LAND USE AND WATER RESOURCES IN THE CONTEXT OF CLIMATE CHANGE

Abstract

Climate change has been identified as a major challenge in the effective management of sus-tainable land use and water resources. The Republic of Uzbekistan is a country located in Central Asia that has been identified as prone to the adverse effects associated with climate change, primarily due to rising temperature levels, increased levels of water scarcity, land degradation, as well as their high dependence on transboundary water resources. Over the last century, the average annual tem-perature rise in Uzbekistan has been identified as 1.6°C, an increase from the global average, coupled with a decline in water resources in Amu Darya and Syr Darya River basins by 10-40% by 2050. At the same time, more than 70% of land in Uzbekistan has been identified as degraded, with a number of regions featuring increased levels of secondary salinization. The aim of this study is to systematize and analyze the current tools, methods, and mechanisms used in the context of sustainable land use and rational water resources management under the impact of changes in the climate, with Uzbekistan used as the case study. The scientific research is based on an analysis of international experience, scientific literature, statistical information, and national policy documents. Particular emphasis is placed on the concept of land-water nexus, integrated management of water resources, as well as climate change effects on land and water resources availability and quality.From the study, it may be inferred that Uzbekistan is dealing with persistent problems, such as outdated infrastructure, frag-mented governance, limited access to finance, and resource users' lack of awareness and knowledge about the management of the available resources, despite the reforms that are being implemented. The study has formulated recommendations to be applied for the policymakers and practitioners to improve institutional coordination, expand financial support mechanisms, and promote innovative agricultural practices. The results achieved in this research contribute to the development of strategies for sustainable development and supporting the implementation of the “Uzbekistan 2030” Strategy, particularly with a focus upon the importance of integrated land and water resource management for attaining climate resilience and sustainable development.