Features of water resources management in the Syrdarya river basin and prospects for international cooperation

Abstract

There is intense competition for the use of water resources in the countries of Central Asia. The low
efficiency of water use in industrial sectors and the negative changes caused by unilateral management cause
controversies and contribute to political disputes among the countries of Central Asia. Despite the willingness of
Central Asian countries to cooperate, many developments and plans for water use are driven by uncoordinated
national strategies whose interests sometimes conflict. Along with cooperation, there have always been disputes.
However, this cooperation falls short of its potential and does not result in a truly regional approach that would
ensure compatibility and sustainability of national priorities. This hinders economic development, contributes
to social dislocation and environmental degradation, and may ultimately undermine national and regional
stability in the region [2].
The article highlights the features of transboundary management in the Syrdarya river basin. The importance
of international organizations and legal documents on transboundary cooperation in the regions of Central
Asia for resolving disputes and concluding formal agreements between states on the way to achieving water
diplomacy is also considered.