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Paper short abstract:

The study evaluates the extent to which Kyrgyzstan has been coping with multi-faceted challenges caused by climate change in water resources management, highlighting water and sanitation services in Bishkek. Particular attention is paid to institutional rearrangements.

Paper long abstract:

The study evaluates the extent to which Kyrgyzstan has been coping with multi-faceted challenges caused by climate change in water resources management, highlighting water and sanitation services in Bishkek. The country abounds in water with more than 3,500 rivers and 1,900 lakes that are filled up by glaciers, snow, and rainfall. A myriad of challenges have entailed water insecurity, such as extreme hydro-meteorological events, deterioration of water infrastructures, and inefficient management of water resources. Special attention is placed on institutional change in water policy, such as the introduction of the National Water Strategy 2040 together with the National Strategy for Sustainable Development 2018-2040. The government established the Program for the Development of Potable Water Supply and Wastewater Systems for Settlements 2026 for enhancing water and sanitation services with a total of US$ 784 million. The study sheds light on Bishkek’s water and sanitation services as a case study. The case study discloses various problems, i.e., insufficient water supply due to frequent droughts, deteriorating water quality, inefficient management systems, and the lack of funding due to inadequate economic instruments. Further efforts are necessary for improving water and sanitation services, i.e., climate-resilient institutional rearrangements, capacity building for water organizations, enhancement of economic instruments, and more investment.