INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE
ISSN: 2692-5206, Impact Factor: 12,23
American Academic publishers, volume 05, issue 06,2025
Journal:
https://www.academicpublishers.org/journals/index.php/ijai
page 1083
TRANSBOUNDARY RIVERS OF UZBEKISTAN: WATER POLICY AND REGIONAL
COOPERATION
Cho‘liboyev Islom Ilhom o‘g‘li
Termiz State Pedagogical Institute
Faculty of Natural and Exact Sciences, 3rd-year student of
Geography and Basics of Economic Knowledge, Group 303
Abstract:
This article provides an in-depth analysis of Uzbekistan’s main water sources— the
transboundary Amu Darya and Syr Darya rivers— and the mechanisms of regional water
management and cooperation. It discusses Uzbekistan’s approach within the context of water
diplomacy, international legal norms, the Aral Sea crisis, and water-energy balance. The current
state and prospects of cooperation among Central Asian states for equitable water use, as well
as the role of modern technologies, are also examined.
Keywords:
transboundary waters, Amu Darya, Syr Darya, Uzbekistan water policy, water
diplomacy, Aral Sea region, regional cooperation, water-energy balance.
The Central Asian region is one of the most water-stressed areas globally. Uzbekistan,
in particular, is highly dependent on upstream rivers due to its geopolitical and ecological
circumstances. The Amu Darya and Syr Darya rivers serve as the backbone of Uzbekistan's
water system and originate in Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan, classifying them as transboundary
water resources. This situation requires constant coordination among Central Asian countries to
maintain a water-energy balance.
After the collapse of the centralized water management system that existed during the
Soviet era, each state began pursuing water use based on its national interests. This shift led to
increasing conflicts over water resources. Mountainous countries prefer to use more water in
winter for hydroelectric energy generation, while downstream countries— especially
Uzbekistan— require more water during summer for irrigation.
Since the late 1990s, Uzbekistan has sought to protect its water resources, mitigate the
ecological disaster surrounding the Aral Sea, and establish a sustainable management system
through regional agreements. In this context, regional institutions such as IFAS (International
Fund for Saving the Aral Sea) and ICWC (Interstate Commission for Water Coordination) have
played a significant role. However, the effectiveness of these structures has been limited due to
insufficient political will and financial resources.
Nevertheless, in recent years— especially since 2017— Uzbekistan has demonstrated a
clear shift towards openness and cooperation in its water policy. Strategies include negotiating
water-energy exchanges with Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan, demanding environmental
assessments for hydropower projects, and implementing new water infrastructure projects to
enhance regional stability.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE
ISSN: 2692-5206, Impact Factor: 12,23
American Academic publishers, volume 05, issue 06,2025
Journal:
https://www.academicpublishers.org/journals/index.php/ijai
page 1084
Another important factor is the adoption of modern technologies, such as satellite
monitoring, digital hydro-monitoring, and water-saving irrigation systems. These tools help
improve the efficiency of water use and reduce waste. The use of digital technologies—
especially artificial intelligence (AI)— for optimizing water distribution also presents a
promising direction.
In conclusion, Uzbekistan’s transboundary water policy is a strategic element that
supports both socio-economic stability and regional peace. In this regard, sustained dialogue,
equitable water allocation, technological solutions ensuring ecological safety, and international
cooperation remain key priorities.
REFERENCES:
1. FAO AQUASTAT Database. "Water Resources by Country", 2023.
2. Statistical Reports of the Ministry of Water Resources of the Republic of Uzbekistan, 2022–
2024.
3. United Nations 1997 Convention on the Law of the Non-navigational Uses of International
Watercourses.
4. Weinthal, E. (2006). Water Conflict and Cooperation in Central Asia. Journal of Peace
Research.
5. Official Documents and Recommendations from IFAS and ICWC, 2023.
6. Allouche, J. (2005). Water Nationalism and Water Sharing in Central Asia. Chatham House
Report.
7. Comprehensive Environmental Assessment of the Aral Sea Crisis, 2022.
