OSCE supports Better Water Management in Aral Sea area

    By G.Dadashova
    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 in Kyzylorda, Southern Kazakhstan, on Oct.18.
    The participants discussed biodiversity conservation, the sustainable use of wetland resources, the importance of IWRM principles for the preservation of the resource 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.
    "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," Deputy Head of the OSCE Centre in Astana Jeannette Kloetzer said.
    "We hope it will contribute to the coordination of the projects implemented by international organizations and donors in the Aral Sea region, and strengthen dialogue and cooperation 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," Deputy Chairman of the IFAS Executive Committee Demesin Nurmaganbetov said.
    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, according to Trend.