The Aral Sea is one of the most significant environmental disasters of the 20th century. Once the fourth largest lake in the world, it has lost 90% of its volume since the 1960s due to human activities. This article explores the geographical location of the Aral Sea and the countries that border it, as well as the environmental and human impact of its shrinking, and efforts to restore it.
Geographical Location of the Aral Sea
The Aral Sea is located in Central Asia, between the two countries of Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan. It is a saltwater lake and was once fed by two rivers, the Amu Darya and the Syr Darya. The sea was an important fishing ground and supported the livelihoods of thousands of people in the region.
Bordering Countries
The Aral Sea is bordered by Kazakhstan to the north and Uzbekistan to the south. Both countries were part of the former Soviet Union and gained independence in 1991. The two countries share a long and complex history, marked by economic and political tensions.
The Aral Sea and Kazakhstan
Kazakhstan has the largest share of the Aral Sea, with its territory located on the northern shore. The Kazakh government has been actively involved in restoring the northern part of the sea and has implemented several initiatives to address the environmental and social impact of its shrinking. The Kazakh government has also provided technical and financial support to the Uzbek government to address the crisis.
The Aral Sea and Uzbekistan
Uzbekistan has the majority of the Aral Sea’s territory, including the south and eastern coast. The shrinking of the sea has had a significant impact on the Uzbek economy, environment, and public health. Water scarcity, desertification, and reduced fish stocks have affected the livelihoods of thousands of people in the region.
The Shrinking of the Aral Sea
The Aral Sea began shrinking in the 1960s due to human activities, mainly the diversion of water from the two rivers that fed it for irrigation purposes. The shrinking has led to a reduction in the sea’s depth and volume, with some areas drying up completely. The shrinking has also caused changes in the climate and vegetation of the region.
The Environmental Impact
The shrinking of the Aral Sea has had a devastating impact on the environment in the region. The loss of water has caused the salinity of the sea to increase, leading to the death of fish and other aquatic life. The drying of the sea bed has also resulted in the release of toxic chemicals, including pesticides and fertilizers, which have contaminated the soil and air in the surrounding areas.
The Human Impact
The shrinking of the Aral Sea has also had a significant impact on the people who live in the region. The loss of fishing grounds and reduced irrigation water has affected the livelihoods of thousands of people. The environmental contamination has also led to an increase in health problems, including respiratory diseases and cancer.
The Aral Sea Crisis
The Aral Sea crisis is a complex issue that requires a multifaceted approach to address. It involves addressing the root cause of the shrinking of the sea, as well as mitigating its impact on the environment and people in the region. The crisis requires the cooperation of different stakeholders, including governments, international organizations, and local communities.
Efforts to Restore the Aral Sea
Efforts to restore the Aral Sea have been ongoing since the 1990s, with various initiatives implemented by the governments of Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan, as well as international organizations. These efforts have focused on improving water management, reducing pollution, and restoring the natural ecosystems of the region. Some successes have been achieved, but the restoration of the sea remains a long-term and challenging task.
Conclusion
The Aral Sea crisis is a stark reminder of the impact of human activities on the environment and the need for sustainable development. The shrinking of the sea has had a devastating impact on the environment and people in the region, but efforts to restore it offer hope for the future. The Aral Sea crisis is a global issue that requires a global response, and the cooperation of all stakeholders is essential to address it.
References
- UNESCO. "The Aral Sea Crisis and UNESCO’s Response." UNESCO. Accessed June 25, 2021. .
- World Bank. "Aral Sea Watershed." World Bank. Accessed June 25, 2021. https://www.worldbank.org/en/topic/water/brief/aral-sea-watershed.
- "The Aral Sea Disaster: Causes, Consequences, and Solutions." Earth.Org. Accessed June 25, 2021. .
