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Year: 2024


Климатическая уязвимость в Центральной Азии: Университеты и актуализация политики

Year: 2024

Collections: Policy Briefs

Topics: Climate

Authors: Жакенова Салтанат, Тлеппаев Арсен, Джанибеков Нодир, Крылова Виктория

Countries: Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan

Source:

Университеты и академическое сообщество в Центральной Азии играют важнейшую роль в борьбе с последствиями изменения климата, включая повышение температуры, сокращение водных ресурсов и увеличение частоты экстремальных погодных явлений, угрожающих сельскому хозяйству и средствам к существованию. Приоритетным направлением академических усилий должны стать исследования стратегий адаптации, способствующих повышению устойчивости и стабильности. Однако, исследования в области изменения климата в Центральной Азии представлены недостаточно, что подчеркивает настоятельную необходимость расширения исследовательской деятельности


Морфологическая изменчивость сазана Cyprinus carpio (Linnaeus, 1758) в водоемах Балкаш-Алакольского бассейна

Year: 2024

Collections: Scientific Publications

Topics: Water

Authors: Шарахметов С., Бараков Р.Т., Исбеков К.Б., Нуртазин С.Т.

Countries: Kazakhstan

Source: https://water-ca.org

В статье приведены результаты изучения морфологической изменчивости сазана (Cyprinus carpio Linnaeus, 1758) в пределах трех крупных водоемов Балкаш-Алакольского бассейна – оз. Балкаш, оз. Алаколь и Капшагайского водохранилища. По трем выборкам сазана обнаружены морфологические различия по ряду признаков (счетные и пластические). При анализе внешних признаков были изучены 24 пластических и 14 счетных признаков. С применением метода обработки цифровых изображений (MorphoJ) проанализированы различия сазана по форме тела. Применение метода главных компонент (PCA) позволило определить основные нагрузки на изученные морфологические признаки сазана. Выявленные статистически достоверные различия позволяют говорить о том, что формирование морфологических изменений сазана было вызвано длительностью адаптивной радиации, средовыми факторами водоемов и ежегодным искусственным зарыблением молодью.


Sustainable Land Management in Central Asia and Carbon Benefits

Year: 2024

Collections: Policy Briefs

Topics: Climate, Agriculture

Authors: Rieks Bosch

Countries: Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan

Source:

The fertility of soil is depending on the minerals

available, the structure of soil, organic matter

in soil, water availability and micro organisms

living in the soil. Together they determine most of the productivity of land.


Mapping the potential for managed aquifer recharge in Kazakhstan

Year: 2024

Collections: Scientific Publications

Topics: Water, Sustainable Development

Authors: Catalin Stefan, Jana Sallwey, Nurlan Ongdas, Mohammad Al-Hosban

Countries: Kazakhstan

Source: https://water-ca.org

MAR remains relatively underutilized in Central Asia despite its potential to address water scarcity issues, particularly those related to seasonal fluctuations in water availability. Thus, the objective of this study was to produce a map depicting the potential suitability of managed aquifer recharge (MAR) implementation in Kazakhstan. Employing a multi-criteria decision analysis framework, five distinct physical criteria were integrated and visualized within a Geographic Information System (GIS) to delineate the intrinsic potential for MAR. To demonstrate the practical utility of the generated map, it was applied to the Zhambyl region in Southern Kazakhstan, an area previously afflicted by water scarcity challenges. The intrinsic MAR potential map was overlaid with remote sensing data identifying potential water sources and water utilization patterns. This overlay facilitated the identification of priority areas with potential for further evaluation for MAR implementation. The map developed for Kazakhstan represents the first spatial representation of MAR potential within the region, serving to raise awareness regarding the feasibility of MAR application. It is anticipated that dissemination of this map will enhance understanding among water management professionals, potentially catalysing the integration of MAR methodologies into regional water management strategies.


HBV-modeling of the Ile Alatau mountain river flow

Year: 2024

Collections: Scientific Publications

Topics: Water

Authors: Tillakarim T., Serikbay N., Satmurzayev A., Sairov S.

Countries: Kazakhstan

Source: water-ca.org

The research aimed to evaluate the possibility of applying the HBV model for assessing the flow of the Ile Alatau Mountain Range rivers. The main part of the corresponding water resources forms on the northern slopes of the Ile Alatau making them a significant water balance and water supply factor for the major cities of Almaty, Kaskelen, Talgar, and Yesik.


