Kazakhstan, UNDP, Eurasian Development Bank Launch Major Project to Modernize Water Management

Kazakhstan has taken a significant step toward strengthening its water security: the Water Resources and Irrigation Ministry, the UN Development Programme (UNDP), and the Eurasian Development Bank (EDB) have signed a tripartite agreement to launch the project “Developing a Business Ecosystem for Sustainable Irrigation in Kazakhstan”.

The agreement was signed by Water Resources and Irrigation Minister Nurzhan Nurzhigitov, UNDP Resident Representative Katarzyna Wawiernia, and EDB Deputy Board Chairman Ruslan Dalenov, The Caspian Post informs via Kazakh media.

Designed to run over several years, the project will focus on building a National Water Resources Information System, introducing advanced forecasting tools, optimizing water distribution, and creating regional centers dedicated to modern irrigation practices. It will also include training programs aimed at upgrading specialist skills and accelerating the adoption of water-saving technologies.

Nurzhigitov said that the overarching goal is to protect citizens’ interests, strengthen national security, and support sustainable development in a country facing growing water challenges.

Earlier, the information went viral that Kazakhstan supplied 4.8 billion cubic meters of water for irrigation this year.