WATER AS A DRIVER OF SUSTAINABLE RECOVERY: A ROAD MAP FOR CENTRAL ASIA. Part I. Essential structural and institutional reforms to achieve economic and financial sustainability of the water sector

Abstract

The article summarizes discussions by Central Asian and international decision makers, experts and researchers during two webinars held in the framework of the Programme “Water as a driver of sustainable recovery: economic, institutional and strategic aspects of water resources management in Central Asia”. The economic crisis caused by the covid-19 pandemic, absorbing scarce resources and capacities, highlighted the importance of implementing long overdue economic reforms. Piecemeal reforms focusing on segments of the water sector are important but the water sector is an integral part of the economy as a whole. Accelerating structural and institutional reforms of the economy would allow the water sector to achieve economic and financial sustainability.