Saxaul plantations on Aral Sea bed expanded to 595,000 hectaresKazakhstan has planted saxaul shrubs across 595,000 hectares of the dried-up Aral Sea bed as part of ongoing efforts to combat desertification, the country’s Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources reported Tuesday.The announcement followed a national urban forum held in Kyzylorda, where officials highlighted progress in afforestation efforts since 2021. Earlier reports from the ministry indicated that 475,000 hectares had been planted between 2021 and 2024. To support the initiative, a 33-hectare nursery was commissioned last year in Kazalinsk, with an annual capacity of 3 million seedlings.Kazakhstan has adopted a comprehensive program to plant saxaul across 1.1 million hectares of the former seabed by 2030. The hardy desert shrub, known for its deep root system, helps stabilize sandy soil, preventing wind erosion and preserving fragile ecosystems. Saxaul also serves as fodder for camels, provides timber, and is used as fuel due to its high heat output.The desiccated Aral Sea bed spans 4.5 million hectares, with 2.2 million hectares in Kazakhstan and 2.3 million in Uzbekistan. Each year, up to 100 million tonnes of salt and dust are carried by winds from the exposed seabed, spreading across thousands of kilometers. (ICE ALMATY)

Fonte notizia: INTERFAX