Development of cooperation between Kazakhstan and EU countries in the field of water resources management was discussed at the 14th meeting of the dialogue platform "Kazakhstan - European Union" chaired by Prime Minister Olzhas Bektenov.

In order to develop effective approaches to flood prevention and damage reduction, the Ministry of Water Resources and Irrigation is studying the progressive experience of EU countries, including the Netherlands.

According to Nurzhan Nurzhigitov, Minister of Water Resources and Irrigation, the best practices are being analysed and adopted, which can be useful in efforts to immediately respond to floods. On the instructions of the Head of State, integrated measures will be included in the provisions of the Concept for the Development of the Water Resources Management System.

Abnormal inflow of flood waters has led to filling of reservoirs. This will make it possible to provide the population with drinking water and agricultural lands and industry with irrigation water. At the same time, the issue of water conservation in agriculture remains topical: the share of the industry's consumption is 65 per cent of the total water intake.

To stimulate farmers to apply water-saving technologies, the regions have started to increase subsidies. In parallel, the development of Hungarian scientists - an organic preparation for retaining moisture in the soil - is being introduced in the southern regions of the country.

"Representatives of the company have visited four regions. We are concluding contracts with peasant farms for pilot projects. Research institutes of Kazakhstan are involved in the work to determine the effectiveness of the innovative development. If the tests are successful, the question of building a plant to produce the organic drug in our country will arise," Nurzhan Nurzhigitov, Minister of Water Resources and Irrigation said.

The ministry also works closely with the geological services of France, Finland and the German Society for International Co-operation GIZ. Joint projects are being implemented to introduce innovations in monitoring and management of surface and underground water resources.

Also since this year Kazakhstan is the Chairman of the International Fund for Saving the Aral Sea. Joint work has been established with the World Bank on the restoration of the Northern part of the Aral Sea. A large-scale study of the Balkhash Lake basin is planned with the participation of the French Development Agency.

In general, the transformation of the country's water sector is carried out in three key areas:

1. Creation of fundamentally new regulatory and legal framework aimed at formation of water saving policy, demand management, reuse of treated wastewater;

2. Modernisation of the water infrastructure, providing for construction and reconstruction of reservoirs, digitalisation of irrigation canals and hydraulic structures;

3. Strengthening transboundary cooperation with neighbouring countries.

#International Cooperation #water resources