Kyzylorda region akim, Kazakhstan’s Parliament deputies, Ambassadors of a number of foreign countries, representatives of central and local state bodies, international and non-governmental organizations, scientists and experts have taken part in the Forum.
Gulshara Abdykalikova, in her welcoming speech, has underscored that the tragedy of the Aral Sea is one of the most serious environmental disasters and has become a clear example of what a thoughtless attitude towards nature can lead to.
The State Secretary stressed that the Head of State, in his program article "Future Outlook: Public Consciousness Improvement", focused on pragmatism, which "means accurate knowledge of their national and personal resources, their economical expenditure, and the ability to plan their future."
Over the years, the International Fund for Saving the Aral Sea has implemented programs to improve environmental health and address socio-economic problems of the Aral Sea area. Kazakhstan, with the support of the World Bank, has restored the northern part of the sea. At the same time, it was emphasized that much remains to be done.
Gulshara Abdykalikova expressed hope for the international community support in solving the problems of the Aral Sea basin, further consolidation of efforts and the Central Asian states in this direction.
Within the Forum, new applied projects for rehabilitation and sustainable development programs of the Aral Sea area have been launched, and memorandums and contracts have been signed aimed at conserving biodiversity, planting trees and restraining desertification, consolidating research activities, developing social infrastructure, etc.
On the same day, the State Secretary flew to Karmakshy district, where she visited “Korkyt Ata” memorial complex; she got acquainted with the activities of “Zhiraular Uyi” Culture House, the regional museum and the library, and she also met with the creative intelligentsia.