The once majestic Aral Sea, considered the fourth largest in the world, has almost disappeared. Today, only a small part of it remains, but it is this part that gives hope for the revival of the unique ecosystem. The restoration of the northern part of the Aral Sea became possible thanks to the initiatives of Kazakhstan and the construction of the strategically important Kokaral dam, Lada.kz  reports with reference to  Finratings.kz.

Photo: gov.kz
Kokaral Dam: A Step Towards Ecosystem Restoration
Serious changes began after the construction of the Kokaral dam. According to ecologist Nina Pikul, in an interview with the YouTube channel @seredin , the water level in the Northern Aral Sea immediately rose by five meters. This not only prevented further shallowing, but also launched the formation of a new microclimate in the region.

“The Kazakhs have done a good job of reclaiming the northern part. We also have plans, but they are being implemented poorly. For example, all the fish we released went beyond the Kazakh border,” Pikul said.

This comment underlines the effectiveness of the work of the Kazakh side in restoring the reservoir and reviving biological diversity. The fish are indeed returning – along with hope.

Tokayev: “We need to unite to save water”
The issue of preserving the Aral Sea has also become a key issue at the political level. Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has repeatedly raised the issue of rational use of transboundary water resources. At the informal summit of the Organization of Turkic States on July 6, he once again emphasized the need for cooperation to save the region’s largest bodies of water.

“The drying up of the Aral Sea and the desertification of its territory cannot but cause concern. The affected lands should be reclaimed and water-saving technologies should be applied more widely for the efficient use of transboundary rivers,” the president said.

Restoring the Aral Sea is more than just ecology
The work to save the Aral Sea is not only a matter of ecology, but also of social stability. With the restoration of the reservoir, fish return, the climate improves, and local communities hope. Kazakhstan has already proven that even in the conditions of an environmental catastrophe, it is possible to change the situation – if you act decisively and consistently.

Источник: https://www.lada.kz/kazakhstan-news/140927-aral-vozvrashchaetsia-k-zhizni-susha-otstupaet-ryba-vozvrashchaetsia.html

Machine Translated by Google