• KGS/USD = 0.01144 0%
  • KZT/USD = 0.00200 0%
  • TJS/USD = 0.09163 -0.11%
  • UZS/USD = 0.00008 0%
  • TMT/USD = 0.28571 0%
  • KGS/USD = 0.01144 0%
  • KZT/USD = 0.00200 0%
  • TJS/USD = 0.09163 -0.11%
  • UZS/USD = 0.00008 0%
  • TMT/USD = 0.28571 0%
  • KGS/USD = 0.01144 0%
  • KZT/USD = 0.00200 0%
  • TJS/USD = 0.09163 -0.11%
  • UZS/USD = 0.00008 0%
  • TMT/USD = 0.28571 0%
  • KGS/USD = 0.01144 0%
  • KZT/USD = 0.00200 0%
  • TJS/USD = 0.09163 -0.11%
  • UZS/USD = 0.00008 0%
  • TMT/USD = 0.28571 0%
  • KGS/USD = 0.01144 0%
  • KZT/USD = 0.00200 0%
  • TJS/USD = 0.09163 -0.11%
  • UZS/USD = 0.00008 0%
  • TMT/USD = 0.28571 0%
  • KGS/USD = 0.01144 0%
  • KZT/USD = 0.00200 0%
  • TJS/USD = 0.09163 -0.11%
  • UZS/USD = 0.00008 0%
  • TMT/USD = 0.28571 0%
  • KGS/USD = 0.01144 0%
  • KZT/USD = 0.00200 0%
  • TJS/USD = 0.09163 -0.11%
  • UZS/USD = 0.00008 0%
  • TMT/USD = 0.28571 0%
  • KGS/USD = 0.01144 0%
  • KZT/USD = 0.00200 0%
  • TJS/USD = 0.09163 -0.11%
  • UZS/USD = 0.00008 0%
  • TMT/USD = 0.28571 0%
18 February 2025
14 January 2025

Kazakhstan Increases Water Levels in North Aral Sea by 42%

Butakov Bay, North Aral Sea; image: TCA, Stephen M. Bland

Kazakhstan’s efforts to restore the North Aral Sea have yielded significant results, with the water volume increasing by 42% to 27 billion cubic meters. The salinity of the sea has decreased nearly fourfold, and annual fish catches have risen to 8,000 tons. These achievements were highlighted by Minister of Water Resources and Irrigation Nurzhan Nurzhigitov during a meeting with residents of the Aral district in the Kyzylorda region on January 13.

The North Aral Sea restoration project, initiated in response to the catastrophic shrinkage of the Aral Sea, focuses on the portion of the sea fed by the Syr Darya River. The North Aral Sea separated from the South Aral Sea in 1987-1988 due to declining water levels caused by extensive water diversion for agriculture.

During the meeting, Nurzhigitov discussed plans for the second phase of the project, which aims to:

  • Further increase water levels in the North Aral Sea;
  • Improve water accumulation and management;
  • Expand fisheries and promote ecotourism;
  • Enhance the region’s overall ecological health.

In 2024, Kazakhstan directed approximately 2.6 billion cubic meters of water into the Aral Sea, a dramatic increase compared to 816 million cubic meters in 2022.

Nurzhigitov attributed the project’s success to the efficient distribution of water from the transboundary Syr Darya River, achieved through close cooperation with upstream countries. “These figures are the result of systematic work over the past two years. We [Kazakhstan] have reached a mutual understanding with neighboring countries on the conservation and fair distribution of water resources in transboundary rivers,” Nurzhigitov said.

The minister emphasized that the project’s ultimate goal is to improve the region’s ecology, boost fisheries and tourism, and enhance the quality of life for local communities.

The restoration of the North Aral Sea has become a symbol of Kazakhstan’s commitment to addressing ecological challenges while fostering sustainable development. By prioritizing cooperation with regional partners and implementing systematic water management strategies, the initiative offers hope for reversing decades of environmental degradation and improving economic opportunities for communities in the region.

Sergey Kwan

Sergey Kwan

Sergey Kwan has worked for The Times of Central Asia as a journalist, translator and editor since its foundation in March 1999. Prior to this, from 1996-1997, he worked as a translator at The Kyrgyzstan Chronicle, and from 1997-1999, as a translator at The Central Asian Post.
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Kwan studied at the Bishkek Polytechnic Institute from 1990-1994, before completing his training in print journalism in Denmark.

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