Водные истории из Туркестана: вызовы и возможности для Бадам-Сайрамской водной системы в условиях меняющегося климата

Year: 2024

Collections: Scientific Publications

Topics: Water, Climate

Authors: Айдар Жумабаев, Ханна Шведхельм, Беатрис Марти, Сильван Раджеттли, Тобиас Зигфрид

Countries: Kazakhstan

Source: https://water-ca.org

Река Бадам, приток реки Арыс, входящая в состав Сырдарьинского бассейна, представляет собой важнейший природный ресурс для экологической и социально-экономической деятельности в зоне полузасушливого климата Южного Казахстана. Существенное влияние на речной бассейн оказывает искусственная водная инфраструктура. Бассейн также сталкивается с дефицитом воды, особенно летом, что подчеркивает важность понимания гидрологических процессов, происходящих в его границах, для эффективного управления водными ресурсами. В рамках настоящего исследования с целью оценки воздействия изменения климата на гидрологию и анализа устойчивости водной системы на базе гидрологического программного пакета RS MINERVE была создана полураспределенная концептуальная гидрологическая модель р. Бадам. Связанные модели HBV были реализованы для каждой из гидрологических единиц реакции, которые были определены как высотные зоны. Гидрологическая модель была откалибрована с использованием дневных временных интервалов за период с 1979 по 2011 гг. Полученные кривые вероятности превышения стока и гидрографы были использованы для оценки потенциального воздействия изменения климата на целевой бассейн с использованием сценариев осадков и температуры CMIP6. Будущие климатические сценарии на период 2054-2064 гг. указывают на смещение пикового стока на весенний/поздневесенний период по сравнению с текущим ранним летом без значительного снижения среднесуточного стока в течение года. Созданная гидрологико-гидравлического модель и результаты моделирования могут быть использованы для обеспечения эффективного управления водной системой и обоснования будущих гидроэнергетических проектов, а также могут служить основой для проведения аналогичных исследований в регионе и за его пределами.


Hydrogen production in Kazakhstan and Trans-Caspian Hydrogen Transportation

Year: 2024

Collections: Policy Briefs

Topics: Energy

Authors: Kobzev A., Manuel Andresh, Abylaikhan Soltanayev, Nurbek Yessetov

Countries: Kazakhstan

Source:


The challenge of doing good: promotion of recycling in Almaty through civic community initiatives

Year: 2024

Collections:

Topics: Climate, Sustainable Development

Authors: Aliya Tskhay, Nazilya Kulpeshova

Countries: Kazakhstan

Source: Central Asian Journal of Sustainability and Climate Research

Recycling is one of the key components in reduction of carbon emissions and improving environmental conditions, especially in the urban context. In Central Asia, the legislation and infrastructure necessary for waste management is still under development. Thus, the knowledge gap and public awareness campaigns are mostly done at the grassroots level. This paper looks at the case of recycling promotion through civic community initiatives that also have a charitable component in Almaty. It explores the ethical considerations that are being entangled with the introduction of recycling culture in the city and is grounded in the literature on civil society, environmental ethics and social entrepreneurship. The data was collected through semi-structured interviews with organizers of recycling fairs and NGOs working on recycling. The paper reveals that by appealing to the ethical considerations of people to “do good” and contribute to charitable cause, the organizers of the recycling fair also demonstrate the effects of over-consumerism, ways of doing waste management, and educate about reuse and upcycle culture. The single case of Darmarka in Almaty present a limitation of the study. Therefore, a more in-depth research on the organisation of Darmarka events in other cities in Kazakhstan and CIS, as well as on similar initiatives in other Central Asian countries would be beneficial in the future. This is an important contribution in understanding what challenges and opportunities exist in promotion of recycling in Central Asia, that can be useful to national governments, experts, and international organizations working in this area.


GIS technologies and modelling approaches for more sustainable management of natural resources

Year: 2024

Collections: Policy Briefs

Topics: Sustainable Development, Management

Authors: Usman Muhammad, Liebelt Peter, Catalin Stefan, Klara Dzhakypbekova

Countries: Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan

Source:

The question of suitable approaches and technologies for more effective and environmentally friendly management of natural resources has great relevance for the countries of Central Asia in the context of the UN Sustainable Development Goals. Despite the wide range of natural resources, Central Asia is still facing increasing land degradation and water scarcity. These problems are being accelerated by land-use pressure and climate change, which is particularly severe in Central Asia. The following recommendations are developed together with scientists from international projects on the use of GIS technologies and modelling approaches for more sustainable resource management.


Determinants of household energy use in the Fergana Valley

Year: 2024

Collections: Scientific Publications

Topics: Energy

Authors: Hans Holzhacker, Botagoz Rakisheva

Countries: Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan

Source: Central Asian Journal of Sustainability and Climate Research

In July-August, 2023, CAREC Institute, Public Opinion Research Institute, and Asian Development Bank Institute conducted a sociological survey on household energy use in the Fergana Valley spanning over the Kyrgyz Republic, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan. The following article uses the data from that survey for investigating what determines the choice of different energy types for heating. The article concludes that high household expenditures for coal and high awareness of the harm fossil fuels can inflict on the environment and family health are insufficient to trigger a large-scale shift towards cleaner energy. To motivate households for such a shift a substantial increase in fossil fuel prices compared to electricity and other clean energy is required. This might call for a sales tax on coal. However, energy expenditure already accounts for up to one-third of household income. Low- and middle-income households would need to be compensated for increased energy spending to avoid social hardship and a backlash against such a tax.


