Uzbekistan, Japan and UNDP Launch $4.6 Million Water Management Project for Aral Sea Region

A new three-year initiative to transform water resource management in the Aral Sea region has been launched in Uzbekistan with support from Japan and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). The official signing ceremony took place at the Ministry of Water Resources of Uzbekistan.

The project, titled "Strengthening Water Resources Management and Climate Resilience in the Aral Sea Region," is funded by the Government of Japan with a total budget of $4.6 million. It will run from 2026 to 2028.

Key officials, including First Deputy Minister of Water Resources Zokir Ishbulatov, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Japan to Uzbekistan Kenji Hirata, and UNDP Resident Representative in Uzbekistan Akiko Fujii, participated in the ceremony, signing exchange notes and a project document that formalize their joint commitment.

The initiative aims to comprehensively address water sector challenges in the Aral region. Its core objectives include strengthening institutional governance, improving water use efficiency, supporting climate-resilient agriculture, and enhancing food security.

A significant focus will be placed on developing digital monitoring tools, including centralized GIS systems. This data-driven approach is expected to improve decision-making and accountability across all levels of water management.

"The disappearance of the Aral Sea is one of the most serious environmental disasters of our time," stated Ambassador Kenji Hirata. "That is why Japan, as an Asian friend, is cooperating with Uzbekistan to mitigate the negative consequences of the Aral crisis." He emphasized Japan's readiness to share knowledge and technologies for rational use of limited water resources.

First Deputy Minister Zokir Ishbulatov noted that the project aligns with Uzbekistan's strategic priorities for its water sector and aims to transform the Aral region into a model of adaptation, innovation, and new opportunities.

UNDP Resident Representative Akiko Fujii highlighted that the project will facilitate global best practices, improve legal frameworks, strengthen institutional capacities, and expand access to modern technologies for farmers and local communities.

Planned activities include rehabilitating irrigation infrastructure, introducing precision irrigation techniques and climate-smart agricultural practices, as well as promoting wastewater reuse and desalination using renewable energy sources. These measures are projected to benefit over 1,000 farming households by improving agricultural productivity and access to water resources.

The project framework encompasses four interconnected components: strengthening national and local water governance institutions; digitalizing water management systems; improving infrastructure and farmer capabilities; and promoting regional knowledge exchange and communication. Gender equality is established as a core principle, with active participation of women in resource management being prioritized.

Beyond national impact, the initiative seeks to foster regional cooperation through dialogue platforms with other Central Asian countries and international partners. Awareness campaigns documentaries forums such as an Aral Culture Summit are planned to bolster advocacy efforts positioning region as model climate resilient water management

This new phase builds upon successful results previous UNDP-Japan initiative implemented 2023-2025 which enhanced community resilience four districts improved drinking water access more than people introduced innovative Japanese technologies including Johkasou wastewater treatment system The current project aims scale up these solutions create sustainable model for regional water governance