Transboundary river basins, which cross political and administrative boundaries, present unique challenges in water resource management. These basins are crucial for the livelihoods of millions of people, supporting agriculture, industry, and domestic needs. However, differing legal, institutional, and economic frameworks across regions often lead to inefficient water allocation, conflicts, and environmental degradation. Climate change exacerbates these issues, causing variability in water availability and increasing the risk of extreme weather events. Mountainous regions in Central Asia covering main transboundary river basins of the regions are one example of the afore mentioned points.
WE-ACTs main objective is to establish a climate sensitive Decision Support System for water allocation in two sub-catchments of a transboundary river basin in Central Asia, namely the Naryn and Kara Darya catchments of the Syr Darya river basin (covering parts of Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan).
Additionally, the project aims to:
- enhance collaboration between countries and regions sharing the river basin through joint water management strategies and data sharing
- promote fair access to water resources for all stakeholders, including marginalized communities, and involve them in decision-making processes
- leverage modern technologies and data analysis tools to monitor water usage, predict future needs, and manage resources more effectively
- encouraging the improvement of policies to set fair water tariffs, reduce water footprints and increase water use efficiency in agriculture and energy sectors
- Ultimately, contributing to an Impact in Water Allocation: From Information to Action with Stakeholder Engagement, Policies, and Financing Mechanisms
The project's backbone is a reliable data supply chain based on real-time monitoring, integrated water demand-, availability- and use modelling approach, machine-learning, and data storage in a transboundary context. This will be matched with an in-depth understanding of water policies and priorities that face increasing pressures of climate change, growing demand and water dependency. Besides, contrasting water user interests among different parties in the transboundary river basin emphasizes the importance of a Decision Support System that focuses on sustainable water resources management.
WE-ACT strives for open access to detailed information for local communities and civil society organizations (both local and global non-profits) working on environmental and social objectives, ensuring that everyone can benefit from the shared data and resources.
End-users of the project (hydrometeorological stations, integrated models, DSS for water allocation) will be carefully mapped, invited, involved and trained to establish and use meaningful results from the outset of the project.
Lastly, the WE-ACT project also integrates social sciences and humanities through principles of economics, behavioral sciences, law, and political science to conduct social cost-benefit analyses, develop future projections, and engage stakeholders in improving water allocation systems. The Decision Support System (DSS) is designed from the ground up to enhance human well-being and social cohesion by addressing the priorities and needs of end users, ultimately improving access to sustainable benefits across national borders.
