To combat the environmental catastrophe unfolding in the Aral Sea region, a campaign to plant saxaul, a halophytic plant capable of thriving in arid and salty conditions, has been initiated, the Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources of Kazakhstan reported.
Vice-Minister of Ecology and Natural Resources Nurken Sharbiev, along with Chairman of the Board of "KazMunayGas" Mirzagaliyev Magzum and akim (mayor) of the Kyzylorda region Nalibaev N.M., spearheaded the endeavor by participating in a tree-planting action on the desiccated seabed.
The Aral Sea crisis stands as one of the most significant environmental disasters in human history. The sea's rapid desiccation has led to annual dust and salt storms, exacerbating ecological degradation and endangering the health of local populations. A myriad of health issues, including kidney stones, pneumonia, and respiratory tract ailments, have plagued inhabitants of the region.
Planting halophytic species such as saxaul, sarsazan, karabarak, and tamarix is recognized as the most effective measure to halt the encroachment of salt and sand on the Aral Sea's dried bottom. These plants have demonstrated the ability to thrive in arid, saline soil conditions when proper agrotechnical protocols are observed.
Saxaul, in particular, has proven to be a formidable ally in combating desertification. A single saxaul bush can anchor up to 4 tons of quicksand. Moreover, experts assert that saxaul plantings can diminish wind speeds over time, with reductions of 20.5% in the first year, 34.6% after two years, and a remarkable 87.4% after five years.
The dried bottom of the Aral Sea spans approximately 6 mn hectares, with 2.8 mn hectares falling within the territory of the Republic of Kazakhstan. Presently, efforts to plant saxaul cover 377.200 hectares of this barren landscape.
International support for the campaign is robust, with organizations such as the World Bank, the German Society for International Cooperation (GIZ), the South Korean Forest Service, and others actively contributing to the saxaul planting initiative.
Moreover, as part of Uzbekistan's response to the environmental challenges stemming from the Aral Sea's drying, the Ministry of Emergency Situations plans to recommence the aerial sowing of saxaul seeds. This innovative approach is integral to the country's national strategy aimed at establishing forested areas on the barren expanse of the Aral Sea's former bed, to mitigate the ongoing environmental crisis precipitated by its shrinking waters.
The forthcoming aerial seeding operation marks a significant advancement in Uzbekistan's continuous endeavors to address the environmental repercussions of the Aral Sea's depletion. This initiative is in line with Uzbekistan's broader national objectives, which prioritize environmental sustainability and the restoration of ecological balance.
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