WATER SCARCITY IN CENTRAL ASIA CHALLENGES, REGIONAL COOPERATION, AND SUSTAINABLE SOLUTIONS

This article highlights the strategic importance of water resources in Central Asia and examines the causes of water scarcity in the region. Population growth, climate change, and the mismanagement of water resources are putting the region's water supply at serious risk. Central Asian countries are divided into upstream (Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan) and downstream (Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, and Turkmenistan) nations, leading to issues in water distribution and cooperation. The article discusses the impact of climate change, glacier melting, and regional cooperation challenges related to water distribution. Using Uzbekistan as a case study, the article explores water scarcity issues, such as clean drinking water and agricultural water supply, and provides recommendations for addressing these challenges and improving water resource management.