IUCN is partnering with the Regional Environmental Centre for Central Asia (CAREC) in this EU-funded project to support regional institutional strengthening and capacities for multi-sectoral planning. More specifically the project contributes to the development of a portfolio of investment projects that will look at ensuring security of water, energy and food (WEF) in Central Asia.

Population growth, regional socio-economic development, climate change as well as changing consumption patterns contribute to increased demand for water, energy and food. To achieve security in all three WEF sectors, it is important to understand their interdependence and the inherent trade-offs necessary to meet the needs of the diverse users. Multi-sectoral cooperation and planning provides a framework for balancing the various interests of sectors in a sustainable manner.

The project will particularly facilitate productive and regular multi-sectoral dialogues and enhance cooperation on issues relating to water, energy and food across five Central Asian countries: Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan. By supporting innovations in planning, financing and implementation of multi-sectoral projects, the project aims to increase social and environmental resilience as well as complement socio-economic development.

What is the Nexus?

The Nexus Approach highlights the interdependence between water, energy and food security and the use of natural resources – water, soil and land – that underpin that security. Applying the ‘nexus’ allows for mutually beneficial responses that are based on an understanding of inherent synergies between water, energy and agricultural policies. It also provides an informed and transparent framework for determining trade-offs, synergies and feedback loops that maintain the integrity and sustainability of ecosystems.

Project results:

  • Strengthened dialogue and cooperation on the WEF Nexus that enables multisectoral planning and investments in the region.
  • Strengthened capacities of regional institutions for multisectoral planning and implementation of WEF Nexus investment projects.
  • Support during the selection of WEF Nexus investment projects as part of the Aral Sea Basin Planning process.

Full project title: Central Asia Nexus Dialogue: Fostering Water, Energy and Food Security Nexus Dialogue and Multi-Sector Investment

For more details about the project visit the Nexus project page on CAREC website 

For information on the Global Nexus Dialogues Programme visit the Nexus Resources Platform