Visiting Fellow Program Offers Insights from Water-Food-Energy Nexus Report on Transboundary Cooperation

A visiting fellow program report titled “Water-Food-Energy Nexus: Transboundary Cooperation under Climate Change,” authored by Dr. Xialin Wang, sheds light on the vital interconnections between water, food, and energy in Central Asia. It emphasizes the urgent need for enhanced regional cooperation among CAREC member countries. The report highlights that effective transboundary water management is crucial for tackling the challenges posed by climate change, which significantly affects water availability and agricultural productivity in the region.

The Report also introduces the implementation of the River Chief System (RCS) model in transboundary water resource management encounters several obstacles. Key issues include the absence of a data-sharing platform, complicating resource integration across borders, and a lack of empirical evidence connecting the RCS model to international rivers.

Climate factors significantly influence water availability in transboundary basins. The report utilizes a multi-variable regression model to analyze climate trends and their impact on water resources. This methodological approach provides a comprehensive understanding of how climatic variations affect hydrological conditions. The author recommends that China leverage its technological strengths to assist CAREC member countries in upgrading irrigation systems and adopting water-saving technologies, thereby boosting agricultural resilience to climate change. The author also highlights that the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) has laid a new foundation and consensus for long-term transboundary cooperation. The findings of this report are crucial for CAREC member countries as they navigate the complexities of water resource management amid environmental challenges.