Aral Sea problems discussed in Brussels
31/10/2013 16:06
Aral Sea problems discussed in Brussels
31/10/2013 16:06
Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) -- Embassy of Uzbekistan in Belgium hosted a briefing dedicated to ecologic catastrophe in Aral Sea basin, its negative social-economic consequences and rational use of water.
Jahon news agency reported that representatives of the Belgian organizations, the European Union, European parliament, research and analytical centers, located in Brussels, diplomatic missions and mass media attended the event.
The participants received information on situation in Aral Sea Basin, economic and social-economic consequences of crisis, and its impact to population. They got information on efforts of Uzbekistan directed at preserving ecologic balance in the region and the Programme of measures on eliminating the consequences of the drying up of the Aral Sea and averting the catastrophe of the ecological systems in the Aral Sea region, which was disseminated at the UN General Assembly.
The attendees also familiarized with position of Uzbekistan on rational use of water resources in the region and construction of hydro power stations at trans-boundary rivers of the central Asia. It was stated that interests of all sides should be considered at construction of hydro power stations at the trans-boundary rivers.
The film about situation in Aral Sea and measures on mitigating its negative consequences to life of population was shown at the event. It also included a photo exhibition dedicated to Aral Sea catastrophe.
The participants underlined that it is necessary to solve this issue via close international cooperation.
Valerie Ndaruzaniye, President of the Global Water Institute, said that drying of the Aral Sea is a large global ecologic catastrophe. She welcomed efforts of Uzbekistan to improve life standards of the region and added that adopted measures helped to mitigate consequences of the catastrophe to life of people.
Experts called to attract attention and financial aid of the international community to solve problems in Aral Sea.
Vice President of European Parliament Alexander Alvaro (Germany) said the problems of Aral Sea is a sensitive issue and deserves attention of international community. He welcomed efforts directed at improving life of local population. He underlined that 740,000 hectares of forest, local lakes and water reservoirs were created. About 1,700 km of drainage system has been launched. He said that these measures helped to improve water supply to population.
Alvaro said it is important that the UN, EU, World Bank, the ADB, donor governments to adapt measures to solve this problem. He said that it is planned to attract US$8.5 billion to implement over 300 projects within the programme of Aral Sea Basin (PASB-3).
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