International Water and Climate Forum "Balkhash - 2024: Challenges and Solutions"
It is aimed at uniting the efforts of civil society, scientists, cultural figures, government, business and the international community to jointly search for ways to preserve the ecosystem of the transboundary Balkhash-Alakol basin in the face of growing water, climate, environmental and socio-economic challenges.
The Forum will discuss practical actions of the state, local authorities and private sector to prevent ecological degradation, as well as innovative models of basin management based on the ecosystem approach and public participation.
The program will consider current and future strategies of major water users, as well as interdisciplinary interconnections of ecology, economy, history and culture of the region for joint actions to mitigate the consequences of increasing water scarcity, climate change, as well as for the development of green economy sectors, investment and tourism potential of the region.
The program will consider current and future strategies of major water users, as well as interdisciplinary interconnections of ecology, economy, history and culture of the region for joint actions to mitigate the consequences of increasing water scarcity, climate change, as well as for the development of green economy sectors, investment and tourism potential of the region.
Balkhash-Alakol transboundary basin
occupies a vast territory of 413 thousand
km2. The main water artery of the lake
is the Ile River, which originates in
China. The lake is characterized by high
biodiversity of flora and fauna and has an
impact on the livelihoods of more than 10
million people.
McKinsey’s expert group predicts Lake
Balkhash will lose up to 86% of its water
by 2046, if the lake’s problems continue
to be ignored and the issues of
preservation will not be raised and
solved at local, republican, regional,
and international levels.
occupies a vast territory of 413 thousand
km2. The main water artery of the lake
is the Ile River, which originates in
China. The lake is characterized by high
biodiversity of flora and fauna and has an
impact on the livelihoods of more than 10
million people.
McKinsey’s expert group predicts Lake
Balkhash will lose up to 86% of its water
by 2046, if the lake’s problems continue
to be ignored and the issues of
preservation will not be raised and
solved at local, republican, regional,
and international levels.
LAKE
BALKHASH
BALKHASH
The 14th largest lake in the world, located
in Central Kazakhstan, is currently an area
of social, economic, environmental, and
water crisis, where the scenario of water
use is reminiscent of the catastrophe of the
disappearance of the Aral Sea as a result
of anthropogenic impact.
in Central Kazakhstan, is currently an area
of social, economic, environmental, and
water crisis, where the scenario of water
use is reminiscent of the catastrophe of the
disappearance of the Aral Sea as a result
of anthropogenic impact.
1
Threat of basin degradation and recurrence of the Aral sea catastrophe
2
Irrational
use of water
use of water
3
Inefficient management of the Balkhash-Alakol Basin
4
Transboundary issues on the Ile River
6
Land degradation
and desertification
and desertification
PROBLEMATICS
5
Melting of the glaciers
and reduction of available water
and reduction of available water
7
Disengagement of people
and businesses from
problem solving
and businesses from
problem solving
8
Growing risks of biodiversity loss
9
Climate change and
environmental conflicts
environmental conflicts
RESULTS OF THE FORUM
- 1Creation of a network of partners from the public, local
and national executive bodies, scientists, cultural figures, representatives of international organisations and embassies in Kazakhstan to jointly care for Lake; - 2
- 3
- 4Creation and launch of a permanent online
platform Careforbalkhash.org - with collected
information on data, research and news about the
Balkhash-Alakol basin in ecological, economic,
social and cultural contexts; - 5Draft basin agreement on advancing legislative, economic, and social mechanisms for the preservation of Lake Balkhash.
IMPACT OF THE FORUM
- 1The corporation "Kazakhmys" organized a strategic session during COP29 titled "Water Resource Management of Lake Balkhash: International Cooperation, Research, and Financing." The goal of the session was to identify ways to prevent Lake Balkhash from drying up by uniting the efforts of scientific experts, government organizations, and international financial institutions.
- 2The corporation "Kazakhmys" announced the allocation of $5 million for the research and preservation of the sustainability of Lake Balkhash's ecosystem.
CONSULTANTS
- Prof. Nariman Kipshakbayevfounder of water policy in Kazakhstan, Chairman of the Water Partnership of Kazakhstan
- Rymkul Mashurbekovaecologist, expert on Balkhash-Alakol basin
- Bulat Yessekininternational expert in the field of climate change, water resources and sustainable development
- Anar Tleulesovaprofessor, hydrogeological engineer
- Kulshat Medeuovaphilosopher, professor at ENU named after L.N. Gumilyov
- Almagul Menlibayevacontemporary artist, curator
- Daulet Kozhakovhistorian, director of the Balkhash Local History Museum
TEAM
- Aigerim Kaparinitiator, co-curator of the Forum
- Aigerim Tleubayinitiator, co-curator of the Forum
- Antonina van Lierproject manager
- Karlygash Akhmetbekvisual director, designer
- Aigerim Ospanart manager
- Aruzhan Kaltaymedia manager
