IIASA researchers contributed to a new World Bank report titled, A Blueprint for Resilience: Charting the Course for Water Security in Europe and Central Asia. This comprehensive publication provides a methodological framework, in-depth analysis, and actionable recommendations to strengthen water security in countries and regions, and build resilience in the face of climate change, rising water demands, and growing geopolitical tensions.
While some water issues are similar across countries in the Europe and Central Asia region, they differ significantly in terms of scale and nature, depending on each nation's unique geography, culture, economy, and politics. The new report examines the key water security challenges and opportunities in the region by focusing on three major subregions: the Danube, Central Asia, and the South Caucasus.
IIASA's contributions to the report were led by researchers in the Water Security (WAT) Research Group including Taher Kahil, Barbara Willaarts, Reetik Kumar, Dor Fridman, Mikhail Smilovic, and Julian Joseph. The group provided the scientific foundation underpinning the report and contributed significantly to its preparation.
"Water security is fundamental to achieving sustainable development, economic growth, and social stability. This report provides evidence-based tools and strategies that countries can use to assess their progress and prioritize actions to ensure a water-secure and resilient future," explains Taher Kahil, Project Principal Investigator and WAT Research Group Leader at IIASA.
A common issue across many countries is that water often receives low and inconsistent political attention. The report's authors aim to address this in three ways: First, by raising awareness among policymakers about the importance of prioritizing water and providing sufficient funding to benefit people, the environment, and the economy. Secondly, by encouraging national and regional discussions to use water more effectively for social, environmental, and economic progress; and lastly, by providing practical recommendations for policymakers and professionals toward long-term, sustainable water security.
IIASA Project Manager for the report, Barbara Willaarts, highlighted the collaborative nature of the initiative: "This project exemplifies how partnerships between scientific institutions like IIASA and development partners like the World Bank can deliver impactful solutions. Through the development and testing of an innovative science-based methodological framework, we have explored and operationalized the multi-dimensional concept of water security, generating actionable knowledge to inform policymakers at both national and regional levels while advancing the water security agenda."
The publication builds on the Water Security Initiative in Europe and Central Asia, a project led by IIASA and funded by the World Bank. As part of this initiative, IIASA developed a robust methodology to assess water security progress and opportunities at both the national and regional levels. This methodology was successfully tested in 14 countries and two regions, forming the basis for the insights and strategies presented in the report.
The report will be launched on Thursday, 12 December, during an event that will convene leaders, experts, and stakeholders to discuss the critical challenges and opportunities related to water security in Europe and Central Asia. Click here
