Page 1 - annotation

ANNOTATION
to the dissertation work of Prniyazova Albina Erkinbaevna «Cross-boundary Water
Problems in Central Asia: Development and Prospects of Water Diplomacy in
Kazakhstan»
educational program «8D03115-International Relations»
Dissertation for the degree of Doctor (profile direction)

Relevance of the research topic: Currently, the problem of water security
in the context of global challenges is becoming relevant at an unprecedented level.
This situation is particularly closely related to climate change, population growth,
and increased demand for water.
Inefficient management of water resources, their pollution and depletion
negatively affect social, environmental and political stability. In this regard, ensuring
water security becomes a common goal of the international community and national
States.
According to the United Nations definition, water security is a complex
concept that includes the ability to ensure a sustainable, sufficient quantity and safe
quality of water necessary for the survival of mankind, as well as measures to protect
against water accidents and environmental damage. The concept of water security
includes not only physical access, but also ecosystem sustainability, quality of life,
social equality and regional cooperation.

This issue is particularly difficult in the Central Asian region. The main
waterways of the region, the Amu Darya and Syr Darya rivers, are transboundary in
nature, flowing through the territory of several states, and irrigated agriculture and
energy are directly dependent on these waters. In this case, the issue of equitable
distribution of water resources between States is tense. More than 80% of the
region's water resources are formed in the mountainous parts of Kyrgyzstan and
Tajikistan, and the majority of consumption is carried out on the territory of
Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan. This cross-border dependence
reinforces the importance of mutual agreement and harmonious policies.
In addition, under the influence of climate change, the trends of evaporation
of water, melting glaciers, decreasing precipitation and desertification are
increasing. These factors disrupt the ecological balance of the region and introduce
changes into the natural cycles of water resources [16, 17]. Experts estimate that by
2050, global population growth and growing demand for food are likely to increase
pressure on water resources to about 60%.
In Central Asia, water security should be considered as an integral element of
regional security. This phenomenon is closely intertwined not only with
environmental or economic dimensions, but also with geopolitical stability. It has
been proven in world practice that water scarcity affects interstate relations,
migration processes, food and energy security.
In this regard, the rational management of transboundary water resources in
Central Asia and the promotion of Kazakhstan's water diplomacy is one of the