Uzbekistan Recognized for Accelerated Progress in Water Management and Efficiency Gains

Uzbekistan Advances Sustainable Water Management with Institutional Reforms and Technology

Uzbekistan has been identified among countries making accelerated progress towards Sustainable Development Goal 6 (SDG 6), which focuses on ensuring availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all. A recent United Nations report highlights the country's comprehensive water resources reforms, digital transformation, and increased investment as key factors behind its success in reducing water stress and improving water-use efficiency.

The report titled SDG 6 Country Acceleration Case Study: Uzbekistan presents a detailed analysis of Uzbekistan’s achievements in water management. It notes that since 2017, total freshwater withdrawals in Uzbekistan have declined from 58.9 billion cubic meters to 42.5 billion cubic meters by 2021. Concurrently, the country’s water stress level decreased markedly from 169% to 122%, indicating more sustainable use of water resources under conditions of traditionally high water demand.

"Uzbekistan’s experience offers valuable practical lessons for countries facing water stress, particularly through its deployment of modern irrigation technologies and institutional reforms," the report states.

Key Drivers of Progress and Digital Innovations

The report emphasizes the role of advanced water-saving technologies such as drip irrigation in reducing agricultural water consumption, traditionally the largest water use sector. Expanding these technologies has been instrumental in lowering agricultural withdrawals, which is critical given agriculture’s dominant share in water demand.

Uzbekistan’s digital innovation initiatives, particularly the Tomchi mobile application, serve as exemplary models for integrating technology with water management. Tomchi provides farmers with real-time access to water-saving techniques, irrigation scheduling, subsidy programs, concessional loans, and equipment suppliers, thus enabling more efficient and informed water use practices.

Moreover, Uzbekistan has implemented a nationwide network of smart sensors across major reservoirs to monitor water levels and hydraulic infrastructure in real-time. This infrastructure is complemented by satellite remote sensing conducted by the national space agency, Uzbekcosmos, which offers high-resolution imagery and hydrological data. This combined approach enhances early drought and flood warning capabilities and improves overall water resource management decision-making.

Institutional Strengthening and Regional Cooperation

The Scientific Information Center of the Interstate Commission for Water Coordination (SIC ICWC) plays a critical role in data collection and forecasting. Since 2007, it has provided biannual analytical reports on the Amu Darya and Syr Darya river basins, which support water allocation decisions and promote trust and cooperation among Central Asian countries sharing transboundary water resources.

Uzbekistan’s large-scale afforestation efforts on the former Aral Sea bed, primarily through planting drought-resistant saxaul trees, are also highlighted as a significant environmental and water sector reform. This program mitigates dust and salt storms, restores ecosystems, and bolsters climate resilience in the Aral Sea region.

Financial and Governance Frameworks Supporting Sustainable Water Use

The report underscores that Uzbekistan’s progress has been facilitated by integrated governance reforms, enhanced financing mechanisms, capacity development, reliable data and information systems, and innovation. High-level political commitment and consistent reform policies have created a conducive environment for sustainable water management.

Public and private sector investments have been mobilized to support digital transformation, infrastructure modernization, and scientific research advancing water resource sustainability. Institutions such as the International Innovation Center for the Aral Sea Basin and the Tashkent Institute of Irrigation and Agricultural Mechanization Engineers (TIIAME) are at the forefront of driving innovation and international cooperation in this field.

Future Challenges and Regional Implications

Despite these achievements, the UN report recognizes that Uzbekistan must continue efforts to lower water withdrawals to sustainable levels, strengthen groundwater protections, and enhance technologies to minimize water loss. Additionally, improved collaboration with neighboring countries on transboundary water resource management remains crucial.

Uzbekistan’s water management experience is expected to be showcased at the upcoming UN Water Conference in Abu Dhabi in December 2026 and the World Forum on Water Conservation planned for Samarkand, positioning the country as a model for other Central Asian states and regions confronting water scarcity challenges.