Kazakhstan, Russia to form a joint group to explore Ural River
The Minister of Ecology, Geology and Natural Resources of Kazakhstan, Magzum Mirzagaliyev, during a working visit to the Russian Federation discussed the possibility of creating a joint expert group to study the hydrological regime of the Ural River, the creation of a program to improve the ecosystem of the basin, as well as the conservation of the Caspian seal and saiga populations, Strategy2050.kz reports cites the Ministry of Ecology, Geology and Natural Resources of the Republic of Kazakhstan on Telegram.
A meeting took place between Magzum Mirzagaliev and Russian Minister of Natural Resources and Ecology Dmitry Kobylkin, at which the head of the Ministry of Ecology of Kazakhstan called on focusing on joint research on the hydrological regime of the Ural River subsequently developing a set of measures to improve the river.
“It is necessary to create a joint working group between our departments to organize research on the modern hydrological regime of the Ural River, and develop relevant terms of reference. In March 2020, the parties’ experts can begin to conduct a joint study,” the Kazakh minister said.
He also urged to set up a panel of experts from each party. It is planned that at the next stage, the parties will begin to study the environment of the region and develop a program to improve the ecosystem of the Ural River basin.
The Kazakh minister of ecology, geology and natural resources also proposed that the Russian side create a transboundary specially protected natural area to preserve the habitats of the Caspian seal.
The conservation of saiga populations was also touched upon.
