Strengthening Water and Sanitation and Protection of Water Resources in Uzbekistan
The project will strengthen Uzbekistan in water and sanitation with a focus on protection of water resources. This contribution is designed in the frame of the UNECE led and implemented Assistance and Cooperation Program and shall support Uzbekistan’s accession to and implementation of the Protocol on Water and Health and the Industrial Accidents Convention as part of protecting human health, well-being and the environment through improving water management, the protection of water eco-systems, and reducing water-related diseases.
| Country/region | Topic | Period | Budget |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Uzbekistan |
Water Governance Climate change and environment
Water sector policy
Legal and judicial development Disaster risk reduction DRR |
01.12.2023
- 31.12.2026 |
CHF 1’265’000
|
- National competent authorities in charge of water management, WASH, public health, disaster risk reduction, industrial/tailings safety
- The management of emergency situations and climate resilience
- Operators of water and sanitation facilities and of mine tailings, and relevant river basin commissions
- Associations
- Civil society organizations
- Enhance knowledge and capacity for implementing the Protocol on Water and Health and the Industrial Accidents Convention
- Develop integrated, climate-resilient targets on water, sanitation, hygiene, and health under the Protocol on Water and Health
- Facilitate multi-stakeholder policy dialogue to align national policies with the Convention and other international standards
- Support regional cooperation to prevent industrial accidents and accidental water pollution
- Strengthen knowledge of international practices in water, sanitation, hygiene, and climate resilience
- Develop communication products like videos, press releases, social media posts
- Raise awareness among stakeholders in the water and sanitation sector and the general public
- The United Nations Economic Commission for Europe
-
Sector according to the OECD Developement Assistance Commitiee categorisation WATER SUPPLY & SANITATION
GOVERNMENT AND CIVIL SOCIETY
DISASTER PREVENTION AND PREPAREDNESS
Sub-Sector according to the OECD Developement Assistance Commitiee categorisation Water sector policy and administrative management
Legal and judicial development
Disaster prevention and preparedness
Cross-cutting topics The project promotes biodiversity.
Aid Type Project and programme contribution
Project number 7F11135
| Background | Climate change and Uzbekistan's mining industry, which includes 41 Tailings Management Facilities, pose environmental and public health risks, potentially affecting over 36 million people. The 2020 Sardoba Water Reservoir flood exemplifies the threat of natural disasters. An increase in mines and Tailings Management Facilities, due to Uzbekistan being a major producer of gold and uranium, could lead to water pollution and transboundary effects. A multi-hazard approach is needed to prevent industrial accidents and water pollution. At the 6th session of the Meeting of the Parties to the Protocol on Water and Health, Uzbekistan expressed interest in climate resilience, equitable access to water and sanitation, and wastewater surveillance. Despite progress, gaps remain in access to safe drinking water, sanitation, governance, and challenges linked to climate change. Uzbekistan's environmental protection concept until 2030 includes its envisaged accession to the Industrial Accidents Convention. |
| Objectives | Governance and capacity in the areas of water and sanitation, prevention of accidental water pollution and resilience to climate change are improved, including through transboundary cooperation and regional exchange |
| Target groups |
|
| Medium-term outcomes |
Outcome 1: National governance, policies and legislation on water and sanitation, mine tailings safety and prevention of accidental water pollution, and climate resilience are strengthened through accession to and implementation of the Protocol on Water and Health and the Industrial Accidents Convention Outcome 2: Transboundary cooperation and regional exchange in the areas of water, sanitation, mine tailings safety and prevention of accidental water pollution, and climate resilience are fostered Outcome 3: Political and public awareness on water and sanitation, prevention of accidental water pollution, and climate resilience is raised, including in relation to the project |
| Results |
Expected results: |
| Directorate/federal office responsible |
SDC |
| Project partners |
Contract partner United Nations Organization (UNO) |
| Coordination with other projects and actors | The project will seek and leverage synergies with investments and activities of other actors in the region, notably with GIZ’s Green Central Asia Initiative, UNDP’s Climate Change and Resilience Project in Central Asia and EBRD’s remediation efforts of uranium legacy sites. Furthermore, for the work under the Protocol on Water and Health, the WHO Regional Office for Europe (co-secretariat of the instrument), will be involved in the project’s activities. |
| Budget | Current phase Swiss budget CHF 1’265’000 Swiss disbursement to date CHF 671’650 Total project since first phase Swiss budget CHF 0 Budget inclusive project partner CHF 1’380’000 |
| Project phases | Phase 1 01.12.2023 - 31.12.2026 (Current phase) |
