On 28 March 2007 the Institute for Public Policy hosted a round table "Challenges of developing effective state policy on water resources management", which brought together experts from state institutions, scientific centers and independent experts dealing with water and water power resources. The event was moderated by Muratbek Imanaliev, President of the Institute for Public Policy. The discussion was a follow-up of 15 December 2006 round table on "Water resources management in Kyrgyzstan: price and possible scenarios."

In his introduction speech President of the Institute for Public Policy Muratbek Imanaliev stated that absence of a well-shaped national interest in management of the country's water resources remains the main unresolved issue. It is only possible to build effective policy on utilization and management of water resources if there is a clear outline of role water plays in our country.

The round table participants concluded that water should be recognized as a national wealth of Kyrgyzstan, which should play a key role in economic development and provision of security of the country. This principle must be a guide in developing and implementing a specific water policy, tailored both domestically and internationally.

Regarding the issue of joint use of water resources with Central Asian countries, round table participants noted that Kyrgyzstan should build its policy based on two principles: the principle of integration of Central Asian states and the principle of inter-industrial balance of interests. Water should serve to promote integration and peaceful mutually beneficial cooperation between countries of the region. It is in Kyrgyzstan's interests to consider cooperation on water resources in a wider context, along with issues of energy, transport, trade and others.

Participants identified several priorities that must be considered during implementation of the state water policy. First of all, domestic consumption of water must increase and be met. Today less than 15% out of 45 billion cubic meters of water flowing on the territory of Kyrgyzstan is used within the country. To develop economy, state should increase water consumption in industry, utilities and other sphere at least four times.

Secondly, government should adequately assess its possibilities in regional cooperation on water policy. As experts stated, development of international agreements and contracts on water issues should be guided by a balanced approach directed on protection of national interests of the Kyrgyz Republic while respecting interests of downstream countries.

Certain conflict of interests on water use could be observed between Kyrgyzstan and downstream countries today. It is in the interests of all states to find mutually acceptable and beneficial method of joint water usage. As stated earlier, one of the options is to consider the issue of water in the package with other issues, i.e., inter-sectoral balance of interests.

Regarding specific measures on developing strategy on trans-border water resources management, Director of the Institute for Water Issues and Power of the National Academy of Science of the Kyrgyz Republic, Duishen Mamatkanov proposed three points. First of all, it is necessary to reconsider existing system of water division between Central Asian states inherited from the Soviet Union. Around 30 billion of cubic meters of water are formed on the territory of Kyrgyzstan but only 4 billion are used by the country, which is insufficient for domestic consumption. More than that, Kyrgyzstan has area of more than 1 million hectares which could be potentially turned into arable land. Secondly, it is vital to determine and recognize water as a commodity and charge fee both from internal and external consumers to cover expenses on strengthening river banks, making prognosis and conducting other regular activities. Thirdly, it is necessary to agree with neighboring countries that they provide compensation for expenses incurred by Kyrgyzstan for maintaining irrigation infrastructure on Toktogul cascade.

A number of participants expressed their opinion that legal framework regulating water issues within the country as well as joint water usage with neighbors needs to be clarified. Today a large number of legal acts exist that duplicate each other, some are not implemented partially, some - completely, and they might need to be cancelled.

The round table participants also discussed a suggestion to establish an International Water Academy in Bishkek. The Academy would provide scientific, academic and analytical foundation covering all areas/sectors related to water usage. In particular, such an institution would train professional staff needed in water industry, provide relevant basis for research, serve as a platform for experts and politicians to discuss vital policy issues on water. As Muratbek Imanaliev noted, water is the main component of state development in Kyrgyzstan, and water policy should be considered as an essential part of a general state development policy.