STAKEHOLDERS’ PARTNERSHIPS IN COLLABORATIVE POLICYMAKING:
FOSTERING TRANSBOUNDARY COOPERATION ON SMALL WATERSHEDS IN CENTRAL ASIA
EXCHANGE EXPERIENCE STUDY TOUR
for the Regional Working Group and Small Basin Council members to
the transboundary watershed in the United States
- DRAFT PROGRAM -
Prepared by: Yekaterina Strikeleva
Water Initiatives Support Program Manager
The Regional Environmental Center for Central Asia (CAREC)
January 29, 2014
Almaty, Kazakhstan
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EXCHANGE EXPERIENCE STUDY TOUR
for the Regional Working Group and Small Basin Council members to the
transboundary watershed in the United States
March 8-14, 2014
Background
1. Transboundary water conflicts in Central Asia arise not over natural supplies but over human
interventions to manage them. Dams, irrigation diversions, and other infrastructure alter
hydrological relations, affecting the quantity, quality, and timing of river flows, but also
relations between upstream and downstream riparians. Today’s water-related problems in
Central Asia are not simply rooted in an unequal distribution of water resources, but also have
significant historical, political, economic and ecological dimensions.
2. The intensive problems of the shared water resources of Central Asia were internationalised
with the breakup of the Soviet Union. Although, there are already institutions in Central Asia
that regulate matters of water distribution, their work is hampered by their weak position
within the political system and their top down approach. The lack of trust among the states of
Central Asia continues to have a severe effect on the functioning of those organisations.
3. New transboundary approaches are needed. The fully integrated management of water
resources, which takes into account the interests of different sectors and ecosystems and applies
the water basin principle, is gaining ground but is generally not yet the basis for national and
transboundary water policies. The continuous lack of dialogue, coordinated action and
cooperation between different national authorities with regard to water management both at
national and transboundary levels continues to be a significant problem, which also has a
negative impact on cooperation with other countries. The ongoing national and international
development efforts are mostly focused on large transboundary basins and high level political
dialogues among Central Asian states.
4. In April 2012, the Regional Environmental Centre for Central Asia (CAREC) started a project on
“Stakeholders’
partnerships
in
collaborative
policymaking:
Fostering
transboundary
cooperation on small watersheds in Central Asia”, with financial support of the United States
Agency for International Development (USAID). The objective of the project is to foster
transboundary cooperation based on the introduction of integrated water resources
management principles in three selected small transboundary rivers (Aspara, Isfara, and
Ugam). It will do so through implementation of three interlinked components: (i) capacity
development, (ii) piloting good practices, and (iii) regional cooperation.
5. Under the above listed components, small basin councils were established for promotion and
development of joint transboundary action plans for sustainable development of watersheds.
This will help to enhance cooperation among the national and local authorities, local
communities, water users, farmers, NGOs, and other interest groups. The crucial part of the
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project is a strengthened community involvement in development and management of three
selected watersheds and consideration of local needs and priorities.
Goal & objectives
6. The overall goal of the exchange study tour is to foster partnership among key water
management government and non-government actors from the USA and Central Asian
countries by promoting inter-regional dialogue on specific transboundary, basin and integrated
water management issues. The specific objectives of the study tour include: 1) to equip
participants with the practical knowledge and hands-on skills on implementation of integrated
water management and basin principles, 2) to provide with necessary approaches, methods,
and tools to improve water allocation between stakeholders sharing a watershed. The study
tour program is developed as multidisciplinary, allowing participants to meet with various
experts from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Anacostia Interstate Watershed
Society, Environmental Law Institute, U.S. Geological Survey, Association of Clean Water
Administrators (ACWA), as well as, West Virginia University. Exchange of experiences with
representatives of these organizations would provide interesting and innovative opportunities
for learning lessons to improve the inter-sectoral and inter- state government coordination and
cooperation.
7. The study tour is planned to be held in March 8-14, 2014. It will include: a site visit, face to face
meetings, ACWA conference attendance, IWRM committee participation, and one-on-one
discussions with USA state administrators responsible for activities of interstate water
commissions where IWRM principles are practiced. The delegation will comprise of
approximately 13 people. Full list of participants is given in the Table below. The group will be
accompanied by the West Virginia University to facilitate learning process and ensure the
objectives of the event are met.
List of participants
#
Name
Position
Kazakhstan
1
Mr. Serikaliy
Mukatayev
The head of the Balkhash-Alakol basin inspection (appointed by the
Ministry of Environmental Protection and Water Resources)
2
Mr. Rauf
Sabitov
Director, NGO “Zhabagly Manas Mountain Club”, member of Small
Basin Council on Kazakh part of Aspara Watershed
3
Mrs. Kalampyr
Kozhamzharova
NGO “UGAM”, member of Small Basin council on Kazakh part of
Ugam watershed
Kyrgyzstan
4
Mr. Zhanybek
Orozumbekov
The head of Panfilov district water management organization, member
of Small Basin Council on Kyrgyz part of Aspara watershed
5
Mr. Kanat
First deputy of Akim of Panfilov district, chairman of Kyrgyz part of
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Davletov
Aspara watershed Small Basin Council
Mr. Doranbek
Mamadiev
Technical inspector of hydro technical infrastructures, deputy chairman
of Kyrgyz part of Isfara watershed
Tajikistan
7
Mr. Rustam
Shomirsaidov
Head of State Department of water resources of Isfara city, chairman of
Tajik part of Isfara watershed Small Basin Council
8
Mr. Husniddin
Sharofiddinov
Chief specialist of Department of monitoring of pump station and
water facilities, member of Tajik part of Isfara watershed Small Basin
Council
Uzbekistan
9
Mr. Zokir
Rakhimov
10 Mrs. Zulfiya
Yarullina
Senior specialist, Department of International Relations and Programs,
State Committee for Nature Protection
Chief specialist, Main Department for protection and efficient use of
water resources, conservation of land resources, common minerals and
waste management, State Committee for Nature Protection
CAREC
11 Mrs. Anna
Inozemtseva
Water Initiative Support Program Specialist
12 Ms. Tais
Reznikova
Water Initiatives Sup[port Program Assistant
Rationale
8. The United States of America was selected as a destination of the study tour given the country's
long history on river basin management and experience in integrated water resources
management. The interstate, political and academic environment in the USA is advanced, and
delegation from Central Asia would have access to a wide range of experts from the U.S.
Environmental Protection Agency, Anacostia Interstate Watershed Society, Environmental Law
Institute, U.S. Geological Survey, Association of Clean Water Administrators (ACWA), as well
as, West Virginia University.
Expected Results
1. Improved understanding on water sector development of the USA and Central Asian countries;
2. Learn best practices and information on implementation of IWRM and basin principles in
interstate rivers in the USA;
3. Establish a network between US and Central Asian colleagues for new partnership
opportunities;
4. Learn about advanced technologies, methods, tools on water resources distribution in Anacostia
watershed;
5. Assess the applicability of different available methods and approaches, and make the relevant
revisions/improvements/recommendations for the national and regional counterparts.
6.
The results of the project will be widely shared through existing platforms.
1. Scope of Work for West Virginia University – subcontractor of USAID-CAREC
Project

