Outcomes of the workshop on assessing benefits of regional cooperation
January 25-26, 2017, СAREC held a workshop in Almaty in the framework of CAREC assessment of Regional Water Cooperation in Central Asia. The main objective of the event was to contribute to the understanding of the possibilities of cooperation in the field of transboundary waters, promoting partnership for water resources management as a beneficial process for countries based on the priorities and strategies of each country.
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The seminar was attended by representatives of national ministries and environmental protection agencies as well as water resources, economy, energy and emergency situations agencies along with the representatives of the regional organizations of Central Asian countries and international experts.
The priorities of the countries in respect of cooperation in Central Asia were presented at the meeting. During joint work group participants developed a list of key countries’ needs to improve regional water cooperation, such as improving the regulatory and legal framework of regional cooperation, the technical equipment of countries.
Based on the priority needs the common solutions that meet the interests of all countries have been developed. For example, strengthening the structures and mechanisms of regional cooperation was recognized as a necessary condition for the majority of participants.
Background
On 21 June 2016, CAREC organized a side-event on the theme “Water cooperation in Central Aisa” during the international conference on the occasion of its 15th Anniversary. The participants of the session noted the need to enhance trust and strengthen water cooperation in Central Asia. In accordance with the received recommendations CAREC held an expert assessment of the benefits of the regional water cooperation in Central Asia.
The assessment will include the identification of the potential benefits of cooperation (beyond just water distribution) in the water sector, in particular, it will serve as a conceptual basis for countries to implement measures that will bring potential benefits to countries and identify areas needed for improvement of cooperation. This report will perform qualitative and quantitative analysis of the benefits for the countries and identify future joint actions for international donors and financial institutions for their effective coordination of the efforts in improving environmental and water cooperation in the region, which is based on the national priorities of countries.
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As a result, the participants succeed to find common ground for possible joint actions, which include the need for strengthening regional platforms, creating a common regional information system and other issues.