AGREEMENTS ON TRANSBOUNDARY WATER BODIES: STATE AND PROSPECTS OF DEVELOPMENT

Zhandos Muztauov, Julia Alexandrovna Gavrilova

2023

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DOI 10.52026/2788-5291_2023_75_4_183
Data confidence 70 medium
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Abstract

The article deals with the regulation of transboundary water bodies on the basis of multilateral and bilateral agreements of the Republic of Kazakhstan with the countries of Central Asia, the Russian Federation and the People's Republic of China. The main purpose of the study is to analyze the existing international agreements regulating the issues of joint use of transboundary water bodies and to develop proposals to address issues related to insufficient volume of incoming water. With the collapse of the Soviet Union and the destruction of the unified system of regulation of the water industry, surface waters ceased to be considered internal water bodies, and acquired a transboundary character requiring comprehensive international legal regulation. Particular attention to transboundary water bodies is due to the high dependence of Kazakhstan on neighboring countries forming more than 40 km3 out of 100 km3 of the total long-term flow of rivers and temporary watercourses. Of the existing 8 water management basins of the country, only the Nura-Sarysu basin does not have transboundary water bodies. A decrease in the volume of water can have a negative impact on industrial production, utilities and agriculture of the country. The adoption of preventive measures and the conclusion of transparent agreements with neighboring countries will avoid catastrophic consequences for the country's economy and human life. In this regard, the authorized state bodies represented by the Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources, as well as the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, need to actively use dialogue platforms within the framework of regional organizations and signed agreements to build the potential of relations between neighboring countries to address issues of equal water allocation. The comparative legal method was used as the main research method, which allowed analyzing the existing interstate agreements. The results of the study indicate a large amount of work done between neighboring countries, however, modern global challenges encourage countries to defend a tougher position that meets national interests, which in turn is not always beneficial for downstream countries.