Water Ecosystems of Central Asia: Important Factors Affecting the Environmental … Social Prosperity of the Region

The historical approach of valuing water in Central Asia based soley on proction quotas or financial contributions to industry has led to a worsening of regulatory, supply and supporting functions of aquatic ecosystems in the Central Asian and the Caucasus region. The welfare and future prosperity of the countries of this region are linked to the status of aquatic ecosystems. An overview of the issues related to water resources management in the region, the programs adopted in the region for preservation of aquatic and water-related ecosystems, and the role of the international community in the protecttion of regional ecosystems from degradation is provided. Despite the persuasive example of the Aral Sea disaster, the use of water resources is basically planned to meet the water requirements of agriculture and hydropower generation without consideration of other needs of the economy and nature. As a result, drinking water quality and health of local population are deteriorating; land productivity and crop yields are decreasing; and poverty, unemployment, migration, and risks of conflicts are generally on the rise.