The French Development Agency announces its support to the Ministry of Water Resources and Irrigation of the Republic of Kazakhstan for the sustainable management of the lake Balkhash

Enhancing sustainable water management is a central pillar of the French Development Agency (AFD)’s global support for the water sector and directly aligns to the core mandate of the Ministry of Water Resources and Irrigation (MWRI). In pursuit of this shared objective, Bureau de Recherches Géologique et Minières (BRGM), leveraging over 65 years of expertise, will contribute by delivering analyses and proposing solutions to address challenges associated with the largest enclosed water body in the Republic of Kazakhstan.

A 1,35 MEUR GRANT FOR SUSTAINABLE WATER MANAGEMENT of the lake Balkhash 

Lake Balkhash, located in southeastern Kazakhstan, is one of the largest endorheic lakes - whose waters do not escape to an ocean or a sea, but remain confined within a closed basin - in the world, with a surface area of 18,200 km². This lake, fed mainly by the Ili River, is a vital ecosystem for the region. However, increasing pressures from human activities and climate change threaten its hydrological balance. Sustainable management of this water resource is therefore a crucial issue for food security, energy production, as well as the preservation of local ecosystems.

The aim of the master plan is to provide a long-term (2040) structured response to the challenges posed by climate change and anthropogenic pressures on the lake Balkhash and its ecosystem through: 

-    Hydrological and climate data collection and analyses ;

-    Hydrological and climate modeling in different climate-change scenario ;

-    Mapping, monitoring and forecast of the irrigated area ;

-    Water uses analysis, and water balance with forecats

-    Strengthening local capacities with a dissemination of the results. 

It will suggest actions that could be taken by the MWRI to preserve inland waters. 

Contact Presse :

Chloé Odstrcil / odstrcilc@afd.fr / + 33 6 24 61 33 18 

About the French Development Agency:

Agence Française de Développement (AFD) Group finances, supports and accelerates the transitions necessary for a more just and resilient world. It thus contributes to implementing France’s policy on sustainable development and international solidarity. It is with and for communities that we build, with our partners, solutions in more than 160 countries, as well as in 11 French overseas departments and territories.

Our objective: to reconcile economic development with the preservation of common goods: the climate, biodiversity, peace, gender equality, education and health. Our teams are involved in more than 3,600 projects in the field, which are part of the commitment of France and the French people to fulfilling the Sustainable Development Goals. For a world in common.

More information at https://www.afd.fr/en

About the Bureau de Recherches Géologiques et Minières:

BRGM is the French government agency for geology applied to the management of surface and underground resources with a view to sustainable development objectives. BRGM focuses on research, expertise and innovation. Its activities aim to achieve four objectives: to understand geological phenomena and the associated risks; to develop new methods and techniques; to generate and disseminate data for the management of surface and underground resources; to provide the tools needed to manage surface and underground resources, to prevent risks and pollution and to manage policies in response to climate change.

More information at https://www.brgm.fr/en

About the Ministry of Water Resources and Irrigation of the Republic of Kazakhstan:

The Ministry of Water Resources and Irrigation of Kazakhstan is the government body responsible for the management and sustainable use of the country's water resources. Its mission is to ensure the availability and efficient distribution of water for agricultural, industrial, and domestic needs, while preserving the ecological balance.

The ministry oversees policies related to irrigation systems, water conservation, and infrastructure development, supporting Kazakhstan’s agricultural sector and addressing challenges like water scarcity and climate change. It also promotes international cooperation on transboundary water management, given the region's shared water resources with neighboring countries.

Through modern technologies and innovative approaches, the ministry aims to secure water sustainability and improve living standards across Kazakhstan.

More information at https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/komwater?lang=en