As of January 1, 2024, Kazakhstan assumes the chairmanship of the International Fund for the Saving of the Aral Sea. The country is committed to deep partnerships with Central Asian states, as well as with other international organizations and financial institutions, to address issues related to the relic water reservoir, stated Nurzhan Nurgigitov, the Minister of Water Resources and Irrigation of Kazakhstan, as reported by TNW.com.
During a meeting on November 20, 2023, with the Ambassador of Switzerland to Kazakhstan, Salman Balom, and representatives of the Blue Peace Central Asia (BPCA) program, Nurgigitov emphasized Kazakhstan's commitment to implementing initiatives outlined by the President of Kazakhstan. This includes the establishment of an international water-energy consortium in the region, taking into account the interests of all Central Asian countries.
Kazakhstan, Kyrgyz Republic, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan are participating in a hydrogeological forecasting program launched in Uzbekistan. This program will enable the monitoring and measurement of water flows and consumption in Central Asian countries.
Representatives of BPCA highlighted that their project covers various aspects, including strengthening regional water resource management institutions within the International Fund for the Saving of the Aral Sea and the Central Asian Water-Energy Program of the World Bank (CAWEP). The project involves attracting experts, exchanging experiences, as well as modernizing and reconstructing transboundary hydrotechnical structures.
"In 2024, we plan to initiate the second phase of the project for the preservation of the Small Aral Sea, carried out in partnership with the World Bank. Therefore, we aim to collaborate with BPCA on issues related to the cooperation of Central Asian countries in the water-energy sector," stated Nurgigitov.
He also emphasized an interest in the training of new personnel and the professional development of existing water management specialists.
CentralasianLIGHT.org
January 5, 2024