At the first International Environmental Conference held in
Russia’s Altai Republic, Kazakh Prime Minister Olzhas Bektenov raised the issue
of the Caspian Sea’s shrinking. He emphasized that preventing a further decline
in sea levels will require enhanced regional cooperation among the Caspian
littoral states.
«One of the topical issues for Kazakhstan is the
environmental and economic impact of changes in water bodies. Since the early
2000s, the Caspian Sea has been steadily declining in water level. To study
this and other related challenges, Kazakhstan established the Caspian Sea
Research Institute. Unfortunately, scientific forecasts are concerning.
Preserving this unique body of water will require decisive and coordinated
action from all Caspian littoral states,» Bektenov said.
«Taza Qazaqstan» program becomes major national
environmental movement
At the conference, Prime Minister Bektenov also addressed
the situation of the Aral Sea. He noted that Kazakhstan is actively working on
its restoration: the Kokaral Dam is being reinforced, the Syr Darya River delta
is being revived, and projects are underway to support the fishing industry and
green the dried seabed. Kazakhstan also currently chairs the International Fund
for Saving the Aral Sea (IFAS). The Prime Minister placed special emphasis on
the Taza Qazaqstan program, launched at the instruction of President
Kassym-Jomart Tokayev. According to Bektenov, the initiative has become a
large-scale environmental movement. The program aims to promote a culture of
care for the homeland and includes regular campaigns to clean up natural areas,
shorelines, and to plant trees.
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