Participants at the international forum GEOSCIENCE & EXPLORATION CENTRAL ASIA, held in Astana, discussed the role of hydrogeology in sustainable water resource management, reports a Kazinform correspondent.
As noted during the discussions, in the face of climate change, groundwater is becoming a key element of water security. Experts emphasized that, if a balance is maintained between extraction and natural replenishment, this resource can ensure sustainable water supply and agricultural development.
According to forum participants, Kazakhstan has significant groundwater reserves, including for irrigation. The country already has successful experience creating irrigated areas of up to several thousand hectares, where forage crop yields significantly exceeded traditional levels. The possibility of reviving such practices using modern technologies is currently being considered.
At the same time, experts noted the lack of up-to-date data, which hinders the effective allocation of water resources at the local level. In this regard, they propose introducing mandatory mapping and assessment of groundwater potential, as well as developing hydroecological audits to prevent environmental risks.
Natalia Vittikh-Ni, Head of the 3D Modeling Group at KAZ Minerals Group, gave her assessment of the forum’s significance.
“The forum acts as a catalyst: it doesn’t make decisions directly, but it creates the conditions for them to emerge—through partnerships, investment agreements, and the launch of joint projects,” she noted.
Assessing Kazakhstan’s position, Natalia Vittikh-Ni emphasized that the country possesses significant potential and a stable position in a number of resources, but needs to strengthen the technological component of geological exploration.
“Key areas should be digital transformation, increasing investment attractiveness, and developing a new generation of personnel,” she added.
At the forum, several participants were awarded state awards. Among them were KAZ Minerals representatives Natalia Vittikh-Ni, who was awarded the “Engbek sinirgen geologist” badge. Makmut Kelisuly, Arman Telzhanov, and Tatyana Chernova were awarded honorary certificates from the Minister of Industry and Construction of the Republic of Kazakhstan.
Representatives of major companies in the mining, metallurgy, and oil and gas sectors, including KazMunayGas, Shell, ERG, and others, are participating in the forum.
Google machine translated