The countries of Central Asia and Afghanistan are nowadays facing multiple issues related to water resources regulation and management. These, among other things, include inefficient irrigation and drainage systems, obsolete legislation, lack of co-riparian cooperation in the region, as well as poor involvement and participation of local communities in the decision making process.

Smart Waters project serves as a platform for linking countries within Central Asia and Central Asian countries with Afghanistan by creating a network of like-minded water managers and policy makers across multiple levels and countries in the region. In addition, it will connect policy-level water management discussions and practical, on-the-ground implications expanding opportunities for key water managers, students, researchers, policy makers, and end users to network and share information.

Events taking place under Smart Waters include: scholarships for IWRM Master of Science (MSc) program at a university in the region; demo-tours to successful small transboundary basin sites; development of short-term courses for selected water managers; advisory services to the interested water ministries training modules for basin organizations for them to prepare their own basin management plans; facilitation of joint learning process in the classroom, collaboration in the field, and interaction at international and regional events. Project also will contribute to the development of demand-based researches for improvement of practical solutions on project territories

Overall objective: To promote water cooperation, adopt state-of-the-art approaches in implementing the integrated water resources management principles (IWRM) through capacity building, exchange of best practices and networking of water sector professionals in the region.

Specific objectives:

Water managers in Central Asia and Afghanistan understand and apply sustainable water resources management principles on policy and practical levels;
Networking, collaboration and trust among water managers in Central Asia and Afghanistan increased;
National water ministries apply IWRM principles and provide support to basin management organizations;
Basin planning principles in selected basins improved.

Component I - Capacity Building & Academic Exchange. Aims at building and enhancing the water sector cadre potential using a commonly shared IWRM approach and knowledge system in developing and carrying out training modules for key target groups;

Component II - Networking & Cooperation. Aims at increasing linkages and enhancing cooperation among water organizations, water professionals and academic communities by strengthening regional cross-sector dialogue;

Component III – Integrated Water Resources Management (IWRM) Promotion & Support. Focuses on a wider acceptance and use of key IWRM principles at all levels of water management in each project country;

Component IV - Basin Planning. Aims at adoption of long-term basin planning practices in selected transboundary rivers of Central Asia and Afghanistan using a specifically developed and locally adapted methodology and assisting in addressing some local technical needs.

Water professionals
Water organizations
Academia

Water managers in Central Asia and Afghanistan understand and apply sustainable water resources management principles on policy and practical levels;
Networking, collaboration and trust among water managers in Central Asia and Afghanistan increased;
National water ministries apply IWRM principles and provide support to basin management organizations;
Basin planning principles in selected basins improved.

Achievements of the project

Link to the thematic website of CAREC Water Initiatives Support Programme: http://www.riverbp.net/

Project manager – Ms. Ekaterina Strikeleva

E-mail: estrikeleva@carececo.org

Tel.: +7 727 265 43 33 (ext. 275)