Experts will discuss ways of strengthening secure exploitation of over 300 large dams and other hydro establishments in the region, which mainly located at trans-border rivers.

UNECE said that emergency stoppage of technically old dams can have catastrophic consequence for countries, located downstream of the rivers.

Central Asian countries, except Uzbekistan, have no corresponding institutional and legislative base, regulating security of dams. There are also no procedures on informing neighbouring countries about emergency situations at dams.

UNECE recommended interested countries to create or review national legislation on secure exploitation of dams to harmonize them and develop regional cooperation.