April 29. KazTAG – A two-day seminar of Kazakhstan and France on the topic of “Development of a Master Plan for the Conservation of the Lake Balkhash Ecosystem” has started in Almaty, the press service of the Ministry of Water Resources and Irrigation reports.
“Kazakhstan and France will develop a master plan for the conservation of Lake Balkhash. A two-day seminar on the topic of “Development of a Master Plan for the Conservation of the Lake Balkhash Ecosystem” has started in Almaty. At the seminar, the Water Resources Information and Analysis Center of the Ministry of Water Resources and Irrigation presented a Roadmap for the development of the document,” the report says.
The plan includes a set of measures to analyze the condition and quality of water resources in the Ile-Balkhash basin, including groundwater. It provides for the creation of a digital platform for monitoring the water level in Lake Balkhash, automation and digitalization of water bodies and priority hydraulic structures.
In addition, attention is paid to the rational use of water resources in the basin and joint projects with China on the protection and sustainable management of the waters of the Ili River.
The basin exploration work will be carried out jointly with the French Development Agency (AFD), the French Bureau of Geological and Mining Research (BRGM) and Kazakh specialists. The French side is currently collecting the necessary data, and BRGM specialists are planning a visit to the region to inspect wells, hydroposts and irrigated lands.
The seminar is organized by the Ministry of Water Resources and Irrigation with the support of Kazakhmys Corporation LLP. It is attended by representatives of government agencies, international organizations, the Consulate General of France in Almaty, as well as scientists and experts.
“For a long time, issues related to Lake Balkhash were addressed in a targeted manner, without a single strategy. In order to move to a systematic and coordinated work, we are starting to develop a Master Plan for the conservation and protection of Lake Balkhash. This document will be a key step in the formation of a holistic, intersectoral approach to the management of the basin’s water resources, based on a balance of interests of nature, the economy and society. To develop the Master Plan, it is necessary to conduct a study and analysis in all key areas – from water and environmental issues to energy, agriculture and socio-economic development in the Ile-Balkhash region. This is why the Roadmap presented today was prepared,” said Bolat Bekniyaz, First Vice Minister of Water Resources and Irrigation.
https://kaztag.kz/ru/news/kazakhstan-i-frantsiya-razrabotayut-master-plan-po-sokhraneniyu-balkhasha