soviet Union from the 1960s diverted the river waters for irrigation. The irrigated area has increased from the 1960s by two‐thirds to 7 million hectares and the population by three‐fold to 50 million in the basin countries. Consequently the inflow to the Aral Sea from these two rivers decreased from 55 km³ in 1960 to a few km³ during the 1980s and 1990s. This has resulted in one of the worst man‐made ecological disasters of the century. In this paper, we examine different scenarios to achieve the vision goals and whether it is indeed feasible. Using IWMI basin‐oriented water accounting principles, we have shown that significant amount of water is being wasted in the region. Our analysis concludes that though not all the vision goals are likely to be met over the next 25 years, the inflow into the Aral Sea can be increased to over 20 km³ through better management and use of water resources.     

A cooperative framework for optimizing transboundary hydropower development

Hydropower development may result in water conflicts among the riparian nations, which, however, can be resolved by benefit sharing. An optimization framework is proposed for a transboundary sub-basin following a cooperative game theoretical approach. A broad range of factors at different levels of cooperation between the riparian countries has been used in the optimization model. As an illustration, the framework is implemented in the Sesan and Sre Pok sub-basins of the Lower Mekong Basin. Higher levels of cooperation lead to greater total net benefits as well as greater benefits to individual countries.     

A Cooperative Game Analysis of Transboundary Hydropower Development in the Lower Mekong: Case of the 3S Sub-basins

Hydropower development has enormous economic, environmental, and social impacts at a local, national, and trans-national level. It has been suggested that transboundary water conflicts, such as those that may arise from hydropower development, may be addressed through benefit sharing. This study attempts to investigate the net benefits of hydropower development and water resources utilization in transboundary sub-basin, the Sekong, Sesan and Srepok (commonly known as 3S) sub-basin, in the Mekong River Basin using a game theory approach. This study proposes a methodology for analyzing complex transboundary river-basin issues using the game theory concepts, such as core stability and incentive compatibility. A wide range of parameters have been incorporated to define models and methodologies, and an adaptation strategy for the area has been proposed. The results suggests that benefit sharing and cooperation among the riparian countries would lead to benefits to all. It is observed that the greater the cooperation, the higher is the total benefits. External funding and optimal usage of funds will also play a critical role in this context in the near future. The results of the study will provide a basis for local policy decisions and regional planning in the Mekong River and beyond.     

Implementing Equitable Water Allocation in Transboundary Catchments: The Case of River Nestos/Mesta

Border areas comprise inevitably problematic fields especially when the countries are bound to share common water resources. The conflict potential is rather high and quite often countries are directed to the negotiation table in order to form tranboundary agreements. These agreements aim to the settlement of tensions and conflicts originating from the management of shared water resources. Often a starting point of the conflict resolution is the water allocation scheme between the interested parts. The definition of entitlements over shared water resources in not an easy task and it requires the use of specific decision tools in order to reach the maximum level of objectivity. According to the Water Framework Directive (WFD) 2000/60, management of transboundary catchments shall be based on existing structures set by international agreements, such as the UN Convention on the Protection and Use of Transboundary Watercourses and International Lakes. The main aim of this paper is the implementation of a water allocation tool based on representative indicators characterizing the involved parties while placing emphasis on environmental protection. The variables used are proposed by the UN Convention on the Law of the Non-navigational Uses of International Watercourses incorporating both natural and socio-economic aspects. These factors are quantified for each country and a weight factor is assigned to each one depending on its importance and suitability for describing the environmental and socio-economic situation in each country. As an illustration example the transboundary river Nestos/Mesta case is presented.     

Dam Location-Allocation under Multiple Hydrological Scenarios

Water Resources Management - Serious conflicts over water resources and the determination of new dams locations often happen in undeveloped transboundary basins. The resolution of these conflicts...     

China’s practice on the non-navigational uses of transboundary waters: transforming diplomacy through rules of international law

China’s abundant transboundary water resources face new challenges as demands increase, internally and externally. As China seeks new ways to cooperate with its riparian neighbours, more attention is being paid to international water law in the evolving diplomatic practice across the region. China’s (mostly) bilateral transboundary water cooperation is here characterized as ‘responsive diplomacy’. This paper explores China’s state practice in this context and concludes by recommending that it moves from ‘responsive’ towards ‘preventive’ diplomacy. The author offers strategic and policy responses in order to effect this change.     

阿姆河流域耕地变化及水土匹配特征分析

基于中亚阿姆河流域4个分区1990—2015年间土地利用变化和水资源等数据,运用耕地变化速率、洛伦兹曲线和基尼系数法以及水土资源匹配系数对阿姆河流域耕地变化和水土匹配状况进行了综合分析。结果表明:1990—2015年阿姆河流域耕地以146.74 km²/a的速度在扩张,且各时期、各分区扩张的速度不同;在不考虑咸海来水不断减少、生态持续恶化的前提下,绿洲区匹配状况属比较公平和相对合理状况;阿姆河流域水土资源空间分布存在明显的错位现象;全流域生态用水被农业用水严重挤占,阿姆河流域灌溉面积、灌溉用水量成为影响咸海水量及面积变化的重要因素,是一种不可持续的用水方式。     

