The Ministry of Water Resources and Irrigation, UNDP in Kazakhstan, and the Eurasian Development Bank (EDB) have signed a tripartite agreement for the project “Developing a Business Ecosystem for Sustainable Irrigation in Kazakhstan.” The EDB will provide a grant of $5.3 million for its implementation.
The agreement was signed by Minister of Water Resources and Irrigation Nurzhan Nurzhigitov, UNDP Resident Representative in Kazakhstan Katarzyna Wawiernia, and EDB Deputy Chairman of the Management Board Ruslan Dalenov.
The multi-year project includes the creation of a National Water Resources Information System, the introduction of water forecasting and optimal distribution tools, the establishment of regional modern irrigation centers, specialist training, and the implementation of water-saving technologies.
Nurzhan Nurzhigitov emphasized that the initiative aims to enhance irrigation and improve water-use efficiency:
“The initiative aims to develop irrigation and improve water-use efficiency in Kazakhstan. For us, participation in the project means advancing strategic goals to modernize the water sector and strengthen resilience to climate change. In line with the President’s instructions, we are actively working to attract investment into the country’s water sector, but all strategic decisions are and will remain under Kazakhstan’s authority. The transfer of water resources or facilities to foreign states has never been considered. Our goal is to modernize the water sector to protect citizens’ interests and ensure the country’s security and sustainable development.”