From 8 to 12 June 2026, representatives of water management ministries, hydrometeorological services and organizations responsible for managing and monitoring groundwater resources from Central Asian countries explored Finland’s advanced experience in water resources management during a study tour organised alongside the international conference Mikkeli Water Week.
The visit was organised by the regional programme ‘European Union for Sustainable Central Asia: Joint Action and Coordination on Water, Energy and Climate Change’, co-funded by the European Union and implemented by GIZ, in cooperation with the Finnish Water Forum.
Participants gained insights into Finland’s practical approaches to integrated water resources management, flood prevention, dam safety, wastewater treatment, and sustainable waste management.
The programme included participation in Mikkeli Water Week events, a thematic seminar on integrated water resources management, meetings with representatives of Finland’s municipal, regional and national authorities, as well as visits to the South-Eastern Finland University of Applied Sciences and the EcoSairila environmental complex.
Particular attention was given to the exchange of practical experiences and discussions on solutions for sustainable water resources management in the context of climate change. Participants learned about innovative Finnish approaches and explored opportunities for adapting these practices to the Central Asian context.
The study tour served as an important platform for strengthening professional networks, promoting knowledge exchange, and advancing regional cooperation, thereby supporting the adoption of modern and sustainable solutions in the region’s water sector.
