In Kazakhstan, the development of the second phase of the Northern Aral Sea preservation project is nearing completion. The phase involves reconstructing the Kokaral Dam and raising the sea level to 44 meters under the Baltic height system. As a result, the surface area of the Northern Aral Sea is expected to expand to nearly 4,000 square kilometers, while its volume will reach 34 cubic kilometers, the government reported. Achieving these targets will take at least four to five years. Additionally, 167 projects are currently under development to modernize and automate irrigation systems in the Aral-Syr Darya basin in the Turkistan and Kyzylorda regions. At the same time, water-saving technologies are being actively introduced, and cooperation with neighboring countries on transboundary water resources is expanding. President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev highlighted the importance of preserving the Aral Sea at the fifth meeting of the National Kurultai.
«Preserving the Aral Sea remains one of the top priorities of our national water policy. Last year, an agreement was signed with Uzbekistan on the joint management and rational use of transboundary water bodies, marking the culmination of a decade-long negotiation process. This completes Kazakhstan’s legal framework with all neighboring countries on transboundary waters, with bilateral commissions established and functioning to ensure sustainable cooperation and coordination,» said Nurzhan Nurzhigitov, Minister of Water Resources and Irrigation.
«The Aral Sea remains a constant priority for the Head of State. The Ministry of Water Resources and Irrigation must complete preparations for the second phase of the Northern Aral Sea preservation project by June 30 and address the funding issue, including through international organizations, by the end of the year. Measures must also be taken to further advance the President’s initiative to establish an International Water Organization under the auspices of the United Nations,» said Prime Minister Olzhas Bektenov.
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