Ecology - The Times Of Central Asia

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Tourism Development

Charvak Resort Plan Sparks Public Outcry in Uzbekistan

A proposed tourism development at Uzbekistan’s Charvak reservoir has drawn widespread public scrutiny following an announcement by Azerbaijani businessman Emin Agalarov. The project, dubbed “Sea Breeze Uzbekistan,” envisions a vast resort complex covering 500 to 700 hectares and featuring hotels, cottages, pools, sports facilities, restaurants, retail outlets, a bridge across the reservoir, and event venues. Public reaction has been swift, with critics raising concerns over transparency and environmental impact. The hashtag #SaveChorvoq has gained traction as citizens question the lack of open consultation. Minister Calls for Transparency and Public Input Speaking at a July 23 press conference near the Charvak reservoir, Uzbekistan’s Minister of Ecology, Aziz Abdukhakimov, addressed the mounting concerns. He clarified that the project has not yet been formally submitted to the government. “Frankly speaking, we’ve only heard about the project informally,” said Abdukhakimov, as quoted by Kun.uz. “That’s why we asked the investor to submit official documents. Once we receive them, our ministry, along with the Construction and Water Management Ministries, will conduct a thorough review.” Abdukhakimov urged the public not to rush to judgment. “Before saying no, let’s see what exactly is being proposed,” he stated. “Once the proposal is submitted, it will be opened for public discussion. No one can secretly approve this project overnight.” He emphasized that Agalarov was approached due to his track record of developing environmentally compliant projects in other countries. “Otherwise, he has many other offers,” the minister added, noting that Agalarov is also in talks with Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, Turkey, and Montenegro. Safeguards and Planning To mitigate environmental risks, Abdukhakimov proposed developing a master plan to delineate zones for recreation and conservation. “We suggest designating specific areas for modern recreation facilities while imposing a moratorium on construction in protected zones,” he said. “This approach ensures the entire shoreline won’t be overtaken by buildings.” Addressing rumors that construction has already begun, Abdukhakimov clarified that only minor landscaping work has taken place to create a model beach area with umbrellas and leveled ground. “This is not major construction,” he stressed. On reports that a sales office had opened in Tashkent, Abdukhakimov explained it is linked to Agalarov’s existing Sea Breeze project in Baku, Azerbaijan. “They cannot sell anything in Uzbekistan yet because they don’t own land here and no project has been approved,” he said. Land Ownership and Oversight Jo'rabek Ahmedov, governor of the Bostanlyk district where Charvak is located, confirmed that most of the proposed site consists of public reserve land, along with some farmland and plots managed by the forestry service. “Around 100 hectares are under consideration for the first phase,” he said. “But nothing official has been submitted yet.” Deputy Construction Minister Davronjon Odilov reassured that there are no plans to build within local villages. “Future development will be guided by a comprehensive master plan that aligns with design and environmental standards,” he said. Officials have committed to full transparency and public participation once the project proposal is formally submitted for review.

Caspian Sea

The Caspian Sea Hits Historic Low

The Caspian Sea has dropped to its lowest recorded level, now sitting at less than 29 meters below sea level. The northern basin, bordering Russia and Kazakhstan, is shrinking particularly rapidly. As the water recedes, the exposed seabed is threatening key marine ecosystems. Experts warn the decline is already causing serious disruption to biodiversity in the region. Declining Volga Flow and Climate Change The downward trend in sea levels began in the 1990s and has accelerated since 2020, with a nearly 80-centimeter drop in the past four years. The primary factor is a decrease in the annual flow of the Volga River, which supplies approximately 80% of the Caspian's inflow and contributes 64% to the lake's total water balance. In recent years, the Volga’s annual discharge has ranged between 210 and 232 cubic kilometers, well below the historical average of around 250 cubic kilometers. At the same time, rising air temperatures are increasing evaporation rates, further depleting water levels. Scientists link these changes to global climate change and the ongoing rise in greenhouse gas emissions. Ecological and Economic Impact Human activity is compounding the problem. Significant water extraction from rivers for agriculture, industry, and municipal use is reducing the volume of water reaching the sea. Russia’s Ministry of Natural Resources is currently developing a comprehensive program to adapt to these shifting environmental conditions. The initiative aims to enhance forecasting, mitigate the consequences of shallowing, and adjust economic activities to reflect the new hydrological realities. Experts suggest that only a sustained annual inflow of around 270 cubic kilometers, comparable to levels recorded in the 1970s and 1990s, can halt the lake's ongoing decline. Changing Coastlines and Public Concern A recent video by Kazakh filmmaker Adai Myrzatay has stirred widespread attention on social media. The footage juxtaposes images of the Caspian coastline in 2013 and 2025. Twelve years ago, the pier was surrounded by open water and untouched shoreline. Today, the water has receded dramatically. Bushes now encircle the pier, and high-rise buildings stand where the shoreline once lay. The video has been viewed over 1.5 million times. The falling water level is leading to the loss of biological diversity and shrinking spawning grounds for species such as the Caspian seal and sturgeon. The shallowing is also disrupting shipping and fishing operations and raising the risk of international disputes over increasingly scarce water resources. A Shared Challenge for Five Nations The Caspian Sea, the world’s largest enclosed inland body of water, receives inflow from more than 130 rivers, including the Volga, Ural, Terek, Sulak, and Samur. Its coastline is shared by five countries: Russia, Kazakhstan, Turkmenistan, Azerbaijan, and Iran. While the Volga's inflow increased slightly to 232 cubic kilometers in 2024, it remains insufficient to reverse or even stabilize the sea’s decline. Experts agree that regional cooperation and a coordinated, long-term strategy for water resource management are essential to confronting this environmental crisis.

