Water, energy, food systems and ecosystems are deeply interconnected and remain the foundation of agricultural production across Europe and Central Asia, experts said during a regional event organized within the framework of the 35th Regional Conference of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations for Europe and Central Asia in Dushanbe, according to NIAT Khovar.

Participants warned that climate change, population growth, aging infrastructure and growing competition between sectors are intensifying pressure on natural resources across the region, forcing governments and stakeholders to make increasingly difficult trade-offs.

Experts also highlighted the worsening quality of water resources caused by pollution, wastewater discharge and agricultural runoff, saying the trend is undermining water security, ecosystem health and agricultural productivity.

According to participants, access to water resources in Europe and Central Asia is becoming increasingly fragile, while agriculture continues to account for the largest share of water consumption in many countries.

In Central Asia, irrigated agriculture is facing mounting challenges linked to shrinking glaciers, transboundary water management disputes and growing competition over hydropower resources.

Meanwhile, several parts of Europe have experienced prolonged droughts, deteriorating water quality and rising energy costs, all of which are negatively affecting agricultural output and rural livelihoods.

Experts also noted that in recent years some countries have faced unusually heavy rainfall and severe flooding, causing extensive damage to farmland and urban infrastructure.

At the same time, pollution, biodiversity loss, land degradation and inefficient use of resources are placing additional strain on ecosystems, reducing the resilience of water and food systems to external shocks and increasing environmental and economic vulnerability.