To assess the water resources availability in the Central Asia region under climate change hydrological models were developed for the two major rivers in the region, the Amu Darya and Syr Darya. Capacity building activities were undertaken to develop the capacity in each of the participating countries to use the models at national level to prepare climate change impact scenarios and develop adaptation strategies. During the project, there was a close collaboration with the main regional and national organizations responsible for land and water management.
Water resources management in the Central Asia region faces big challenges. The hydrological regimes of the two major rivers in the region, the Syr Darya and the Amu Darya, are complex and vulnerable to climate change. Water diversions to agricultural, industrial and domestic users have reduced flows in downstream regions, resulting in severe ecological damages. The administrative-institutional system is fragmented, with six independent countries sharing control, often with contradicting objectives.
Under the leadership of the Finnish Consulting Group and in collaboration with the Finnish Meteorological Institute, FutureWater develops hydrological models to assess the water resources availability in the region under climate change. The project focuses on the Aral Sea basin (Pamir and Tien Shan mountains) in Kyrgyz Republic, Tajikistan, Kazakhstan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan. Hydrological models are developed for the Amu Darya and Syr Darya and include several climate change impact scenarios. The project develops national capacity in each of the participating countries to use the models to prepare climate change impact scenarios and develop adaptation strategies. This will then result in improved national strategies for climate change adaptation. We collaborate closely with the main regional and national organizations responsible for land and water management.
Related publications
2013 - Hydrology and Earth System Sciences
Lutz, A.F., W.W. Immerzeel, A. Gobiet, F. Pellicciotti, M.F.P. Bierkens. 2013. Comparison of climate change signals in CMIP3 and CMIP5 multi-model ensembles and implications for Central Asian glaciers. Hydrology and Earth System Sciences 17: 3661-3677X
Comparison of climate change signals in CMIP3 and CMIP5 multi-model ensembles and implications for Central Asian glaciers
Lutz, A.F., W.W. Immerzeel, A. Gobiet, F. Pellicciotti, M.F.P. Bierkens
2012 - FutureWater Report 110
Lutz, A.F., P. Droogers, W.W. Immerzeel. 2012. Climate Change Impact and Adaptation on the Water Resources in the Amu Darya and Syr Darya River Basins. FutureWater Report 110XClimate Change Impact and Adaptation on the Water Resources in the Amu Darya and Syr Darya River Basins
Lutz, A.F., P. Droogers, W.W. Immerzeel
2012 - FutureWater Report 107
Lutz, A.F., W.W. Immerzeel, P. Droogers. 2012. Climate Change Impacts on the Upstream Water Resources of the Amu and Syr Darya River Basins. FutureWater Report 107XClimate Change Impacts on the Upstream Water Resources of the Amu and Syr Darya River Basins
Lutz, A.F., W.W. Immerzeel, P. Droogers
