• 26 November 2025
• 140

Korkyt Ata University joins Aral Sea rescue initiative, working on ecosystem restoration

A meeting was held at Korkyt Ata Kyzylorda University in order to discuss a major environmental project for the restoration of the dried-up Aral Sea bed, being implemented in collaboration with the Bulat Utemuratov Foundation.

The partners in this initiative include Korkyt Ata Kyzylorda University, the Bulat Utemuratov Foundation, the University of California, Berkeley, and the International Fund for saving the Aral Sea in Kazakhstan.

In her opening remarks, Mainura Buribayeva, Vice-Rector for Scientific Work and International Relations, highlighted the project's ecological significance and emphasized the university's scientific potential.

Temirlan Yerbosynov, research, development, and internationalization director at the Bulat Utemuratov Foundation, stated: «Our pilot project is based on a new approach to ecosystem restoration. The innovative technology from the University of California, Berkeley, called E-seed, is being tested for the first time in Kazakhstan. Seeds coated with a special biological material are planted with the use of drones. This method allows for the greening of large areas with minimal costs. Within this project, concrete measures will be taken in collaboration with Korkyt Ata University in order to restore the ecosystem». The Aral Sea is one of the planet's largest ecological disasters. Once 90% dried up, the seabed has become a source of salt and dust, rendering millions of hectares of land unusable. This dust even reaches the Arctic and the Himalayas, threatening global ecological balance.

In the pilot phase until 2026, it is planned to sow seeds over an area of 1 hectare. If the trials are successful, seeds will be sown over 50 hectares in 2027. The project cost is estimated at approximately 600,000 US dollars.

In 2028–2029, an increase in the region's biodiversity, a rise in the population of small animals and birds, and an increase in air humidity are expected. The long-term goal is to stabilize the ecosystem, reduce air temperature, and improve microclimate by 2040.

Rakhat Kurmanbayev, Professor of Korkyt Ata Kyzylorda University stated in his speech: The project aims to fundamentally improve the ecological situation in Aral region. During the project, our research group will consist of biologists, ecologists, agronomists, specialists in water management, chemistry, and IT. Master's and doctoral students will also be involved in the project.

The university scientists have been assigned tasks in the following areas: «Preparation of the test period», «Production of 3000 E-seed containers in Kazakhstan», «Testing on an experimental plot of 1 hectare», and «Monitoring and control».

During the project implementation in 2024–2026, specific results are planned to be achieved with the support of the Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, President of the Republic of Kazakhstan, and the participation of the International Fund for Saving Aral Sea.

It should be noted that on October 29th, a four-party memorandum was signed in Astana between the Bulat Utemuratov Foundation, the University of California, Berkeley, the Executive Directorate of the International Fund for Saving the Aral Sea in Kazakhstan, and Korkyt Ata Kyzylorda University.

Media Center of Korkyt ata Kyzylorda University
Contact phone: 8(7242) 26-21-34
e-mail: media_korkyt@mail.ru