First Vice-Minister of Water Resources and Irrigation, Bolat Bekniyaz, engaged in discussions with a delegation from France, exploring possibilities for joint research on the Lake Balkhash basin and cooperation in groundwater management, the Ministry of Water Resources and Irrigation reported.
The dialogue primarily revolved around the outcomes of collaborative efforts between experts from the French Bureau of Geological and Mining Research (BRGM) and Kazakhstan's specialists. This collaborative project, initiated last year, has seen significant progress with eight workshops conducted in Kazakhstan, attended by French experts. The objective has been to identify and address critical issues in groundwater management.
Bolat Bekniyaz emphasized the importance of meticulously examining all collected data to prioritize areas of focus. Following this assessment, French experts will draft a concept note outlining methodologies for addressing these concerns.
Furthermore, the French delegation proposed a comprehensive study of the Lake Balkhash basin, aiming to formulate a model for its water resource management. This endeavor entails satellite image analysis and hydrogeological assessments. If realized, the French Development Agency is expected to contribute to this research initiative.
Expressing enthusiasm for the proposal, Bekniyaz highlighted the absence of dedicated institutions for the study and conservation of Lake Balkhash, unlike those for the Aral and Caspian Seas. He underscored the necessity for large-scale research on the lake basin and extended an invitation to the French delegation for participation in the "Balkhash-2024" international water and climate forum scheduled for late May.
“The proposal is very interesting. As you know, there are organizations involved in the study and preservation of the Aral and Caspian Sea, but there are no separate institutes or foundations for Balkhash. Although large-scale research of the lake basin is necessary. We are ready to work together in this direction. Also, taking this opportunity, I would like to invite the French delegation to the international water and climate forum “Balkhash-2024”, which will take place at the end of May,” Bekniyaz shared.
In addition to the focal point of Lake Balkhash, both parties explored potential collaboration in examining groundwater reservoirs in western Kazakhstan, specifically concerning oil contamination.
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