Kazakhstan

Kazakhstan, the world’s largest landlocked country, faces significant environmental challenges due to its vast arid and semi-arid landscapes. Deforestation, desertification, and water scarcity are pressing issues, exacerbated by climate change and industrial pollution. The country’s dependence on agriculture, mining, and fossil fuels further strains its fragile ecosystems, although efforts toward green energy and conservation initiatives are gradually gaining momentum.

IWMI in Kazakhstan

In Kazakhstan, regional efforts are underway to improve transboundary water management, fostering cooperation between neighboring countries in Central Asia. IWMI initiatives focus on addressing water scarcity, promoting climate-resilient strategies, and ensuring fair distribution of water resources. The collaboration encourages joint management, technological innovation, and strengthens capacities to monitor and protect essential water sources across borders.

Moreover, these efforts aim to build a new generation of water professionals, empowering young leaders through academic programs and entrepreneurial opportunities. With a strong focus on education, regional dialogues, and local-level technical support, IWMI in Kazakhstan is playing a vital role in advancing sustainable water solutions. These initiatives are also integral to the larger goals of improving energy security, promoting economic development, and enhancing regional stability.

Contact

Barbara Janusz-Pawletta

Barbara Janusz-Pawletta

Country Representative, Uzbekistan & Regional Representative, Central Asia

Contact the media team.

Contact our global HQ.

Projects in Kazakhstan

Latest Kazakhstan news

New tools for transboundary water challenges in Central Asia

The Chirchik River Pywr model tracks current water management decisions, their impacts and benefits to evaluate future interventions …

Thinking hydrologically

Water is running out in Central Asia. New approaches to water regulation, energy production, and agricultural education are necessary to be able to feed the region …

Innovations and smart water technologies key to food systems transformation in Central Asia

Creating the food systems that people want & need across Central Asia will depend in part on how water is managed under climate uncertainty …

Cooperation may trump conflict on Central Asia’s Rivers

New database reveals large numbers of sub-basin scale agreements …

Latest Kazakhstan publications

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Journal Article

Future research directions for understanding the interconnections between climate change, water scarcity, and mobility in rural Central Asia

Informa UK Limited | August 9th, 2025
Hermans, K.; Djanibekov, N.; Abdullaev, Iskandar; Abduvalieva, N.; Assubayeva, A.; Blondin, S.; Bobojonov, I.; Conrad, C.; Herzfeld, T.; Kansiime, J.; Kimsanova, B.; Laldjebaev, M.; Mirkasimov, B.; Mirzabaev, A.; Murzakulova, A.; Rajabova, S.; Samakov, A.; Schraven, B.; Sterly, H.; Umirbekov, A.
Open Access
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Journal Article

Legal foundations for public participation on international watercourses: the case of the Ili River

Informa UK Limited | July, 2025
Janusz-Pawletta, Barbara; Oravcová, M.
Limited Access
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Brief

NEXUS Gains in the Aral Sea Basin: Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan

International Water Management Institute | December 30th, 2024
CGIAR Initiative on NEXUS Gains
Open Access