AKIPRESS.COM - The U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) launched its regional, five-year activity in Kazakhstan, “USAID Regional Water and Vulnerable Environment.”

The activity will strengthen regional cooperation between the five countries of Central Asia and Afghanistan on the management of shared water resources and mitigate environmental risks in the Syr Darya and Amu Darya river basins.

In the opening remarks, Christopher Edwards, Regional Mission Director USAID Central Asia, underscored that the management of water resources remains a complex challenge in the region. He commended Kazakhstan’s immense success in the management of water resources. Mr. Edwards stated, “As the first country in Central Asia to introduce the principles of integrated management of water resources and establish small basin councils, Kazakhstan has made significant strides in water conservation. The recently adopted new Environment Code shows the country’s continued commitment to protect the environment. We look forward to further cooperation through our newly launched activity that aims to bring stability, economic prosperity, and healthy ecosystems for the people of Central Asia and Afghanistan.”

Representatives from the ministries of Ministries of Ecology, Geology and Natural Resources, Agriculture, Energy, Foreign Affairs, National Economy, and Education and Science of the Republic of Kazakhstan, international organizations, regional water organizations, civil society, private sector, academic and research institutions participated in the event. Participants discussed national and regional challenges facing the management of shared water resources in the water-energy-food nexus, and recognized the important role that the new USAID Regional Water and Vulnerable Environment activity will play to address those challenges.