Jamilya Dairova

What is good about studying at IHE Delft? 

The focus on water related fields makes it a good and unique institute to study. I like how it gathers professors from all over the world offering different inputs and views.

I have been enjoying my studies because it has been a learning experience not only from the lectures and academically related work, but also from the people around me. I am particularly impressed with the professors and their teaching methods. I truly appreciate how engaging they are with the students: they encourage active listening and give us the tools to develop our own opinions on every subject. I believe that forming your own opinion is a crucial part in our profession. Groupwork is very prominent and we develop our group and teambuilding skills. It is an important part of the study here and definitely differs from the teaching methods in Kyrgyzstan during my bachelor studies.

My passion for water

When I studied my bachelors in the field of International Relations, I got the chance to participate in multiple conferences on climate change topics, and learned about the possible influences of climatic processes on water resources. It sparked my interest and led me to want to learn more on water management, particularly in my region, Central Asia. After two years I applied for the Integrated Water Management master at the Kazakh-German University. I met many students from Central Asia, which allowed me to see the water management perspective not only from a national but also a regional level. Transboundary water management is crucial in the Central Asian region.

About the water situation in Kyrgyzstan and Central Asia

Central Asia is located, as the name indicates, in the centre of the Eurasian continent, far from the oceans. The climate is arid. Parts of the region, in particular Kyrgyzstan, is mountainous - around 80% of the country is covered by mountains. Just like coastal areas, mountains are dangerously vulnerable to temperature changes. Glaciers situated in the mountains are the main source of freshwater for the country and Central Asia as a whole. Increases in temperatures can be devastating for the sustainability of glaciers. In addition to climate change concerns, irrigation systems and infrastructure are severely underdeveloped in the country. Droughts are becoming more and more prominent, leading to a lack of access of drinking water in rural areas.

Geographically, there are two main rivers in Central Asia, the Syr Darya and Amu Darya rivers leading to the Aral Sea basin. The region is also divided in upstream countries - Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan - where the rivers originate, and downstream countries - Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan. Upstream countries make use of rivers to generate hydropower while downstream countries need water resources for irrigation. This situation has sparked conflicts between countries.

My first week and student experiences

After a very warm first semester in Costa Rica, the weather in The Netherlands is very refreshing. I have been enjoying the weather, the atmosphere and the multicultural diversity of the university in particular. Everyone is so supportive.

After graduation

After working in the region and Kyrgyzstan, I worked for the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources in Kyrgyzstan, and quickly realised the importance of negotiation skills and processes. I believe that water diplomacy and cooperation in general is an integral part of transboundary water negotiations, especially in Central Asia. In this master, those skills are highlighted.

Building on my background in International Relations and Water Management, I am hoping to expand my knowledge and specialize my skills so that they will be significant for my future career. I want to go back to my home country, continue my work there and apply all the knowledge and skills to facilitate water dialogue in Kyrgyzstan and the broader region.