«The initiative to establish a dedicated fund was announced during the seminar Development of a Master Plan for the Preservation of the Lake Balkhash Ecosystem», hosted by the Central Asian Institute for Environmental Research (CAIER) in Almaty. The event brought together representatives from Kazakhmys Corporation LLP, the Ministry of Water Resources and Irrigation of the Republic of Kazakhstan, international organizations, the Consulate General of France in Almaty, as well as local scientists and experts.

«The primary objective of the seminar was to convene experts addressing Lake Balkhash’s challenges, including our international partners. Following two days of discussions between Kazakhmys, the Ministry of Water Resources, and all other participants, a clear understanding of the next steps and areas of responsibility has already been established», - noted Saken Shayakhmetov, Deputy Chairman of the Management Board for Sustainable Development and Communications.

During the seminar, it was decided to jointly develop a roadmap with the Ministry of Water Resources and Irrigation for implementing the master plan for the further development of Lake Balkhash and the Ili-Balkhash Basin. As the part of the master plan, a portfolio of projects will be selected, with the subsequent phase focused on their implementation and execution.

It is important to highlight that the roadmap will encompass a comprehensive set of measures for analyzing the status and quality of water resources in the Ili-Balkhash Basin, including groundwater. It will also include the creation of a digital monitoring platform for Lake Balkhash levels, the automation and digitization of water facilities and the prioritization of critical hydraulic infrastructure, among other initiatives.

«Kazakhmys has made the decision to establish a fund dedicated to the preservation of the Ili-Balkhash Basin, its ecosystem, water resources and biodiversity. Our fund will collaborate closely with the Ministry, and at our level, we will engage specialists, select projects and implement initiatives that are of significant importance and deliver maximum benefits to the regions where we operate», - emphasized Saken Shayakhmetov.

«For a long time, issues related to Lake Balkhash were addressed in a fragmented manner, without a unified strategy. To transition to a systematic and coordinated approach, we are initiating the development of a master plan for the preservation and protection of the lake. This document will serve as a critical milestone in establishing a holistic, cross-sectoral approach to managing the basin’s water resources, balancing the interests of nature, the economy and society», - stated Bolat Bekniyaz, First Vice Minister of Water Resources and Irrigation of Kazakhstan.

In addition, measures have already been developed to ensure more rational and efficient use of water resources in the Ili-Balkhash Basin, alongside joint initiatives with the People’s Republic of China on the protection and sustainable utilization of the Ili River Basin.

Research on the Lake Balkhash Basin will be conducted in collaboration with the French Development Agency, the Bureau of Geological and Mining Research of France and local specialists. Currently, the French side is engaged in the collection of necessary data, including planned field inspections of wells, hydroposts and irrigated areas within the Lake Balkhash Basin by the Bureau of Geological and Mining Research experts.