Kazakhstan’s Efforts in Planting Forests on Aral Sea
In 2025 Kazakhstan will continue a large-scale project to restore the ecosystem on the dried bottom of the Aral Sea, the Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources said.
The project involves KATCO, a joint venture between the French state-owned company Orano and Kazakhstan’s national atomic company Kazatomprom, and other state and private companies. They have joined efforts to create artificial forest plantations to prevent land degradation and improve the environmental situation in the Aral Sea area.
The project has so far collected 522 tons of seeds and between December 16 and 30, 2024 sowing works were completed on 12,000 hectares. Sowing will continue on 108,000 hectares in January–February 2025, and in March 2025, saxaul seedlings will be planted on 16,492 hectares.
Kazakhstan plans to plant saxaul shrubs on 1.1 million hectares of the dried Aral Sea. In 2021–2024, saxaul was planted on 475,000 hectares, including 127,000 hectares in 2024 alone. The plan for 2025 is 428,000 hectares.
Once the fourth largest inland body of water in the world, the Aral Sea was in the epicenter of one of the largest environmental disasters of the 20th century. Its water level declined due to water withdrawal from the main feeder rivers, the Amu Darya and Syr Darya, for cotton irrigation needs. By 2007, the Aral Sea had shrunk to one-tenth its original size.
Millions of tons of salt, dust, and sand are blown from the dried bottom of Aral, causing significant damage to the environment and health of local residents.
Photo: gov.kz
Kazakhstan is undertaking a remarkable environmental initiative by planting artificial forests on the dried bottom of the Aral Sea. This project aims to combat the ecological disaster that has unfolded since the 1960s when the Aral Sea began to shrink due to extensive irrigation projects. The once-thriving body of water has drastically reduced in size, leading to severe consequences for the local climate, wildlife, and communities that depended on it.
The initiative to plant artificial forests is part of a broader strategy to restore the ecological balance in the region. By creating green spaces, Kazakhstan hopes to improve air quality, reduce soil erosion, and provide habitats for various species that have been affected by the desiccation of the Aral Sea. The project involves planting drought-resistant tree species that can thrive in the harsh conditions of the former seabed.
One of the key benefits of this initiative is its potential to mitigate the effects of climate change. The newly planted forests will help sequester carbon dioxide, contributing to global efforts to combat climate change. Additionally, the trees will play a crucial role in stabilizing the soil, preventing dust storms that have become more frequent in the area due to the exposed seabed.
Local communities are also expected to benefit from this project. The artificial forests can provide resources such as timber and fuel, while also creating opportunities for eco-tourism. As the forests mature, they may attract visitors interested in experiencing the unique landscape and learning about the environmental challenges faced by the region.
In conclusion, Kazakhstan’s initiative to plant artificial forests on the dried bottom of the Aral Sea represents a significant step towards ecological restoration and sustainability. By addressing the environmental challenges posed by the shrinking sea, this project not only aims to revive the local ecosystem but also to enhance the quality of life for the communities that call this region home. As the forests grow, they will serve as a symbol of resilience and hope for a more sustainable future.
