DUSHANBE. February 14-15, in the framework of preparation for the 8th World Water Forum, CAREC participated in the Central Asian Citizens Forum on water-related issues. The event was organized by the Government of the Republic of Tajikistan and the Kazakh-German University. The Forum was supported by the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation and the OSCE, as well as the CAREC-USAID "Smart Waters" project.
In his welcoming speech, Deputy Minister of Energy and Water Resources of Tajikistan - Sulton Rakhimzoda, said: "Involvement of the Central Asian region in global processes is an integral part in solving issues related to water resources."
The main goal of the event was the preparation of consolidated appeal of the citizens of Central Asia to the 8th World Water Forum (8 WWF). To compile this appeal, non-governmental organizations, representatives of the Basin Councils and the local community were involved.
"I support the process of involving Central Asian civil society in the discussion of water issues, which was launched at the Dushanbe Forum, and I want to note the importance of ensuring an open dialogue and a platform for exchanging opinions," said Iman Abdel Al - co-chairman of the Citizens Forum 8WWF, who spoke on behalf of Lupetio Antonio Zirooldo - chairman of the Civil Forum 8WWF.
CAREC within the framework of ”Smart Waters" project supported the participation of representatives of the Basin Councils of Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan. Together with representatives of Water User Associations, the non-governmental sector and farmers, the members of the group from the "Local Communities" prepared their proposals for appeal.
During the work of the group, representatives of Basin Councils Aspara, Isfara and Kurkureu told about their experience in water resources management in places, about daily work and practical experience. Sharing the experience with the younger generation, the representatives of the Basin Councils noted the importance of dialogue and involvement of all representatives of civil society as one of the principles of IWRM.
Water initiatives program and CAREC acted as moderators of the groups "Local Communities" and the thematic session "Ecosystems". Describing its work and approach, CAREC was able to persuade the participants to support the proposal on "harmonisation of the regional approach in the issues of environmental protection and water resources management, on promoting cooperation and strengthening the profile knowledge through joint participation."
Also, representatives of CAREC took part in the session of the scientific and academic community at which the work of the academic network and participation of young water specialists from Central Asia and Afghanistan was discussed. Also, CAREC presented the results of the study "The price of inaction", conducted jointly with adelphi. According to this work, the economic losses in Central Asia in case of limited water cooperation will be $ 4.5 billion a year.
In the end, the meeting participants identified by voting four key messages:
· Harmonization of the approach to monitoring and data exchange on water
· Development of hydrometeorological monitoring network for adaptation to climate change
· Environmental education for the conservation of natural resources,
· The application of economic instruments in the water resources management
The appeal of the citizens of Central Asia will be read at the 8th World Water Forum, which will be held in Brazil from March 18 to 23, 2018. The World Water Forum is held every three years and is the most significant water theme site in the world, which brings together all stakeholders.