Spring planting of saxaul begins on dried bottom of Aral Sea in Kyzylorda region

Spring planting of saxaul at the bottom of the Aral Sea began in Kyzylorda region. It is expected to plant 250,000 seedlings this year. About a million of these woody plants will be put here over the next three years. According to experts, the decision to plant saxaul is not accidental. It is not a fastidious plant, perfectly survives in the harsh conditions of the desert. In addition, one such tree can stop up to 4 tons of sand. Every year, the wind scatters tens of millions of tons of salt and dust from the bottom of the sea for thousands of kilometers.

“In 2021, forest improvement work was carried out on an area of 100,000 hectares. We plan to cover more than one million hectares until 2025. We grow seedlings in temporary forestry institution. And then we transfer them to the dried seabed,” said Aibek Zholakhanov, Head of Department, the Territorial Inspection of Forestry and Wildlife in Kyzylorda region.

The landscaping of the dried bottom of the Aral Sea began 20 years ago. Over the years, various methods have been used to plant saxaul on an area of more than 200,000 hectares. Thanks to a natural process, this area has increased to 400,000.

Translation by Saniya Sakenova

Editing by Saule Mukhamejanova