IFAS Updates Its Structure for More Effective Governance

June 2, Dushanbe — The 14th Meeting of the Working Group on Improving the Organizational Structure and Legal Framework of the International Fund for Saving the Aral Sea (IFAS) took place in Dushanbe. The event brought together over 30 representatives from environmental agencies of Central Asian countries, international organizations, as well as thematic experts and development partners.

The meeting, organized by the IFAS Executive Committee in cooperation with the Central Asia Water and Energy Program (CAWEP) of the World Bank, focused on proposals related to the third phase of institutional reforms.

Key topics included the revision of the fund’s organizational structure, amendments to the mandates of the Water and Energy Commissions, and the establishment of an effective coordination mechanism at the ministerial level, involving water and energy ministries. Participants also reviewed international best practices in river basin governance and discussed their applicability to the Aral Sea basin.

Representatives of the Scientific Information Center of the Interstate Commission on Sustainable Development (SIC ICSD) emphasized the importance of integrating environmental considerations and enhancing scientific support for decision-making within the framework of the Regional Environmental Programme for Sustainable Development in Central Asia (REP4SD-CA).

As an outcome of the meeting, a roadmap was developed outlining the next steps with specified implementation timelines. The ongoing institutional reform of IFAS is aimed at strengthening water resource management and enhancing climate resilience in the region.

Source: Scientific Information Center of the Interstate Commission on Sustainable Development (SIC ICSD)