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Central Asia Unites for Water Security Amidst Climate Crisis
23 Apr
Summary
- New regional environmental agency proposed to tackle shared ecological challenges.
- Water security is the central theme of the Regional Ecological Summit in Astana.
- Climate change impacts, including glacier melt, are acutely felt across the region.
Leaders from Central Asia, Georgia, Armenia, Mongolia, and Azerbaijan are gathering in Astana for the Regional Ecological Summit (RES) to discuss shared environmental priorities. The summit focuses on water security, with proposals for a new regional environmental agency to be initiated during discussions. Kazakhstan's President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev first proposed this initiative in December 2025, seeing it as an opportunity to enhance global governance.
The RES, held in Kazakhstan's capital, is addressing critical issues such as the Aral Sea restoration and the declining water levels of the Caspian Sea, which are decreasing by approximately 10 centimeters annually. Kyrgyzstan's role as a 'water tower' is also a key discussion point, with its president highlighting the significant water resources generated and shared while calling for compensation for water management services.
Central Asia faces severe climate risks, including rapid temperature increases and significant glacier shrinkage. This has led to desertification and land degradation affecting a large portion of the population. The summit also features an exhibition showcasing green technologies from around 300 companies, aiming to foster concrete steps towards environmental resilience and sustainable resource management across the region.
