On October 17, the 41st meeting of the Balkhash–Alakol Basin Council was held in Almaty.
The event was supported by the regional programme ‘Climate-sensitive Water Resources Management in Central Asia’, implemented by GIZ in cooperation with the Regional Environmental Centre for Central Asia (CAREC).
The meeting brought together representatives of state bodies, local executive (akimats) and representative authorities (maslikhats), academia, non-governmental and international organizations. As observers, representatives of Basin Councils from the Republic of Uzbekistan and the Kyrgyz Republic, as well as basin organizations from the Republic of Tajikistan, were invited.
During the discussions, participants comprehensively reviewed achievements and current challenges in regional water resources management. Particular attention was given to adapting to the provisions of the new Water Code, integrating international best practices, and expanding the participation of all stakeholders — government bodies, water management organizations, NGOs, and local communities.
Following the meeting, a set of coordinated recommendations was developed to enhance water use efficiency, modernize infrastructure, reduce water losses, and strengthen cooperation among key agencies and basin organizations. Special attention was also paid to preparations for the 2026 flood season, the development of monitoring and hydrometeorological forecasting systems, and improving the preparedness of emergency services and local populations for potential emergencies.
The Council emphasized the importance of implementing the Master Plan for Water Resources Management of Almaty city, updating regional programs for Almaty and Zhetysu regions, and integrating Kazhydromet data into water management planning. Another key priority identified was promoting public participation and environmental awareness, contributing to the development of a culture of responsible water use.
