Strengthening cooperation in adaptation to climate change in transboundary basins of the Chu and Talas Rivers (Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan)

This report summarizes the outcome of an attempt to combine the joint management of transboundary water resources and the development of recommendations on adaptation to climate change as a means of disaster risk reduction. Surface water in Central Asia is a vital resource, and is particularly sensitive to climate change. The Chu River (in Kazakhstan it is called the Shu) and the Talas River flow through Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan. These rivers support the livelihoods of more than 3 million people, and are the major sources of water used in agriculture. The interests of the two countries in the sharing of these rivers calls for cooperation – a common approach to management, a rational use of water resources and in the face of future climate change, the development of joint actions on adaptation.

The report is an outcome of the project, “Strengthening cooperation on adaptation to climate change in transboundary basins of the Chu and Talas Rivers”.