Organization of the study tour in cooperation with WVU;

Programme preparation, proposing and selection of relevant organization:
experts to be consulted, visits to selected institutions, social event (e.g. dinner,
sightseeing or similar) and other activities (informal meetings, roundtables,
discussions etc.).

Review/ revise programme preparation for the study tour.

Selection of organizations to participate in the international study tour to the
USA;

Logistical preparation;

Identification of the Study Tour priority areas;

Regular communication with CAREC;

Provide interpreter during the study tour;

Handing over the needed information if any.

Report on the study tour results, lessons learnt and possibilities of further
follow-up activities.
Draft Program
CAREC DC STUDY TOUR ITINERARY *: March 8th (Sat)-14th(Fri), 2014
DAY 1 (SATURDAY)- March 8th: (Arrival, Registration, Rest, Dinner)
Arrival at Airport, pick up and travel to Washington Marriott, 1221 22 nd St NW.
Either by van or SUPER SHUTTLE. Presume AP is Dulles or BWI:
Day 2 (SUNDAY) - March 9th in DC. (Cultural /Educational, Rest)
8-9am Breakfast,
10 AM - 3 PM, Private DC Tour (Lunch)
3-6PM- Walking at Smithsonian and Washington Mall
7 pm- Dinner, LOCATION TBD at Mall Area.
9 PM, Return to Marriott
Day 3 (MONDAY) - March 10th in DC. (Regulatory/Educational, Technical, Social Network))
8-9 AM Breakfast
10 AM- Noon: Meeting with EPA/USDA (Transportation)
Noon-2pm (Lunch at Reagan Building)
2-4PM, Association meeting TBD (Transportation)
6 PM, Dinner, LOCATION TBD or ACWA Reception at Marriott
9 PM, Return to Marriott
Day 4 (TUESDAY) - March 11th in DC. (Legislative/Policy, IWRM Conference)
8-9 AM, Breakfast
10 AM- Noon, Meeting at Environmental Law Institute (Transportation)
Noon- 1PM, LUNCH
1:30 – 6PM, ACWA Conference Sessions/IWRM Panel Discussion
7 PM, Dinner, LOCATION TBD
9 PM, Return to Marriott
Day 5 (WEDNESDAY) - March 12th in DC. (Interstate Watershed Field Trip)
8-9 AM, Breakfast
10 AM- 5PM Anacostia Watershed River Tour, Lunch (Transportation)
6 PM , Dinner, LOCATION TBD in Watershed
9PM, Return to Marriott.
Day 6 (THURSDAY) - March 13th in DC. (Educational, Technical, Culture)
8-9 AM, Breakfast
10 AM- Noon, USGS Meeting in Reston Virginia, data utilization
Noon-1PM Lunch in Reston
2PM – 6 PM, Free Time, Shopping, Exploring. LOCATION TBD
7 PM, Last Night in DC Group Dinner, LOCATION TBD
9PM, Return to Marriott.
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Day 7 (FRIDAY) - March 14th in DC.( Travel Day)
8-9 AM, Breakfast
10 AM Depart for Washington/Dulles or BWI Airport