Water consumption in the Syr Darya Basin is growing rapidly due to increased demand from particularly the agriculture and energy sectors, while supply is becoming more erratic due to climate change. The environmental catastrophe that is continuing to unfold around the Aral Sea, the Syr Darya’s final destination, as well as sporadic transboundary conflicts over water resources, provide stark illustrations of an impaired water allocation process in need of revision. However, the current decision-making process for water allocation not only lacks an understanding of historical drivers and impacts of water consumption and over-allocation, but also of how such drivers and impacts would change in the future under climate change and socio-economic developments. Moreover, comprehensive and reliable water-related data to support decision-making and policy formulation is largely absent.
This research aims to improve the understanding of historical and potential future drivers and impacts of water consumption in the Syr Darya Basin, to support decision-making. Guided by principles from the field of water footprint assessments. The outcomes of this research will substantively and methodologically advance the field of water footprint assessment while supporting water management in the Syra Darya Basin in its transition towards a more sustainable and science-based water allocation regime.
People involved
