On 27 January 2011, the book "Water in Central Asia: Past, Present, Future" (by Victor Dukhovny and Joop de Schooter) was released. The publication is a detailed reference on the past, present and future of water in Central Asia authored by two experts on water in this geographical area. 

Taking a practical approach, the book unravels historical, socio-economic, and political issues that are relevant in this water-scarce, landlocked region. Well-illustrated and containing a wealth of original information on the area, it provides an exceptional overview and analysis of the role of water in Central Asia.

It includes data originating from Central Asia Regional Water Information Base (CAREWIB), on water and environmental issues, regional socio-economic and political facts and figures. The book is primarily intended for policy makers, planners, managers and scientists, but will also appeal to readers with an interest in water and environment issues around the world.

Central Asia is the cluster of countries located in the basin of the "Great Aral Sea". It originates from the ancient civilizations of the IV-III millennium B.C. known as “Ariana” and is an important geopolitical centre today, where the USA, Russia, China, EU, Iran and India participate in the regional water game. The Aral Sea Basin has always been a subject of interest to outside powers as a target of travel or political blame. At the same time it was a source of prosperity and a place of work, love, history and strong cultural traditions for almost 100 million people. At present the Aral Sea Basin is shared by independent states with different interests but at the same time in need of close collaboration for their survival.


Much has been written about this region but few writers have discovered the deeper roots of the historical transformations that have caused the present situation of environmental degradation. The extremely arid character of the region is a cause of very sensitive natural and social conditions; a very fragile balance that is easily disturbed by any important impact from the outside or innovations from the inside. Only a thorough analysis of both the positive ambitions of the region and their possible negative consequences can provide the necessary understanding of why important development initiatives of the recent past have always produced the negative consequences as they did.