Ministry of Water Resources Explains How the Aral Sea Is Being Restored
Photo: Pixabay, illustrative purposes
Officials from Kazakhstan's Ministry of Water Resources and Irrigation have shared insights on ongoing projects aimed at restoring the Aral Sea and addressed questions about USAID grants for these efforts, Orda.kz reports.
Between October last year and January 2025, the ministry directed over one billion cubic meters of water to the Northern Aral Sea. However, this increase is not due to flooding or artificial weather modification.
The idea that the Northern Aral Sea is filling up due to floods or rainmaking is incorrect. There were no major floods in the south this year. The replenishment of the Northern Aral Sea results from water redistribution and diplomatic efforts. Thanks to agreements reached with Central Asian partners, an additional 1.6 billion cubic meters of water will be directed to the Northern Aral by the end of March,stated Moldir Abdualieva, the ministry’s official representative, during a press conference at the Central Communications Service.
When asked about USAID funding, journalists inquired whether grants from the organization were being used in Aral Sea restoration projects and what would happen after their suspension.
Vice Minister Nurlan Aldamzharov clarified that while USAID had previously funded environmental projects, it is no longer involved under the new Ministry.
In 2023, USAID grants funded one project under the Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources. However, under the Ministry of Water Resources and Irrigation, we currently have no projects with this international organization, Aldamzharov explained.
Scientists agree that fully restoring the Aral Sea is impossible, but Kazakhstan remains committed to preserving the Northern Aral, expanding its water area, and improving the ecosystem, Aldamzharov added.
According to ministry data, the Northern Aral Sea now holds over 22 billion cubic meters of water, compared to 18.9 billion at the start of 2022. Projections estimate this volume will reach 23.4 billion by the end of 2025 and 27 billion by 2030.
Original Author: Anastasia Prilepskaya
Read also:
Latest news
- Toqayev Congratulates Kazakhstanis on Republic Day
- Zelenskyy Arrives in London Ahead of “Coalition of the Willing” Meeting
- Nurbol Nazarbayev’s Possible Ties to Altyn Orda Market Takeover Under Prosecutor General's Scrutiny
- Putin’s Envoy Kirill Dmitriev Arrives in the U.S. for Talks
- Sputnik Azerbaijan Editor Released Under House Arrest
- China Energy to Invest Over $1 Billion in Energy Projects in Kazakhstan
- Putin and Aliyev Discuss Trade and Energy Cooperation During Phone Call
- Former Rudny Prosecutor on Trial for Alleged 20 Million Tenge Bribe
- WSJ: Trump Chose a Moderate Sanctions Option Against Russia
- Toqayev: Kazakhstan Must Remain a State With Strong Presidential Authority
- KTZ Workers in Beineu Claim Intimidation After Complaints About Working Conditions
- Who’s Selling a Luxury Home in Astana?
- Major Chinese State Oil Companies Suspend Purchases of Russian Crude After U.S. Sanctions
- Sherzat Polat: Family Moves Into New Home
- Kazakhstan's Flag Raised in New York City on Republic Day
- Oskemen Schools Move to Online Learning Amid Severe Air Pollution
- Ancient Amphibians Found Near Kurty After 50 Years
- The Case of Yana Legkodimova: What Is Known So Far
- Another Attempt to Take Over Orda Being Made
- Lawyers Sound Alarm Over Journalists’ Health in Prison: Mukhammedkarim and Tleuzhan Denied Treatment
