TASHKENT, July 13. /Dunyo IA/. Uzbekistan has been recognized among the countries achieving accelerated progress towards Sustainable Development Goal 6 (SDG 6) on Clean Water and Sanitation, reports Dunyo IA correspondent.

This conclusion is presented in the UN-Water report, SDG 6 Country Acceleration Case Study: Uzbekistan, which examines the country's reforms in water resources management and highlights the factors behind its accelerated progress towards achieving SDG 6.

Report highlights that, in recent years, Uzbekistan has significantly improved water-use efficiency through comprehensive institutional reforms, digitalization of the water sector, deployment of modern irrigation technologies, expanded international cooperation and the mobilization of public and private investment. These efforts have positioned the country among the leading examples of accelerated progress in reducing water stress under conditions of high water withdrawals.

Report places particular emphasis on the deployment of water-saving technologies. According to UN-Water, the expanded use of drip irrigation and other modern irrigation technologies has been one of the key drivers behind the reduction in agricultural water withdrawals. The report notes that Uzbekistan's experience offers valuable practical lessons for other countries facing water stress.

Data presented in the report demonstrate the effectiveness of the reforms undertaken. Total freshwater withdrawals declined from 58.9 billion cubic metres in 2017 to 42.5 billion cubic metres in 2021. Over the same period, the country's level of water stress fell from 169 per cent to 122 per cent, reflecting a substantial improvement in water resources management and the effectiveness of measures implemented to promote the rational use of water, according to the report.

Report also highlights the Tomchi mobile application as one of the most successful examples of the digital transformation of the water sector. Application helps farmers access information on modern water-saving technologies, irrigation scheduling, government subsidies, concessional loans and local equipment suppliers and service providers. The initiative was developed with the support of the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC) as part of broader efforts to reform the water sector and strengthen climate-resilient water management.

Another major achievement highlighted in the case study is the large-scale digitalization of water resources monitoring. Uzbekistan is deploying a network of smart sensors across major reservoirs, enabling real-time monitoring of water levels and the condition of hydraulic infrastructure. In addition, the national space agency, Uzbekcosmos, uses satellite remote sensing to monitor all reservoirs across the country, providing high-resolution imagery and hydrological data that support the early forecasting of droughts and floods while enabling more informed water resources management and decision-making.

Case study also underscores the role of the Scientific Information Center of the Interstate Commission for Water Coordination (SIC ICWC), based in Tashkent. Since 2007, the Centre has produced analytical reports twice a year on the AmuDarya and SyrDarya river basins, compiling both forecast and actual data on river inflows, reservoir storage levels and water withdrawals. According to UN experts, this system supports more effective water allocation, strengthens trust among the countries of the region and promotes transboundary water cooperation.

Restoration of the Aral Sea region is also identified as a key pillar of Uzbekistan's water sector reforms. The case study notes that the country's large-scale afforestation programme on the former seabed of the Aral Sea, primarily through the planting of drought-resistant saxaul, represents one of the world's largest and most innovative nature restoration initiatives. The programme contributes to mitigating dust and salt storms, restoring ecosystems and strengthening the region's resilience to climate change.

Experts also commend Uzbekistan's efforts to strengthen its scientific and research capacity. The case study identifies the International Innovation Center for the Aral Sea Basin and the National Research University “Tashkent Institute of Irrigation and Agricultural Mechanization Engineers” (TIIAME) as key centres of excellence driving innovation in the water sector. According to the report, these institutions are expanding international cooperation while advancing innovative solutions for sustainable water resources management and efficient water use.

Case study emphasizes that Uzbekistan's achievements have been made possible through the integrated application of the five accelerators of the SDG 6 Global Acceleration Framework: governance, financing, capacity development, data and information, and innovation. Among the key drivers of progress, report identifies high-level political leadership, ambitious and consistent reforms, digitalization of water metering, monitoring and information sharing, and the promotion of centres of excellence.

At the same time, UN-Water notes that Uzbekistan needs to continue reducing water withdrawals to sustainable levels, strengthen groundwater protection, further develop technologies to reduce water losses and enhance cooperation with neighbouring countries on the management of transboundary water resources.

In conclusion, authors of the case study emphasize that Uzbekistan’s experience could serve as a valuable reference for other Central Asian countries and states facing high levels of water stress. Country’s achievements are expected to be presented to the international community at the UN Water Conference, to be held in December 2026 in Abu Dhabi, as well as at the World Forum on Water Conservation planned to take place in Samarkand.