water level

Water Level in Lake Balkhash Continues to Rise

The water level in Kazakhstan’s Lake Balkhash has increased by 32 centimeters during the first half of 2025, rising from 341.55 to 341.87 meters above sea level, based on the Baltic height system, according to data released by Kazakhstan’s Ministry of Water Resources and Irrigation. Located approximately 280 kilometers northwest of Almaty, Lake Balkhash is one of Asia’s largest inland bodies of water and ranks as the fifteenth-largest lake in the world by surface area. Since the beginning of 2025, 8.52 billion cubic meters of water have been discharged from the Kapchagay Reservoir in the Almaty region into Lake Balkhash. This marks an increase from 8 billion cubic meters over the same period in 2024. Officials expect total inflow from the reservoir to reach approximately 12 billion cubic meters by year-end. The lake’s hydrological health is closely tied to the transboundary Ili River, which originates in China and supplies nearly 70% of Lake Balkhash’s total inflow. The Ili’s flow is regulated by the Kapchagay Reservoir, which in 2025 is at full capacity for the second consecutive year, a milestone not seen in over a decade. The reservoir had previously reached full capacity in 2024 for the first time in ten years. In December 2024, Kazakhstan signed a cooperation agreement with the French Development Agency (AFD) and the French Geological Survey (BRGM) to support a long-term conservation effort for Lake Balkhash. The agreement outlines a comprehensive study of the lake basin and the development of a sustainability strategy through 2040, aiming to safeguard one of Central Asia’s most ecologically and economically significant water bodies.

Ecology

Environmentalists Urge Relocation of Hyrasia One Green Hydrogen Project

Kazakhstan’s Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources is facing growing pressure from environmental experts to alter the course of the country's flagship green hydrogen initiative. The Public Council under the Ministry has recommended relocating key infrastructure of the €50 billion ($55 billion) Hyrasia One project, citing threats to biodiversity in the Mangistau region. Developed by the Swedish-German company Svevind Energy Group, Hyrasia One is poised to become Kazakhstan’s largest green hydrogen production facility, with plans to generate up to two million tonnes annually by 2030 using solar and wind power. But environmental groups argue that parts of the planned development risk causing irreversible ecological damage. In an official statement, the Public Council advised that the proposed “Rahim” and “Kanagat” renewable energy clusters be relocated to previously industrialized zones, such as former oil and gas fields, rather than pristine ecosystems home to endangered species. “It would be more practical for the company as well, as such territories already have existing infrastructure, including roads, power lines, and cellular coverage,” the council noted in its published protocol. Ecologists warn that the current project layout intersects with the habitat and migratory routes of the goitered gazelle, a species listed in Kazakhstan’s Red Book of endangered fauna. The installation of wind turbines, solar panels, roads, and transmission lines in these areas could fragment ecosystems and disrupt transboundary conservation initiatives involving Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, and Turkmenistan. The development risks affecting several protected areas, including the Ustyurt Nature Reserve (and its proposed “Southern Ustyurt” extension), Kyzylsai Nature Park in Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan’s “South Ustyurt” National Park, and Turkmenistan’s Gaplangyr Reserve, home to the Sarykamysh and Shasenem wildlife sanctuaries. Council members also raised legal and procedural issues, alleging that land allocations for the project were made without proper legal oversight and that public consultations during the environmental impact assessment (EIA) process were inadequate. They further claim that Hyrasia One representatives have declined to attend two separate council sessions dedicated to the project. The council has formally submitted its findings and relocation proposal to the Presidential Administration, the Government of Kazakhstan, and regional authorities in Mangystau. As previously reported by The Times of Central Asia, Hyrasia One is central to Kazakhstan’s ambitions to become a key exporter of green energy to the European Union. The project may also benefit from emerging energy cooperation with China, further raising the stakes for its execution and environmental impact.

