MODERNIZATION OF WATER RESOURCE MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS IN UZBEKISTAN

Abstract

The sustainable management of water resources is a critical challenge for Uzbekistan, a nation situated at the heart of Central Asia with an arid to semi-arid climate and heavily dependent on transboundary river systems. Legacy infrastructure, rapid demographic changes, shifting economic priorities, and intensifying impacts of climate change have exposed the limitations of the existing water management paradigm. This article provides a comprehensive scientific analysis of Uzbekistan’s water management systems and evaluates modernization approaches—both technical and institutional—required to enhance resilience, efficiency, and sustainability. Drawing on national statistics, empirical research, scenario-based modeling, and international best practices, the study identifies critical bottlenecks, evaluates ongoing reforms, and proposes a holistic roadmap for modernization. The results underscore the necessity of integrated water resources management, digitalization, institutional reform, and participatory governance for Uzbekistan to address emerging water security threats and meet its development goals in the 21st century.