A coalition of international environmentalists is raising concerns about the potential damage caused by large-scale dam construction in Central Asia, warning that it could lead to irreversible harm to the Western Tien Shan, a UNESCO World Heritage Site shared by Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and Uzbekistan, The Caspian Post reports citing The Times of Central Asia.
Dam Projects Multiply Across Region
According to a recent report by the coalition Rivers Without Boundaries, dozens of new hydropower projects are either in development or under construction across the region. The group says this wave of dam-building poses a significant threat to the unique ecosystems and biodiversity of the Western Tien Shan, which was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2016 due to its exceptional natural value.
The report identifies more than five dams already constructed in recent years, with an additional 15 to 40 projects currently in the pipeline. These developments are affecting key river systems, including the Chatkal, Ugam, Pskem, and Aksu, which play a vital role in sustaining the region’s delicate ecological balance.
Protected Areas Under Pressure
Some of the most contentious projects are unfolding inside or near designated conservation zones. In Kyrgyzstan, a dam is planned within the Besh-Aral Nature Reserve, while gold mining activities have already degraded parts of the Chatkal River valley. In Kazakhstan, officials are considering a series of dams in Sayram-Ugam National Park. Uzbekistan is also pressing ahead with new hydropower schemes, including one on the Pskem River, drawing criticism from environmental advocates.
“Short-term economic goals are being prioritized over the long-term need to protect this globally important natural area,” said Eugene Simonov, international coordinator of Rivers Without Boundaries. He urged UNESCO and the broader international community to intervene before further damage is done.
Threats to Rare Species and Ecosystems
Environmentalists argue that dam construction is fragmenting river systems and isolating animal habitats, particularly those of rare and endemic species. The snow leopard and several native fish species are among the wildlife at risk. Floodplain forests and wild fruit tree habitats, critical components of the area’s biodiversity, are also under threat.
Alexander Kolotov, regional director of Rivers Without Boundaries, highlighted the dangers of building dams within protected national parks. “We are not properly measuring the impact on fish and river ecosystems,” he said. “If this continues, we could lose many species forever.”
Legal and Diplomatic Concerns
The group further contends that several dam projects may be violating international agreements, including the World Heritage Convention and the Espoo and Aarhus Conventions. These treaties require environmental impact assessments, public consultation, and cross-border cooperation, all of which may be lacking or inadequately implemented.
Rivers Without Boundaries has formally petitioned UNESCO to add the Western Tien Shan to its List of World Heritage in Danger. The proposal is expected to be reviewed at the UNESCO World Heritage Committee session scheduled for July 2025.
Previously, Evgeny Vinokurov, Vice-Chairman and Chief Economist of the Eurasian Development Bank, issued a stark warning about Central Asia’s looming water and energy crisis, noting that regional development must be carefully balanced with environmental protection.
