Water as a catalyst for regional stability
Central Asia — home to over 83 million people across Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan — relies heavily on its shared water and energy systems. Originally developed during the Soviet era, these interconnected systems have faced increasing strain since the dissolution of centralized governance in the 1990s. The fragmentation of infrastructure, growing demand and climate change have increased competition over limited resources and exposed vulnerabilities in agriculture, energy security and economic resilience.
Today, climate pressures, aging infrastructure and governance challenges present significant hurdles to sustainable development across the region. With average irrigation systems over 50 years old, water losses are estimated to exceed 40%, reflecting the need for modernization of infrastructure, and projections indicate the region may face water stress by 2050.
Efforts are ongoing to institutionalize cooperation and streamline regional mechanisms. Institutions like the Interstate Commission for Water Coordination of Central Asia (ICWC) and International Fund for Saving the Aral Sea (IFAS) have played key roles in coordinating water governance across the region.
Blue Peace Central Asia (BPCA), Switzerland’s flagship initiative in the region, was launched in 2017 to foster transboundary water cooperation through inclusive dialogue, knowledge exchange and capacity development. The initiative supports long-term peace and sustainable development by promoting integrated, equitable and climate-resilient water management.
Since its launch in 2017, the project has significantly contributed to strengthening regional water cooperation. To date, its main achievements include:
1. Advancing hydro-diplomacy and regional dialogue – BPCA facilitated high-level and technical discussions between Central Asian countries, helping to build trust and align efforts around shared water challenges.
2. Supporting practical cooperation through joint projects – Initiatives such as the Tajikistan–Uzbekistan joint hydrological monitoring post demonstrated how collaboration can lead to tangible improvements in transboundary water management.
3. Investing in the next generation of water professionals – The initiative launched capacity-building efforts targeting youth and academia, laying the groundwork for sustainable water governance in the region.
Between 2025 and 2029, Blue Peace Central Asia will continue to focus on three strategic pillars:
Hydro-diplomacy: advancing science-informed regional policy dialogues on shared water governance and strategic cooperation.
Benefit-sharing: supporting transboundary tributary projects that demonstrate the tangible value of cooperation and improve access to financing.
Capacity building: empowering youth, media and the next generation of water professionals to actively shape regional water cooperation.
Led by the International Water Management Institute (IWMI), in partnership with the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) and the Regional Environmental Centre for Central Asia (CAREC), the initiative works in close collaboration with national governments and regional organizations to align with local priorities and ensure sustainable impact. BPCA continues to promote water as a driver for regional stability, prosperity and climate resilience.