A two-day seminar on ‘Developing a Master Plan for the Preservation of the Balkhash Lake Ecosystem’ has begun in Almaty. At the seminar, the Information and Analytical Centre for Water Resources of the Ministry of Water Resources and Irrigation presented a roadmap for the development of the document.
The roadmap provides for a set of measures to analyse the state and quality of water resources in the Ili-Balkhash basin, including groundwater, the creation of a digital platform for monitoring the level of Lake Balkhash, and the automation and digitisation of water facilities and priority hydraulic structures.
In addition, measures have been developed for the more rational and efficient use of water resources in the Ili-Balkhash basin, as well as joint activities with the PRC on the protection and sustainable use of water in the Ili River basin.
The study of the Balkhash Lake basin will be carried out jointly with the French Development Agency (AFD), the French Geological and Mining Research Bureau (BRGM) and local experts. The French side is currently collecting the necessary data. In particular, BRGM experts are planning a field trip to inspect wells, hydrological stations and irrigated areas in the Balkhash Lake basin.
The seminar in Almaty is organised by the Ministry of Water Resources and Irrigation with the support of Kazakhmys Corporation LLP. The event is attended by representatives of the ministry and other government agencies, representatives of international organisations and the Consulate General of France in Almaty, as well as scientists and experts.
‘For a long time, issues related to Lake Balkhash were addressed on a case-by-case basis, without a unified strategy. To move towards 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 crucial step in forming a comprehensive, cross-sectoral approach to water management in the basin, based on a balance between the interests of nature, the economy and society. To develop the Master Plan, it is necessary to conduct research and analysis in all key areas, from water and environmental issues to energy, agriculture and socio-economic development in the Ili-Balkhash region. This is why the Roadmap presented today has been prepared,’ said Bolat Bekniyaz, First Vice-Minister of Water Resources and Irrigation.
The roadmap provides for a set of measures to analyse the state and quality of water resources in the Ili-Balkhash basin, including groundwater, the creation of a digital platform for monitoring the level of Lake Balkhash, and the automation and digitisation of water facilities and priority hydraulic structures.
In addition, measures have been developed for the more rational and efficient use of water resources in the Ili-Balkhash basin, as well as joint activities with the PRC on the protection and sustainable use of water in the Ili River basin.
The study of the Balkhash Lake basin will be carried out jointly with the French Development Agency (AFD), the French Geological and Mining Research Bureau (BRGM) and local experts. The French side is currently collecting the necessary data. In particular, BRGM experts are planning a field trip to inspect wells, hydrological stations and irrigated areas in the Balkhash Lake basin.
The seminar in Almaty is organised by the Ministry of Water Resources and Irrigation with the support of Kazakhmys Corporation LLP. The event is attended by representatives of the ministry and other government agencies, representatives of international organisations and the Consulate General of France in Almaty, as well as scientists and experts.
‘For a long time, issues related to Lake Balkhash were addressed on a case-by-case basis, without a unified strategy. To move towards 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 crucial step in forming a comprehensive, cross-sectoral approach to water management in the basin, based on a balance between the interests of nature, the economy and society. To develop the Master Plan, it is necessary to conduct research and analysis in all key areas, from water and environmental issues to energy, agriculture and socio-economic development in the Ili-Balkhash region. This is why the Roadmap presented today has been prepared,’ said Bolat Bekniyaz, First Vice-Minister of Water Resources and Irrigation.