Dushanbe, Tajikistan, October 20, 2021 – The Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH and the Regional Environmental Centre for Central Asia (CAREC) hosted the 5th session “Climate change adaptation and water-related disaster risk reduction” at the Central Asian Sub-regional Preparatory Conference for the 9th World Water Forum.
According to experts, the world supply of drinking water makes up 0.007% out of 2.5% freshwater. Other 97.5% of the world water is saltwater.
According to statistical data, 35% of the world population –1.43 billion -- suffers from drought.
The scientific forecasts predict an alarming level of droughts across Central Asia by 2040.
CAREC stays ahead of curve. It helps the countries of Central Asia adapt to climate change impacts and ensure water security within the region.
The international experts of the project “Climate Adaptation and Mitigation Program for Aral Sea Basin” (CAMP4ASB) and members of the consortium of international consulting companies SIM, Hydroc and Hydronova assessed the climate risks and vulnerability of the countries of Central Asia.
“Based on a systematic approach, the international experts suggested most efficient adaptive measures for the region in general and the country, in particular, following the climate change. It revealed the most important factors causing or exacerbating sectoral vulnerabilities, which may be climate impacts manifestation. The assessment comprised such important sectors of society as agriculture, energy, water management, health care, transport, forestry and natural disasters,” said Zafar Makhmudov, CAREC Executive Director.
HYDROC Expert, Rieks Bosch, noted adaptation measures significantly save money. For example, a $1 investment in climate-resilient infrastructure returns on $4-5. Besides, drip irrigation saves water but also improves productivity.
Based on the assessment of the risks and vulnerability, the countries of Central Asia will decide on priorities over adaptation measures at the local, regional and national levels accordingly to the institutional and political aspects.
The Central Asian Sub-regional Preparatory Conference for the 9th World Water Forum was organized by the Executive Committee of the International Fund for Saving the Aral Sea with the support of the Government of the Republic of Tajikistan and development partners.