About

Today, there are more than 200 large dams and reservoirs in the basins of Central Asian countries. Their cumulative impact has led to fragmentation of aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems, changes in river flow, and the entry of alien species into the region. Due to anthropogenic transformation of ecosystems in the river valleys of Central Asia, several animal species are already considered extinct. On the other hand, a number of reservoirs have become important habitats for rare species, such as near-aquatic birds.

Most Central Asian countries still consider the development of hydropower and water infrastructure to be a priority for their mountainous regions. Recently, a number of countries have announced that they will join forces to build new large dams in the region. Significant budgetary allocations and funds from international financial institutions are being allocated for the development of hydropower in Central Asia.

At the beginning of 2021, the international environmental coalition Rivers without Boundaries has identified 135 international investment projects related to water and energy infrastructure that have been implemented or planned in the region since 2005. The development of small-scale hydroelectric power plants by attracting local investments is also actively encouraged by the governments of most Central Asian countries. In order to reduce risks and improve the effectiveness of projects for the development and conservation of biodiversity and ecosystem services, it is necessary to assess the potential impacts of planned dams at the earliest stages of consideration.

As part of its new project in Central Asia, the Rivers without Boundaries International Coalition is working with local civil society and international financial institutions to focus on finding and evaluating mitigation measures for the potential negative impacts of the development of hydropower and other water infrastructure on aquatic and terrestrial biodiversity due to changes in natural river flow fragmentation and degradation of flora and fauna habitats, disruption of animal migration routes, etc .

Since 2023, the interests of the Rivers without Boundaries International Coalition in Central Asia have been represented by the Rivers without Boundaries Public Fund, whose mission is to support the protection and rational use of river ecosystems. The work of the fund and its experts is supported by the Witley Fund for Nature (WFN), Global Greengrants Fund (GGF), Critical Ecosystems Partnership Fund (CEPF) and other donors.

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