Caspian Sea

How the Shallowing of the Caspian Sea Will Affect Kazakhstan’s Ecology and Economy

Environmentalists are raising the alarm as the level of the Caspian Sea approaches a historic low. A recent review by Energyprom.kz highlights the growing environmental and economic risks facing Kazakhstan. Sea Level Dynamics and Causes of Decline At the 28th session of the Caspian Hydrometeorological Coordination Committee, it was reported that in November 2024, the average sea level stood at -29.03 meters relative to the Baltic elevation system. This marks the lowest level since 1977 when the sea dropped to -29.18 meters. Historical records indicate that between 1930 and 1977, the Caspian Sea experienced a significant decline due to the large-scale hydro-technical regulation of the Volga and Ural rivers. A temporary recovery followed between 1978 and 1995, with levels rising to -26.4 meters. However, since 2006, the sea has been steadily receding once more. According to Kazakhstan’s Ministry of Water Resources and Irrigation, the surface area of the Caspian has shrunk from 390,000 to 360,000 square kilometers in the past 18 years, with the northeastern shoreline most severely affected. “Since 2001, it has receded by over 50 kilometers, transforming thousands of square kilometers of water into land,” Deputy Edil Zhanbyrshin said during an inspection of the Ural River’s delta in the Atyrau Region. The depth at its mouth is now just 30-40 centimeters and is no longer navigable by ship. Climate Change and Meteorological Shifts One of the primary drivers of the sea’s decline is a drop in precipitation in the Volga basin. Atlantic cyclones that once brought regular rainfall have shifted their paths due to climate change. Simultaneously, rising temperatures are accelerating surface evaporation. Though the Caspian Sea borders five nations - Kazakhstan, Russia, Iran, Azerbaijan, and Turkmenistan - Kazakhstan bears the greatest risk. The sea’s northern section, vital for maritime transport and oil production, is the most vulnerable. Pollution, Wildlife Decline, and Regulatory Failures In addition to hydrological challenges, pollution remains a persistent threat. Members of the Mazhilis have cited ongoing toxic discharges by oil companies as a major factor in ecological degradation. The Caspian seal population has also plunged from one million to 100,000 over four decades, and sturgeon numbers have fallen by 90%. A parliamentary inquiry highlights the detrimental impact of oil spills, industrial fishing, drilling platforms, and tanker traffic, which obstruct sturgeon spawning routes. Compounding the problem, environmental fines levied on oil firms have reportedly been written off, either against future investments or royalties. Vadim Ni, director of the Social and Environmental Fund, told the Mazhilis he has been denied access to the environmental clauses in contracts with major field operators at Kashagan, Tengiz, and Karachaganak. The Ministry of Ecology has declined to release the data, citing confidentiality, and court appeals for transparency have so far failed. A Looming Migration Crisis? Without a reversal like the sea-level rise of 1978, Kazakhstan could face severe consequences. These include the cessation of shipping, collapse of marine ecosystems, and potential mass displacements. “By 2040, the issue of resettling up to five million Kazakhs living near the sea may...

Ecology

Uzbek Scientists Trial Salt-Tolerant Plants to Revive Aral Sea Seabed

Field trials are underway on the desiccated seabed of the Aral Sea as part of a restoration initiative spearheaded by Uzbekistan’s Ministry of Ecology, Environmental Protection, and Climate Change. The goal is to identify plant species capable of surviving in saline soils and contributing to the rehabilitation of this ecologically devastated landscape. The study is led by scientists from the Research Institute of Forestry and supervised by Dr. Zinoviy Novitsky. One of the most promising candidates is Arundo donax, a species of reed grass typically found in wetter environments. Despite its usual habitat, the plant has demonstrated a remarkable tolerance for saline and arid conditions. Researchers discovered that groundwater in the test areas lies approximately two meters below the surface. Within its first year of growth, Arundo donax develops roots long enough to access this water, enabling it to survive and strengthen in the challenging environment. Dr. Novitsky noted that his team devised a specialized planting technique to improve the plant’s resilience. Root shoots were harvested from mature plants in regions with comparable soil conditions, such as Urgench and Karakalpakstan. When transplanted to the Aral Sea area, these shoots achieved a survival rate exceeding 90%. In addition to their depth, the roots of Arundo donax can spread laterally up to two meters, anchoring the soil and mitigating further land degradation. These trials, if scaled successfully, could play a pivotal role in combating dust storms and rejuvenating the Aral Sea region. Since 2021, Uzbekistan has planted more than 45 million trees across 1.9 million hectares of the dried seabed in Karakalpakstan. The country has also created six artificial lakes, replenished with water from the Amu Darya River, to foster biodiversity and support aquaculture. Moreover, dust filtration systems at major industrial sites and wastewater treatment facilities at eight plants have been modernized. Seven protected natural areas now span 3.7 million hectares in Karakalpakstan, several of which have been designated under UNESCO and the Ramsar Convention frameworks. Scientific efforts continue through the Aral Sea International Innovation Center, which is currently managing projects valued at over $630,000. By 2030, Uzbekistan aims to expand forest coverage in the region to 2.3 million hectares and restore vegetation on 80% of the dried seabed.