WATER RESOURCES OF KAZAKHSTAN: CONSEQUENCES OF ANTHROPOGENIC INFLUENCE AND CLIMATE CHANGE (ON THE EXAMPLE OF THE SYRDARYA RIVER BASIN)

water resources management, climate change, hydrology, transboundary river basin.

Abstract

This paper examines the problem of water distribution using the example of the Syrdarya River basin, updates the role of future climate trends on the water regime, assesses current water resource management problems, as well as discusses adaptation issues and options for water resource management. The issues of geopolitical changes in Central Asia, as a result of the collapse of Soviet power, and factors aggravating the issues of regional water resources management systems against the background of established political borders are touched upon. Climatic, hydrological and anthropogenic factors influencing changes in water resources, as well as adaptation measures, are presented. A model is proposed for the development of socio-political measures to adapt to changes in water resources, including consistent collection and dissemination of data, cross-sectoral cooperation, promotion of national ownership and initiative, and coordination of regional strategy. Climatic aspects are represented by changes in the amount and seasonality of precipitation, in a constant increase in temperatures, involving feedback mechanisms in the hydrological cycle. International aspects reflect the fragmented application of relevant international agreements, aggravated by implementation problems, as well as the ineffective and inefficient operation of the largest reservoir in the basin, Toktogul, located in Kyrgyzstan. Improvement of infrastructure is proposed as an adaptation measure, emphasizing the importance and necessity of taking adaptation measures to climate change. The model for the development of socio-political measures aimed at changing water resources is analyzed, including consistent collection and dissemination of data, intersectoral cooperation, promotion of national responsibility and initiative, as well as coordination of regional strategy.