ASTANA, Kazakhstan: Askhat Orazbay, Chairperson of the Executive Committee of the International Fund for Saving the Aral Sea (IFAS), emphasizes Kazakhstan’s dedication to addressing the ecological crisis plaguing the Aral Sea basin. Over the past three decades, IFAS has tirelessly worked to mitigate environmental degradation and serve the interests of Central Asian nations. However, challenges persist, exacerbated by rapid population growth, economic development, and escalating water consumption, which intensify climate change impacts in the region. The formation of the Aralkum desert, spanning over 54,000 square kilometers, underscores the severity of the ecological crisis.
Kazakhstan’s chairmanship in IFAS aims to bolster regional cooperation, focusing on integrated water resource management, environmental conservation, and socio-economic development. Central to this effort are the implementation of Aral Sea Basin Program-4 (ASBP-4) and the Regional Environmental Protection Program for Sustainable Development of Central Asia (REPPSD CA) until 2030. Kazakhstan’s collaborative approach involves adapting to climate change, preserving biodiversity, and implementing innovative environmental technologies.
Key initiatives include improving water quality, preventing pollution, and reducing natural disaster risks. Kazakhstan advocates for sustainable regional cooperation mechanisms to optimize water and energy resource usage while promoting irrigation, hydropower, and ecological balance. President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev’s call for action underscores Kazakhstan’s commitment to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and positioning Central Asia as a unified region on the global stage.
Strengthening partnerships with international entities and financial institutions is pivotal in advancing environmental conservation efforts. Kazakhstan pledges to implement agreements reached at the IFAS Summit in Dushanbe, aligning regional actions with global SDGs. By fostering collaboration and leveraging international support, Kazakhstan endeavors to restore the Aral Sea ecosystem, safeguard biodiversity, and ensure the sustainability of Central Asia’s natural resources for generations to come.
