Eurasian River Basin Portal

19.06.2018

ashkent, June 13-19. CAREC together with the Regional Research Network “Water in Central Asia” (CAWa), the University of Würzburg, German Research Centre for Geosciences and the Tashkent Institute of Irrigation and Agricultural Mechanization Engineers (TIIAME) are conducting a workshop on "Innovative Tools for Improved Water Management". The event is held in the Innovations and Scientific Research Cluster, which has been opened recently in TIIAME with the support of CAREC.

The participants were invited from Uzhydromet, International Water Management Institute in Central Asia (IWMI), dedicated master and PhD students as well as junior teachers of the National University of Uzbekistan, TIIAME, researchers and practitioners from Uzbekistan.

“We are pleased to welcome the first participants in the unique Innovations and Scientific Research Cluster, which has become a productive result of cooperation within the Memorandum between CAREC and TIIAME. Conducting such training seminars ensures fulfilment of one of the main goals of the established Cluster – sharing knowledge to young generations and close cooperation with the academic community”, Professor and rector of TIIAME Uktam Umurzakov noted in his welcoming speech.

During this week, the participants will learn about an overview of data-driven methods in the field of climatology, hydrology and remote sensing and emphasize its potential for improved decision making in the context of water resource management in Central Asia. The course will also include an introduction into statistical data analysis, geographical information systems and remote sensing and will thus provide a basis for the independent application and advanced development of the presented tools.

“It is very symbolic that this workshop is held in the Innovations and Scientific Research Cluster. Developed and adapted innovations provide an opportunity to improve the efficiency of water resources management, taking into account the characteristics of the Central Asian region and global climate change. Therefore, within the workshop, we bring together climatologists, hydrologists and specialists in water resources”, Dr Jusipbek Kazbekov, CAREC Water Projects Specialist mentioned.

In the framework of CAWa project, several state-of-the-art tools were developed in close cooperation with Central Asian partner organizations, all aiming at an improvement of transboundary water management. The tools cover a broad range of water-related monitoring and modelling applications. Statistical models have been developed and calibrated in order to provide robust seasonal climate and runoff predictions. Remote sensing-based monitoring techniques allow for the systematic observation of water resources and land use characteristics.

CAWa project specialists Mr Abror Gafurov and Mr Lars Gerlitz pointed out during their presentation that Central Asia is characterized by a highly continental semi-arid climate, which strengthens the relationship between the work of climatologists, hydrologists and water specialists. “In the framework of CAWa project we explicitly organized summer schools and trainings where we invited students and young specialists from different countries in Central Asia which may lead as a good event to strengthen cooperation in the future as these young people will someday take water-related decisions and networking play a big role in solving them effectively”, they concluded.