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The Eurasian Development Bank (EDB), the Asian Development Bank (ADB) and the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) discussed environmental and social standards governing operations in the region at the EDB-hosted roundtable discussion entitled Promoting Sustainable Development in Central Asia

The Eurasian Development Bank (EDB) hosted a roundtable entitled Promoting Sustainable Development in Central Asia, bringing together representatives from international organisations and multilateral development banks. Participants from the World Bank, the Asian Development Bank, the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank, the Islamic Development Bank, FAO, UNIDO, UNEP, ESCAP, UNDP, the World Health Organisation, the International Fund for Saving the Aral Sea and CICA, among others, discussed irrigation and water challenges, the environmental and social standards of international financial institutions and case studies illustrating collaborations in project implementation

In the summer of 2023, Central Asia was faced once again with water shortages and the significant impact these have on agriculture. The sector relies on irrigation, consuming up to 80% of available water, and has a poor track record with regard to the efficient use of water resources. The irrigation infrastructure is over 50 years old. More than half of all irrigated land has become salinised and 40% of water is lost through irrigation canals. A new EDB study entitled “Efficient Irrigation and Water Conservation in Central Asia” outlines ten practical steps for preserving irrigated land potential and promoting water conservation. The list includes four recommendations for adoption at the regional level and six at the national level. The measures are designed to save enough water each year to support sustainable development. Implementing the measures will require collaboration between governments, farmers and multilateral development institutions. The need for urgent action is intensified by the anticipated reduction in the flow of the Amu Darya River

Despite substantial progress in addressing malnutrition and stunting, food security remains an important and pressing challenge for Central Asian nations. The COVID-19 pandemic has not only hindered the reduction of malnutrition but has exacerbated the situation in certain Central Asian countries. Anna-Maria Chkoniya, Coordinator of the Eurasian Development Bank’s Technical Assistance Fund (EDB TAF), stated this during the Seventh North and Central Asia Multistakeholder Forum on the Implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals in Almaty

Irrigation accounts for 80% of the water consumed in Central Asia
The sector relies on irrigation, being the primary water consumer, and has a poor track record with regard to the efficient use of water and land resources.

In 2028-2029, Central Asia will face a permanent and persistent water scarcity. The water deficit is estimated at about 5-12 cubic kilometers annually. At the same time, the demand for electricity in Central Asia is expected to increase significantly over the next 10 years. Nikolai Podguzov, Chairman of the Eurasian Development Bank (EDB) Management Board, noted the above when speaking at the World Hydropower Congress that is presently taking place in Bali

By 2050, the available water resources in the Syr Darya and Amu Darya basins – the region’s two largest water sources situated in southern Kazakhstan and along Uzbekistan’s southern border with Turkmenistan – could decrease by 10% to 15%. Water shortages inevitably impact the region’s agricultural sector, which relies on water as a critical factor in food production. The reduction in wheat yields in seven oblasts of Kazakhstan could result in direct economic losses exceeding US $1.2 billion by 2030. Conrad Albrecht, Managing Director and Head of the Directorate of Sustainability at the Eurasian Development Bank (EDB), highlighted these concerns during the Seventh North and Central Asia Multistakeholder Forum on the Implementation of the SDGs in Almaty

On 28 October 2003, Yeremyan Projects launched its first world-class agro-industrial complex in Armenia’s Tashir community, Lori Region. The Eurasian Development Bank (EDB) provided US $32 million for this project

The Eurasian Development Bank (EDB) and Russian-Armenian University (RAU) are launching collaborative research and training programmes focusing on public-private partnerships (PPP). A relevant memorandum was signed by Denis Ilin, EDB Senior Managing Director, and Sergey Kapinos, RAU Vice-Rector for International Cooperation