International conference on transboundary environmental problems in Central Asia was held in Tashkent on 16-17 November. Some of its participants spoke to UzA.

Sanjay Kumar Pandey, Professor, School of International Studies (India):

“The Aral Sea region is provided with water from two main sources – the Amu Darya and Syr Darya rivers. Therefore, the giant hydropower station and dam construction project in their upper reaches can cause very serious damage to ecology of the region and lead to dangerous man-made socio-environmental and humanitarian consequences. It is clear that the reduction of the volume of water will also affect the water balance and sustainable development.

“To solve transboundary and environmental problems in Central Asia, establishment of an open dialogue and new approaches to the issue are required. The international environmental conference organized in Tashkent is a good example of this approach.”

Trevor Tanton, Professor, University of Southampton (UK):

“The conference on transboundary environmental problems in Central Asia was dedicated to very important issues, because today’s environmental problems in the region of Central Asia are of global significance.

“We had the opportunity to get acquainted with the environmental situation in the Sariasiya district of Surkhandarya region of Uzbekistan. One cannot remain indifferent seeing the tremendous damage that is caused to the environment, public health, flora and fauna by emissions of the Tajik Aluminum Plant. The main reason for this is the plant’s outdated technology. This company should promptly update its equipment and technology. This will help reduce the harm to the environment.”

Yuri Bondarenko, Director General, Ukrgidroenergostroy consortium (Ukraine):

“I believe in the conditions of Central Asia, especially in the mountainous areas, it is advisable not to build large hydropower plants, but small power stations, which carry a much lower risk. The international law in this area requires conduction of an independent international expertise and a detailed study of all of its aspects.

“Having familiarized with the situation in Sariasiya, I was convinced that the Tajik Aluminum Plant is making a huge damage to the area. Indifference is unacceptable here. This multi-faceted and dangerous problem should have been solved long ago in a unified and coordinated way. The administration of the plant should modernize the enterprise and provide it with new green technologies.”

UzA.uz