Impact of climate change on migration trends in rural Central Asia

Year: 2024

Collections: Scientific Publications

Topics: Climate

Authors: Nina Miholjcic-Ivkovic

Countries: Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan

Source: Central Asian Journal of Sustainability and Climate Research

Central Asia is considered a region highly vulnerable to climate change impact and susceptible to climate-induced migration. Rural populations throughout the region are particularly at risk of experiencing adverse effects of climate variability and (im)mobility due to increased exposure to environmental hazards and distress that can severely affect agricultural productivity. This paper explores how climate change impacts migration trends in rural areas of Central Asia with an aim to contribute to the research on climate mobility in the region focusing on most vulnerable inhabitants. By examining the ongoing region's environmental degradation with increased aridity and retreating glaciers that affect local agriculture, water and food security, this paper suggests possible outcomes of such effects on rural mobility trends across five Central Asian countries.


Reflections on transboundary water conflict and cooperation trends

Year: 2024

Collections: Scientific Publications, Review article

Topics: Water, Climate, Water governance

Authors: Susanne Schmeier, Alexandra Turgul, Melissa McCracken, Zoe H. Rosenblum, Lynette de Silva, Aaron T. Wolf

Countries:

Source: Water International, 49(3-4), 274-288

This article explores major findings and evolutions in understandings of transboundary water conflict and cooperation over the last three decades, focusing on the trends emerging from the Transboundary Freshwater Diplomacy Database. It is found that since the 1940s, countries tend to cooperate over shared water resources, in contrast to media portrayals of 'water wars'. Water conflicts, which have increased slightly since 2000, are mostly fuelled by water quantity disputes or unilateral infrastructure developments. Institutions play a role in facilitating cooperation and reducing conflict over shared waters, but their growth and adoption have slowed over the last few decades.


Coal mine methane in Kazakhstan: economic and environmental case study

Year: 2024

Collections: Scientific Publications

Topics: Climate, Energy

Authors: Sergey Vassilyev, Galym Iskakov

Countries: Kazakhstan

Source: Central Asian Journal of Sustainability and Climate Research

The study aimed to evaluate the economic and financial viability of a coal mine methane (CMM) utilization project in Central Kazakhstan, demonstrating a methodology for similar initiatives. The analysis was based on the 2013 project proposed by the US Environmen-tal Protection Agency (EPA) that intended to capture methane emissions from six coal mines for electricity generation, yet was never implemented. The study’s relevance stems from Kazakhstan's 2030 methane pledge, recent progress in the country's climate change-related policy, mineworker mortality in 2023, and the shift of mines ownership. Building upon the technical specifications of the 2013 US EPA project, this research em-ployed standard financial and economic cost-benefit analysis (CBA). The financial model utilized a traditional discounted free cash flow approach, while the economic model in-corporated additional factors like the value of statistical life (VSL), shadow pricing, as well as benefits associated with mitigating ozone health impacts, crop damage, mine ex-plosion risks, and CO2 emissions. The economic model has indicated a positive net pre-sent value of $243 mln and 42% internal rate of return. The financial analysis also sug-gests potential profitability under fair electricity and carbon pricing market conditions. To assess project robustness under varying economic and financial assumptions, the study included a sensitivity analysis. The research has likewise leveraged prior CMM-related studies in Kazakhstan and provides valuable guidance for analyzing similar projects. In addition, it also highlights the need for certain adjustments in the current legislation to incentivize such projects, as well as to promote environmental sustainability and social development by mitigating methane emissions, which aligns with Kazakhstan's climate goals.


Assessment of atmospheric circulation impacts on the Caspian Sea level and ice regime

Year: 2024

Collections: Scientific Publications

Topics: Water

Authors: Naurozbayeva Zhanar

Countries: Kazakhstan

Source: https://water-ca.org

The research aimed to assess the influence of atmospheric processes in the Northern Hemi-sphere’s Atlantic-European Sector on the Caspian Sea level based on the data for the days with Wangenheim-Girs atmospheric general circulation forms.


The Evolution of Water Diplomacy Frameworks: The Euphrates-Tigris Basin as a Case Study

Year: 2024

Collections: Research Paper

Topics: IWRM, Water law, Water diplomacy, Transboundary Water Resources, Transboundary cooperation

Authors: Ayşegül Kibaroğlu

Countries:

Source: Theorizing Transboundary Waters in International Relations

Water diplomacy encompasses the processes and institutions through which the national interests and identities of sovereign states are represented to one another. It is enshrined in international law, which states use to explain and justify their policies to concerned actors in the international system. States mostly prefer traditional tools of water diplomacy such as negotiation and mediation to resolve disputes in transboundary river basins.


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