Kazakhstan presented its experience in restoring the North Aral Sea at the UN Climate Change Conference (COP31). This was reported by Qazaqyia.kz citing Sputnik Kazakhstan.
Vice Minister of Water Resources and Irrigation Arsen Zhakanbayev spoke at a panel session dedicated to the restoration of water ecosystems and the revival of the North Aral Sea. In his speech, the vice minister spoke about the results of the first phase of the project "Regulation of the Syr Darya River Channel and Preservation of the Northern Part of the Aral Sea."
The project was implemented with the support of the World Bank. As a result of the construction of the Kokaral Dam, the water area of the North Aral Sea increased by 870 square kilometers, and water salinity decreased by approximately half.
"The restoration of the North Aral Sea is not just an engineering project, but also a comprehensive effort aimed at restoring the ecosystem and enhancing the resilience of the region. Our experience shows that engineering solutions yield sustainable results only when combined with rational water use. Kazakhstan is ready to share its experience in restoring the North Aral Sea and to jointly study approaches that can be applied in other regions," said Arsen Zhakanbayev.
Participants were also presented with the comprehensive project "North Aral Sea and Modernization of Irrigation Systems." It envisages the modernization of irrigation infrastructure. The first phase of the project is planned for 2027-2030 and will be implemented through a World Bank loan.
In addition, Kazakhstan proposed three main areas of international cooperation. These are: exchange of experience, sustainable financing for the restoration of water ecosystems, and implementation of joint projects aimed at concrete results.