The aim of the forum is to rise of knowledge on the ecological, social and economic problems of the Aral Sea region, to draw attention of the world community to the current issues in accordance with the global goals of sustainable development.
Organizers: Akimat of Kyzylorda region, International Science Complex “Astana”, Executive Board of the International Fund for saving the Aral sea in the Republic of Kazakhstan.
Co-organizers: The Ministry of Agriculture of the Republic of Kazakhstan, The Ministry of Foreign Affairs Republic of Kazakhstan, The Ministry of Energy of the Republic of Kazakhstan, LLP “Institute of Geography” KazNRTU named after Satpaev Ministry of Education and Science of the Republic of Kazakhstan.
State Secretary of the Republic of Kazakhstan Gulshara Abdykalikova, Kyzylorda Governor, deputies of the Parliament of the Republic of Kazakhstan, ambassadors of a number of foreign countries, representatives of central and local state bodies, international and non-governmental organizations, scientists and experts took part in the Forum.
In the opening speech the Head of the Kyzylorda region K. Kusherbayev noted that the First President of the Republic of Kazakhstan – the Leader of the Nation N.A. Nazarbaev at the U.N.O. platform stated that the problem of Aral Sea is the threat not only for our region but also for the entire globe. As a result of its desiccation, dust and toxic salt have already been found in Europe and Antarctica.
State Secretary of the Republic of Kazakhstan G. Abdykalikova made a welcome speech. Also welcome speech was made by the representative of the Parliament of the Republic of Kazakhstan, delegation of Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, U.N.O., World Bank, United Nations Economic Commission (ECE), etc.
Along with the discussed environmental and socio-economic issues of the Aral Sea, the Forum addressed topical problems of industrial ecology, global climate change, integrated water issues, and the experience of solving these problems in the modern world. Director of the Institute of Geography, Corresponding Member of the National Academy of Sciences of Kazakhstan, Doctor of Geographical Sciences, Professor Medeu A.R. made a report on scientific research of Institute of Geography in solving the Aral Sea problem.
Within the framework of the forum documentary and popular science films, author's presentations of books about the Aral Sea and the Aral Sea region, scientific monographs and other events were demonstrated. And the figures and organizations that contributed to solving the Aral Sea and Aral Sea basin problems were awarded.
A number of presiding’s of intention of collaboration were signed:
- Establishment of “green belt” at the Eastern coast of Aral Sea;
- Establishment of Aral Sea center for adaptation of wild animals to Climate Change;
- Establishment of science-tourist center “Aral” at shore of the lake Kymystibas;
- Creation of the “Atlas of Kyzylorda region and interactive digital maps of Kazakhstan part of Aral Sea based on the GIS-technologies”; etc.
As a result, the participants passed a resolution of the forum and supported the initiative of the Executive Directorate of IFAS in Kazakhstan on the announcement of the day of foundation of IFAS on March 26 - "The Day of the Aral Sea".
In the future, the organizing committee of the forum intends to hold a summit of the Heads of the Countries of the Aral Sea in Kyzylorda.
On the second day, the forum participants will conduct a helicopter flight around the Kazakhstan part of the Aral Sea.