国际河流联合监测机制及其对我国的启示

针对国际河流合作开发中存在的流域整体信息不足、沟通不畅等问题,探讨了国际河流联合监测机制的内涵,从国际河流监测协定框架、监测管理协调组织、监测计划和实施反馈等方面,构建国际河流联合监测机制的一般模式。对莱茵河、多瑙河等国际河流的联合监测机制进行总结和分析,并对我国东北、西北、西南区域的主要河流联合监测实践现状进行分析。最后,在总结多瑙河、莱茵河两条河流联合监测经验的基础上,结合我国周边国际河流的联合监测实践,提出我国国际河流管理应建立区域联合监测框架,提高监测的标准化和信息化水平,形成多主体、多元化联合监测组织模式的意见和建议。     

Water–energy–food nexus in a transboundary context: the Euphrates–Tigris river basin as a case study

The interlinkage between water, energy and food security and its transboundary relevance is becoming increasingly important. The paper analyses the evolution of transboundary water resources management in the Euphrates–Tigris basin with specific reference to interlinkages between water, food and energy policies at national and transboundary levels, and it explores how the policy shifts at the highest decision-making level have served to produce synergies for cooperation among the riparians or vice versa.     

Public participation to improve water resource management in Uzbekistan.

At present Uzbekistan uses about 42 km3 of transboundary river flow and 27 km3 of this is from the Amu Darya. Annual average flow entering the upper reaches of Amu Darya within Uzbekistan is over 60 x 10(9) m3, which is already contaminated, but significant adverse water quality changes occur downstream where the river is the main source of drinking water. After independence Uzbekistan made a commitment to transfer management of farms and the rural economy from the public sector to private hands. Living conditions have deteriorated severely throughout Uzbekistan, but rural areas have been hit hardest. Several studies and projects in Uzbekistan have adopted the integrated water management-based environmental approach. A structured public participation and consultation process was followed during these projects including a social and the environmental assessment. This paper presents the two case studies to illustrate the effects of uniting the potential of all interested participants to improve water management and environmental safety. Consultation between the two main groups of stakeholders is essential for the future of the water sector. There is substantial support for WUAs among all stakeholders, at all levels, including among those stakeholders who currently manage the existing system.     

The role of intra-water sector issue linkage in the resolution of transboundary water conflicts

Issue linkage has often been mentioned as a strategy for resolving transboundary water conflicts. Given that water is a multi-functional resource, there may in principle also be opportunities for issue linkage within the water sector. As a first step this paper introduces two types of intra-water sector issue linkages: (1) the linkage of water uses with effects in reversed directions, and (2) the linkage of water uses with rectified effects in river basins in which riparians hold reversed positions. As a second step it explores the empirical relevance of different linkages in the Scheldt-Meuse and the Colorado-Rio Grande negotiations.     

Good transboundary water governance in the 2015 Sustainable Development Goals: a legal perspective

The goal of this article is to discuss whether the Sustainable Development Goals address the cooperation necessary to facilitate a system of transboundary water governance. For the purpose of this analysis, a Good Transboundary Water Governance Matrix has been developed. We find that transboundary water governance requires a holistic interpretation and implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals understood as a whole. In particular, good governance and, ultimately, sustainable development require stakeholders to focus not only on water (Goal 6) but also on Goal 16, which focuses on international cooperation.     

Contrasting water securities: the Mexican state facing downstream stakeholders in the Suchiate transboundary river basin

Based on extensive interviews, fieldwork and archival research conducted in southern Mexico, this article explores and analyzes contrasting water-security perspectives of diverse stakeholders in flood-prone portions of the transboundary Suchiate River basin. Complexities of transboundary water issues along an international river that is also a border produce power relationships between the Mexican state and inhabitants, plus historical tensions with riparian neighbour Guatemala, and diverse meanings among local stakeholders. The Mexican state conceptualizes water security as a conventional national-security issue, whereas the basin’s rural inhabitants consider it a matter of human security, albeit in diverse ways that provoke internal conflicts.     

Optimizing Deficit Irrigation Scheduling Under Shallow Groundwater Conditions in Lower Reaches of Amu Darya River Basin

Water demand for irrigated agriculture is increasing against limited availability of fresh water resources in the lower reaches of the Amu Darya River e.g., Khorezm region of Uzbekistan. Future scenarios predict that Khorezm region will receive fewer water supplies due to climate change, transboundary conflicts and hence farmers have to achieve their yield targets with less water. We conducted a study and used AquaCrop model to develop the optimum and deficit irrigation schedule under shallow groundwater conditions (1.0–1.2 m) in the study region. Cotton being a strategic crop in the region was used for simulations. Capillary rise substantially contributes to crop-water requirements and is the key characteristic of the regional soils. However, AquaCrop does not simulate capillary rise contribution, thereby HYDRUS-1D model was used in this study for the quantification of capillary rise contribution. Alongside optimal irrigation schedule for cotton, deficit strategies were also derived in two ways: proportional reduction from each irrigation event (scenario-A) throughout the growth period as well as reduced water supply at specific crop growth stages (scenario-B). For scenario-A, 20, 40, 50 and 60 % of optimal water was deducted from each irrigation quota whereas for scenario-B irrigation events were knocked out at different crop growth stages (stage 1(emergence), stage 2 (vegetative), stage 3 (flowering) and stage 4 (yield formation and ripening)). For scenario-A, 0, 14, 30 and 48 % of yield reduction was observed respectively. During stress at the late crop development stage, a reduced water supply of 12 % resulted in a yield increase of 8 %. Conversely, during stress at the earlier crop development stage, yield loss was 17–18 %. During water stress at the late ripening stage, no yield loss was observed. Results of this study provide guidelines for policy makers to adopt irrigation schedule depending upon availability of irrigation water.