Today, the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) launched its new five-year water and environment activity in Uzbekistan, “USAID Regional Water and Vulnerable Environment.” The program covers the five countries of Central Asia and Afghanistan and will strengthen regional cooperation on the management of shared water resources in the Syr Darya and Amu Darya river basins.

In her opening remarks, Susan Fine, Acting USAID Mission Director for Uzbekistan, underscored that the management of water resources remains a complex challenge in the region. The five countries of Central Asia and Afghanistan struggle to balance their limited water supplies with growing populations and economies against persistent climate change. “The new USAID activity will provide more opportunities to strengthen regional cooperation, and promote stability, economic prosperity, and healthy ecosystems for the people of Central Asia and Afghanistan. We are happy to see that the Government of Uzbekistan recognizes the importance of sustainable development and are looking forward to cooperating with our Uzbekistani counterparts and other governments throughout the region,” Fine said.

Representatives from the ministries of Water Resources, Agriculture, Energy, and State Committee on Ecology and Environmental Protection of Uzbekistan, international organizations, civil society, academic, and research institutions attended the virtual launch. During the event, participants discussed national and regional challenges facing the management of shared water resources from the water-energy-food nexus perspective and provided their input on next steps.