Environmental Activists in Almaty Continue Cleanup Efforts Along the Ili River

The Ili River continues to be affected by pollution caused by tourists and fishers who leave behind large amounts of waste. Environmental activists from Almaty are working to address the issue and raise awareness, Orda.kz reports.

In September of last year, the WUNDER Academy in Almaty, in partnership with the Center for Clean Nature,  organized the first ecological rafting trip along the Ili River. The goal was to identify heavily polluted areas, report them to local authorities, and clean up the shoreline.

Last weekend, Almaty residents repeated the initiative.

A total of 58 participants and three organizations — WUNDER Academy, the Center for Clean Nature, and the Rafting Federation of the Republic of Kazakhstan — joined the effort.

Using eight inflatable rafts, they traveled 19 kilometers and collected over 70 bags of garbage.

Participants found widespread litter along the riverbanks: plastic and glass bottles, bags, wipes, cans, dishes, carpets, mattresses, furniture pieces, and car parts. Waste was sorted by type (plastic, glass, metal) for further recycling.

The route began at a pumping station below the Kapchagay Dam and ended at the rafting field, two kilometers downstream from the Tamgaly Tas archaeological site.

It is very important that this is a family-oriented trip. It is important to involve children in such events. To teach children eco-awareness, you just need to show them an example. We also want to convey to the public the idea that eco-campaigns can be fun, interesting, sporty, different. By initiating such events, we find new like-minded people who will then make their contribution,
said Elena Vovnova, PR manager of WUNDER Academy. 

According to participants, there is still a significant amount of litter, but less than last year.

On April 8, Orda.kz published a report on large-scale pollution along the Qapchagay reservoir and the Ili River. Shortly after, the Qonayev Akimat conducted an on-site inspection and began cleanup efforts.

I see that the wave we launched last year has had its effect, and there is less garbage in some places. In the fall, there was much more garbage. Local executive bodies have joined in. We hope that such events will continue to influence the situation and vacationers will litter less, and local authorities will monitor more strictly and take measures to protect territories from pollution,
said Alexey Kupriakov of the Center for Clean Nature. 

When I heard about this campaign, I was interested for two reasons. Firstly, I had never been rafting on the Ili River. Secondly, I care deeply about the environmental situation in our country and wanted to contribute to change. Of course, I was disappointed by the low level of responsibility among vacationers who leave so much trash behind. But I think the fact that we cleaned up the riverbank in front of them — together with our children — sends the right message,
 shared Alexey Kovrizhnykh, father of two WUNDER Academy students.

We will definitely continue to hold such events involving schoolchildren and their parents along the Ili and in other areas. Maybe other schools will join us. We want to be an example for many,
 the organizers added.

Original Author: Danil Utyupin