The Afghan Factor in the Water Relations of Central Asia Countries: A Legal Regulatory Dilemma
摘要
The article discusses the critical issue of transboundary water resource management in Central Asia, particularly focusing on the role of Afghanistan. Given the region’s water scarcity, the importance of effective water management is escalating. Historically, water has been a cornerstone of Central Asia’s socio-economic development, with the Amu Darya and Syr Darya rivers serving as vital lifelines for agriculture, cities, and industries. Since the Soviet Union’s collapse, these rivers have become transboundary resources, necessitating new governance approaches. The confluence of global climate change, population growth, and intensive water use has further complicated water resource management. Afghanistan, despite its peripheral location, significantly influences the region’s water balance. However, its involvement in water resource management remains inadequately regulated.