China's Central Asian neighbor Kazakhstan and France have developed a comprehensive conservation plan for Lake Balkhash
As concerns grow over the impacts of climate change and shifting water resources in the region, Kazakhstan and France are developing a long-term strategy to protect one of the largest inland bodies of water in Eurasia – Lake Balkhash.
An open meeting was held in Astana by the working group responsible for drafting the master plan to protect the lake’s ecosystem. The project is being implemented jointly by Kazakhstan’s Ministry of Water Resources and Irrigation, the French Development Agency (AFD), and the French Geological and Mining Research Institute (BRGM).
Located in southeastern Kazakhstan, Lake Balkhash is the world’s second-largest non-drying saline lake after the Caspian Sea and one of the largest lakes globally. Its uniqueness lies in the fact that its western part is nearly freshwater, while the eastern part is brackish. The Ili River contributes up to 80% of the lake’s inflow, while the Karatal, Aksu, Ayagoz, and Leipisi rivers, along with groundwater resources, also play significant roles in maintaining the lake’s water balance.
Although Kazakhstan’s Ministry of Ecology previously stated there is no risk of catastrophic water level decline in Lake Balkhash, the government has initiated a comprehensive strategy aimed at protecting the ecosystem of one of the country’s most vital water resources.
At the meeting, French experts presented preliminary findings covering key components of the project. Participants reviewed studies related to agriculture, hydrology, glacial runoff, hydrogeology, water use, and water resource modeling.
The discussion particularly focused on the sustainable management of water resources within the Lake Balkhash basin under changing climate conditions. Experts outlined methods for predicting river flows, assessing future changes in glacial meltwater, studying interactions between surface and groundwater, and applying advanced modeling tools to support water management decision-making.
The session also explored the potential of using digital technologies to analyze various water allocation scenarios and assist in formulating basin management plans.
Researchers have integrated all findings into a unified assessment system covering the entire Lake Balkhash basin. Attendees identified several priority issues requiring further analysis to advance the development of the master plan.
"After the visit of French experts, we will clarify the next steps in the master plan, including forecasting water management conditions through 2040, selecting climate models, and conducting additional research in specific areas," said Kairatgali Kheyrulla, Director of the Center for Water Resources Information and Analysis under Kazakhstan’s Ministry of Water Resources and Irrigation.
"Kazakh and French experts will continue their collaboration until the end of 2026 to integrate research outcomes, refine model calculations, and draft the final document. This master plan will provide scientific basis for long-term decisions aimed at protecting the Lake Balkhash ecosystem and ensuring sustainable water resource management across the entire basin," he added.
The final version of the master plan is expected to be completed by the end of this year.
The future of Lake Balkhash has become especially critical as major infrastructure projects take shape in the region. As previously reported by Central Asia Times, Kazakhstan has begun preparatory work for constructing its first nuclear power plant, located near the village of Urken, close to Lake Balkhash.
Source: Central Asia Times
Author: Dmitry Pokidayev
Original article: toutiao.com/article/1868388158800905/
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