Towards Improved Regional Co-operation over Water Uses in Central Asia: The Case of Hydroelectric Energy and Inland Fisheries

Abstract

This paper analyzes one of the key factors for understanding the region of Central Asia: its distinctive relationship to water resources and how states in the region co-operate—or should do so—in order to achieve better management of this valuable resource. Section I introduces the general legal context and, after the presentation of factual data, examines the management of water resources in the region from the viewpoint of the obligation of co-operation established under general international law, including the realization of the right of access to water and sanitation by all citizens. Subsequently, we analyze how and to what extent current international co-operation tools might contribute to solving existing challenges. To this end, we explore both co-operation in the generation and distribution of hydroelectric power in the region, and regional co-operation in the management, conservation, and sustainable development of the inland fisheries of Central Asia.

The Current Status and Future of Central Asia’s Fish and Fisheries: Confronting a Wicked Problem

“…Countries with abundant water resources (Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan) are deficient in fossil fuel resources, while oil-and gas-rich countries (Kazakhstan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan) are downstream from and dependent on their neighbors for the liquid that creates fish habitat and enables irrigated agriculture [2,8]. The pressure on water-rich countries to increase hydroelectric generation capacity is clear, but such action is usually opposed by downstream oil-and gas-rich countries, which claim a right to substantial water flows for elaborate irrigation efforts in support of the cotton monoculture, but secondarily for fishery rehabilitation [46].…”

“…A Russian or Chinese role in helping to reduce tension and mediate the conflicts of interest, which the Soviets helped to create, would be a valuable contribution to the region, whether it comes bilaterally or as part of a larger multilateral effort. To date, this has not occurred, in part because these two major powers have water and energy needs of their own that must be met [8,50].…”

“…Trailing only Russia, it has the second highest hydroelectric power generation capacity of the Commonwealth of Independent States [8]. The Rogun Dam has been especially controversial [51].…”

“…Uzbekistan protested plans to construct the dam by withdrawing in 2009 from Central Asia's electricity generation network [8,48]. The death of the long-time Uzbek president Islam Karimov in September 2016 has raised the prospect of new, more sustainable policies on water use and agricultural development, and of potential cooperation with Tajikistan.…”

“…Whether captured or produced via aquaculture, fish provide income and local employment, often in rural areas, and they can be a significant source of high-quality protein in human diets [6]. These benefits notwithstanding, fish have been disadvantaged by the cumulative effects of overfishing and watermanagement decisions that have been made over many decades [6][7][8][9]. Here, we examine this situation from a regional and systems perspective, placing emphasis on the factors most likely to govern the future viability of these important aquatic organisms.…”