“Reviving the Aral Sea: How Record Water Inflows and Green Initiatives Spark Environmental and Economic Renewal” – The Astana Times

Efforts to revive the Northern Aral Sea are making remarkable strides. From October 2024 to January, a whopping one billion cubic meters of water flowed into the sea, surpassing initial predictions. Ongoing projects such as dam repair and water-saving technologies are significantly boosting the sea’s water levels. These initiatives are also benefiting local fisheries and revitalizing the surrounding ecosystem.

By the end of March, the total water sent to the Northern Aral Sea is set to reach 1.6 billion cubic meters thanks to agreements with neighboring Central Asian nations, as reported by the Kazakh Ministry of Water Resources and Irrigation.

Currently, the Northern Aral Sea holds 22.1 billion cubic meters of water, up from 18.9 billion at the start of 2022. Experts anticipate this volume will rise to 23.4 billion by year’s end. The area of the sea has also expanded to 3,065 square kilometers, a gain of 111 square kilometers since 2022.

This increase in water volume has led to better water quality, decreased mineralization, and a boom in fish populations, now supporting 22 different species. Local fisheries have seen a revival, with an annual catch of about 8,000 tons.

The project to safeguard the Kokaral Dam and restore the Syrdarya River delta is nearing completion. Key milestones include the rebuilding of dams and canals, with the Kokaral Dam expected to be fully restored by year’s end. This restoration effort aims to protect the Northern Aral Sea and reduce water salinity.

In the Kyzylorda Region, water-saving technologies like laser leveling of rice fields have saved around 200 million cubic meters of water, directing it to the sea. These practices have also increased rice yields from 40-55 cents per hectare to between 70-80 cents. To further encourage these technologies, the government has enhanced subsidies, covering up to 85% of irrigation costs.

Greening efforts in the once-dried areas of the Aral Sea are also progressing, with 4.4 million seedlings already planted. Between 2021 and 2024, roughly 475,000 hectares have been reforested, with 428,000 hectares planned for this year. By the end of this year, the total area for greening efforts is expected to reach 1.1 million hectares.

Last year, Kazakhstan took on the chairmanship of the International Fund for Saving the Aral Sea (IFAS), with President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev elected as IFAS President for 2024-2026. The work plan includes around 40 initiatives across various sectors, which are projected to create about 2,000 new jobs.

These concerted efforts aim to enhance water quality, protect biodiversity, grow the fisheries sector, improve agricultural practices, and address environmental degradation. The focus is on preventing soil erosion, minimizing sand and salt storms, and fostering better environmental health in the region.