Note to the reader from the UNU

The key concepts of the United Nations University programme on Sustainable Resource Management are sustainable use of land and water resources, and the vulnerability of ecosystems to human-induced and natural environmental changes. The programme centres around a number of scientifically solid, field-based projects with closely interrelated objectives.

This book emanates from the research project entitled "Hydropolitics and Ecopolitical Decision-making." The project aims to identify the issues in disputes concerning trans-boundary water resources; selected alternative scenarios that could lead to the solution of complex problems related to water and environment; and recommended processes through which the concerned countries are likely to agree on mutually satisfactory solutions to the problems by sharing resources and benefits. The research project is also intended to provide a comprehensive and objective environmental management setting for the sustainable development of international water bodies. In its initial phase, the project focused on trans-boundary freshwater resources in the Middle East and Asia.

The United Nations University Press series on Water Resources Management and Policy publishes the results of the UNU and related research in response to the United Nations Agenda 21, Chapter 18 ("Protection of the Quality and Supply of Freshwater Resources: Application of Integrated Approaches to the Development, Management and Use of Water Resources").

The views expressed in this publication are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of the United Nations University.

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Cover design by Joyce C. Weston

Printed in the United States of America

UNUP-925
ISBN 92-808-0925-3

Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data

Central Eurasian water crisis: Caspian, Aral, and Dead seas/edited by Iwao Kobori and Michael H. Glantz.

p. cm.

Includes bibliographical references and index.
ISBN 9280809253 (pbk.)

1. Water-supply-Asia. 2. Sustainable development-Asia.
3. Water rights-Asia. I. Kobori, Iwao, 1924-. II. Glantz,

Michael H.
TD299.C66 1998
333.91'0095 - dc21 97-45286
CIP