On September 10–12 the regional project ‘Climate-sensitive water resources management in Central Asia‘, implemented by GIZ, supported the organization of a regional visit to Khujand, Republic of Tajikistan.
The delegation, which included partners from ministries and agencies of Kazakhstan, the Kyrgyz Republic, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, and Tajikistan, visited three key sites: the River Basin Organization of the Syr Darya, the automated hydropost of the Big Fergana Canal, and the demonstration site of the Technopark of Khujand State University.
Participants were introduced to real-time telemetry systems, digital water flow accounting, and remote gate control, as well as received information on regional data exchange and coordination, which are essential for sustainable transboundary water management in the Syr Darya basin.
With the support of the Government of Switzerland, an automatic monitoring system for water flow was restored and installed at the transboundary Big Fergana Canal. Considering the complex hydraulic conditions caused by reverse flow, a special ‘Rubicon’ technology was applied.
The significance of this visit went far beyond the technical inspection of facilities. It contributed to building trust among countries, forming a shared water agenda, and discussing concrete steps towards joint management of canals, rivers, and reservoirs. The “on-site” format allowed participants not only to discuss challenges but also to directly observe the technical and management solutions needed to strengthen cooperation.
In the context of water scarcity and climate-related challenges, such visits offer a valuable opportunity to promote sustainable, partnership-based water diplomacy in Central Asia.
