Dam projects in Central Asia threaten UNESCO-listed Western Tien Shan

Ecologists urge UNESCO to intervene as hydropower expansion risks rare species, river ecosystems in Central Asia

TASHKENT, Uzbekistan (MNTV) — A coalition of international environmentalists is raising alarms over the surge in large-scale dam construction across Central Asia, warning that it could cause irreversible harm to the Western Tien Shan, a UNESCO World Heritage Site spanning Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and Uzbekistan.

According to a report cited by The Times of Central Asia, dozens of new hydropower projects are either underway or planned in the region, posing a major threat to one of the world’s most ecologically significant mountain systems. The Western Tien Shan was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2016 for its exceptional biodiversity and natural beauty.

The coalition, Rivers Without Boundaries, identified more than five dams already completed in recent years, with an additional 15 to 40 projects in various stages of planning. Key river systems — including the Chatkal, Ugam, Pskem, and Aksu — are under mounting pressure, raising concerns about the degradation of delicate ecosystems.

Some of the most controversial developments are taking place inside or near protected conservation areas.

In Kyrgyzstan, a dam is proposed within the Besh-Aral Nature Reserve, while gold mining activities have already damaged parts of the Chatkal River valley.

In Kazakhstan, officials are weighing the construction of dams inside Sayram-Ugam National Park. Meanwhile, Uzbekistan is moving forward with hydropower projects on rivers such as the Pskem, despite growing criticism from environmental groups.

“Short-term economic goals are being prioritized over the long-term need to protect this globally important natural area,” said Eugene Simonov, international coordinator of Rivers Without Boundaries.

He called on UNESCO and the broader international community to intervene before further destruction occurs.

Environmentalists warn that the rapid expansion of dams is fragmenting river systems and threatening critical habitats, particularly for rare and endemic species like the snow leopard and native freshwater fish. Floodplain forests and wild fruit tree habitats — vital components of the region’s biodiversity — are also under threat.

Alexander Kolotov, regional director of Rivers Without Boundaries, emphasized the dangers of building dams within protected national parks.

“We are not properly measuring the impact on fish and river ecosystems,” he said.

“If this continues, we could lose many species forever.”

The coalition also argues that some dam projects may violate international legal obligations, including the World Heritage Convention and the Espoo and Aarhus Conventions, which require environmental assessments, public consultations, and cross-border cooperation.

In response, Rivers Without Boundaries has petitioned UNESCO to place the Western Tien Shan on its List of World Heritage in Danger, a move that will be considered during the World Heritage Committee session scheduled for July 2025.

Concerns over Central Asia’s delicate environmental balance have been growing.

Evgeny Vinokurov, Vice-Chairman and Chief Economist of the Eurasian Development Bank, previously warned that the region’s water and energy crises must be managed carefully to avoid jeopardizing long-term sustainability.