OSCE Centre supports better water management in Kazakhstan’s Aral Sea area

KYZYLORDA, Kazakhstan, 18 October 2011 - An OSCE-supported conference on biodiversity conservation, climate change response, sustainable development and comprehensive integrated water resources management (IWRM) in Kazakhstan’s Aral Sea Basin Area started today in Kyzylorda, Southern Kazakhstan.

The event was organized by the International Fund for Saving the Aral Sea (IFAS) Executive Directorate in Kazakhstan and was supported by the OSCE Centre in Astana and the local administration. It brought together some 50 representatives from state agencies, academia, international and non-governmental organizations.

The workshop participants discussed biodiversity conservation, the sustainable use of wetland resources, the importance of IWRM principles for the preservation of the resourceful potential of the Aral Sea Basin Area, and how to protect the local population from the negative effects of pollution and depletion when countering threats to water and environmental security in the region. The IFAS experts presented scientific research on the current state of the Syrdarya River Delta Wetlands, recommending that they be included into the specially protected areas covered by the Ramsar Convention.

“Today’s event builds on previous initiatives carried out in accordance with the Memorandum of Understanding between the Kazakhstani branch of IFAS and the OSCE Centre in Astana,” said Jeannette Kloetzer, the Deputy Head of the OSCE Centre in Astana. “We hope that it will contribute to the co-ordination of the projects implemented by international organizations and donors in the Aral Sea region, and strengthen dialogue and co-operation at the national and regional levels.”

“A stable hydrological regime of wetlands and delta lakes will help preserve the fragile ecosystems of the northern portion of the Aral Sea and contribute to region’s sustainable development,” said Demesin Nurmaganbetov, the Deputy Chairman of the IFAS Executive Committee. “The inclusion of the Syrdarya River Delta Wetlands into the Ramsar List of Wetlands of International Importance is one of the key objectives of the Aral Sea Basin Programme for 2011-2015.”

“In the 20 years following Kazakhstan’s independence a large amount of work has been done to tackle environmental challenges and ensure security in the Aral Sea region,” added Bakhyt Zhakhanov, the Deputy Akim of Kyzylorda oblast. “This conference provides a good opportunity to examine the problems of the region from various perspectives as well as discuss the issues and make any necessary changes.”

The conference is part of Centre’s long-term efforts to promote efficient water management systems in the region.