Eurasian River Basin Portal

11.12.2017

On December 6, 2017, representatives of the Regional Steering Committee of the Smart Waters Project met in Dushanbe with representatives of USAID, CAREC and national partners from countries of Central Asia and Afghanistan. It was the fourth meeting aimed at discussing achievements, best practices and challenges faced in implementing the Project in the region.

 Thus, BahromGaforzoda, Deputy Director of the Agency for Land Reclamation and Irrigation under the Government of Republic of Tajikistan underlined that Smart Waters Project, by promoting regional cooperation, contributes significantly to building a dialogue and confidence among all countries of Central Asia and Afghanistan.

 While discussing the achievements, the representatives of the participating countries agreed that the project significantly strengthened the regional cooperation in transboundary river basin management and sector specific education. The meeting allowed fostering the dialogue and sharing best practices among key water sector national partners.

 On December 7, 2017, the Regional Steering Committee members, CAREC and USAID representatives visited the Tajik Scientific Research Institute of Hydraulic Engineering and Reclamation in Hisar city to familiarize with their reconstructed laboratory on irrigation techniques. During the tour all institute facilities were presented to attendees with explanation of their functions and purposes. Moreover, Director of the Institute demonstrated to the members of the Steering Committee water saving scheme based on the natural water runoff. 

 Smart Waters Project, implemented by RECCA and funded by USAID is aimed at addressing the knowledge dis-lock in the region in water sector, building working relations among water managers and specialists, and demonstrating the potential of the basin management approach and cooperation with the academia.