Ecological Awareness and Water Conservation Behavior under Climate Change in Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan

Authors

  • Madina Rahmonova

    Department of Environmental Education and Promotion, Research Institute of Environment and Nature Conservation Technologies, Tashkent 111101, Uzbekistan
  • Zulfiya Kannazarova

    Department of Agricultural Machinery Technologies, Tashkent Institute of Irrigation and Agricultural Mechanization Engineers, National Research University, Tashkent 100174, Uzbekistan

    Department of Environmental Sciences and Sustainable Development, Central Asian University of Environmental and Climate Change Studies, Green University, Darkhan 111104, Uzbekistan
  • Obidjon Ergashev

    Department of Environmental Education and Promotion, Research Institute of Environment and Nature Conservation Technologies, Tashkent 111101, Uzbekistan
  • Muniraxon Barnayeva

    Department of Irrigation and Melioration, Bukhara Engineering Technological Institute, Bukhara 200100, Uzbekistan
  • Abdug’ani Suyunov

    Department of Hydrotechnical Structures and Pumping Stations, Karshi State Technical University, Karshi 180119, Uzbekistan
  • Shakhzoda Tojiboyeva

    Department of Exact Sciences and Digital Technologies, Tashkent International University, Tashkent 111101, Uzbekistan
  • Salahiddin Ulukov

    Department of Hydro-Meliorative Systems, Tashkent Institute of Irrigation and Agricultural Mechanization Engineers, National Research University, Tashkent 100174, Uzbekistan
  • Abdulla Hayitov

    Department of Transport Systems, Urgench State University Named after Abu Rayhan Biruni, Urgench City 220100, Uzbekistan
  • Saydulla Kalauov

    Ministry of Innovative Development of the Republic of Uzbekistan, Tashkent 100174, Uzbekistan

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.30564/re.v8i4.13338
Received: 27 March 2026 | Revised: 22 April 2026 | Accepted: 27 April 2026 | Published Online: 20 July 2026

Abstract

In the context of climate change and increasing pressure on global water resources, water conservation is becoming increasingly important. This study aims to examine the relationship between environmental awareness, human behavior, and water conservation practices. The study used a mixed-method approach that combines systematic review and quantitative research. In the first stage, a systematic review of 54 publications indexed in Scopus was conducted. VOSviewer and RStudio (Bibliometrix suite) helped to identify key research areas and thematic clusters in this area. In the second stage, a survey was conducted among 210 respondents from Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan using questionnaires to assess environmental awareness, water consumption, and attitudes towards water conservation. The results show that the majority of respondents demonstrate a relatively high level of awareness of environmental issues related to water scarcity and the impact of climate change on water resources. However, the study results also show a gap between awareness of environmental issues and actual behavior, especially the limited use of water-saving technologies. Economic factors were also found to influence water consumption: many respondents indicated that they would reduce their water consumption if prices increased significantly in the future. In addition, a large proportion of respondents expressed a strong sense of environmental responsibility and stressed the importance of reporting water leaks and waste in their communities and households. Overall, the study highlights the importance of raising environmental awareness and promoting responsible water use practices to ensure sustainable and efficient management of water resources, despite ongoing challenges related to climate change.

Keywords:

Environmental Awareness; Pro-Environmental Behavior; Water-Use Behavior; Climate Change

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Rahmonova, M., Kannazarova, Z., Ergashev, O., Barnayeva, M., Suyunov, A., Tojiboyeva, S., Ulukov, S., Hayitov, A., & Kalauov, S. (2026). Ecological Awareness and Water Conservation Behavior under Climate Change in Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan. Research in Ecology, 8(4), 88–106. https://doi.org/10.30564/re.v8i4.13338

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Vol.8, Iss.4 (August 2026): In Progress

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Copyright © 2026 Madina Rahmonova, Zulfiya Kannazarova, Obidjon Ergashev, Muniraxon Barnayeva, Abdug’ani Suyunov, Shakhzoda Tojiboyeva, Salahiddin Ulukov, Abdulla Hayitov, Saydulla Kalauov

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