Location: Almaty, Republic of Kazakhstan
Dates: 15–18 October 2025
From 15 to 18 October 2025, the delegation of the Zarafshan River Basin Council (Republic of Uzbekistan), supported by the Regional Environmental Centre for Central Asia (CAREC) and Caritas Switzerland, conducted a study visit to the Republic of Kazakhstan to participate in the 41st meeting of the Balkhash-Alakol Basin Council. The visit was organized within the framework of the project “Climate-Resilient Integrated Water Resources Management in the Zarafshan River Basin,” implemented by CAREC jointly with Caritas Switzerland and financed by the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC).
“The visit to Kazakhstan provided a valuable opportunity to observe in practice how the basin approach operates under the new Water Code of 2025. It is important that the recommendations of Basin Councils have legal weight and must be considered by state authorities. We intend to adapt this experience to strengthen the Zarafshan Basin Council and ensure its sustainable development,” said Nodirbek Rakhimjonov, Director of the CAREC Country Office in Uzbekistan.
Key Outcomes of the Visit
· Familiarization with the new Water Code of the Republic of Kazakhstan (2025), which legally defines the role of Basin Councils in water resources management.
· Study of the operations of the Balkhash-Alakol Basin Inspection and the advantages of the basin-based water management approach.
· Discussion of financing mechanisms and stakeholder engagement, including local communities and the private sector.
· Visit to the Kapchagay Hydropower Plant to learn about practical cooperation between the Council and the hydropower sector.
· Observation of a real example of Council influence: the introduction of a 6 km/h speed limit on the Kapchagay dam following a Council recommendation.
· Participation in the 41st meeting of the Balkhash-Alakol Basin Council, where issues of institutional sustainability, transparency, and intersectoral cooperation were discussed.
Visit Overview
15 October: Departure from Tashkent and arrival of the delegation in Almaty.
16 October: Roundtable at the Balkhash-Alakol Basin Inspection: discussions on legal frameworks, financing mechanisms, the role of the private sector, and farmer engagement. Afternoon – visit to the Kapchagay HPP.
17 October: Participation in the 41st meeting of the Balkhash-Alakol Basin Council, debriefing and exchange of views on how to adapt the experience to the Zarafshan Basin.
18 October: Return of the delegation to Tashkent.
Presentation by the Uzbek Delegation
During the meeting, the Uzbek delegation presented the progress and activities of the Zarafshan River Basin Council and shared updates on the project “Climate-Resilient Integrated Water Resources Management in the Zarafshan River Basin.” The presentations were delivered by: Mr. Soli Khamroev (Chair of the Council), Mr. Abdurashid Isabayev (Chief Technical Advisor on Water Resources Management, CAREC), and Mr. Oyture Anarbekov (Consortium Representative, CAREC/Caritas Switzerland).
Institutional Sustainability of Basin Councils
In her remarks, Secretary of the Balkhash-Alakol Basin Council, emphasized the importance of securing long-term funding for the operation of Basin Councils after donor projects end. She noted that once external funding ceases, Councils often face challenges in maintaining their regular activities, and recommended that national programs and budgets include dedicated funding to ensure their continuity. The Uzbek delegation expressed full support for this recommendation.
Next Steps
1. Develop recommendations for the legal institutionalization of the Zarafshan Basin Council and its decisions.
2. Review the minutes of the Balkhash-Alakol Council meeting to identify applicable elements.
3. Develop a plan for engaging with the private sector and local communities to enhance the Council’s sustainability.
the Project
The project “Climate-Resilient Integrated Water Resources Management in the Zarafshan River Basin” is implemented by CAREC jointly with Caritas Switzerland and supported by the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC). The project aims to strengthen institutional mechanisms for basin management, promote stakeholder collaboration, and enhance climate resilience in the region.
Media Contacts
CAREC, Country Office in Uzbekistan
E-mail: Uzbekistan@carececo.org | www.carececo.org