The SDG Nexus in Practice: Integrated Water Resources Management as a Pathway for Sustainability in Central Asia

Water resources in arid Central Asia face pressure from climate change, Soviet-era infrastructure, and transboundary governance challenges. This study examines integration of SDG 6 (Clean Water), SDG 13 (Climate Action), and SDG 15 (Life on Land) within water resource management (WRM) projects in the region. Using qualitative case study methodology with quantitative data from pilot projects, analysis shows effective strategies combine technological innovation (drip irrigation, digital monitoring) with institutional reform. Based on pilot project data, integrated projects achieve 40-60% reduction in irrigation water withdrawal (SDG 6), 20-30% increase in climate resilience (SDG 13), and 15-25% reduction in land salinization (SDG 15). Comparison with Israel’s high-tech approach and Southeast Asia’s nature-based solutions shows technology transfer success depends on socio-economic context. Operationalizing the SDG 6-13-15 nexus through integrated management is critical for water-scarce regions.