The Central Asian States, namely Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan, as well as Afghanistan face various water-related problems, which bear a considerable potential for conflicts. Water is the key factor for economic development in the Central Asian region, but its water resources are distributed unevenly and its use differs widely.
Against this backdrop, UNRCCA promotes dialogue among Central Asian states on trans-boundary water management in the region. By doing so, the Centre seeks to build support for initiatives addressing environmental and other problems affecting the Aral Sea Basin, together with the International Fund for Saving the Aral Sea (IFAS) and other partners. UNRCCA provides support to the governments in building capacity in water diplomacy and modernizing the regional legal framework on the management of trans-boundary water resources in accordance with international law and the existing legal arrangements in the Aral Sea Basin.
The Centre also assists countries in establishing a regional procedure/mechanism on harmonized and effective implementation of the key principles of international water law in the Aral Sea Basin. The Centre also interacts with Central Asian countries to raise awareness on the threat of glacier melting and climate change. International seminars are conducted for needs analysis, strengthening of regional dialogue for glacier research and climate change adaptation in order to promote sound water management decisions.