Project Detail

Solving the environmental problems of Karasu transboundary river in Western Kazakhstan (Restorationof the Small Uzen and Karazu transboundary river water systems, prevent water pollution, rehabilitate the Karasu River biodiversity, and improve the livelihood of the local community in Kaztalovsky district, West Kazakhstan)

As a result of overcontrol of the Big (Bolshoi) and Small (Maly) Uzen Rivers transboundary with Russia and the West Kazakhstan region, non-rational use of water and land resources, the Karasu River ecosystem which feeds itself from the Small Uzen River has greatly deteriorated bringing along the River shallowing and oozing, biodiversity reduction, soil salinization, pasture and hay-making area capacity decline. Waste and discharges from Kaztalovka village located on the River Karasu banks pollute the water, while local authorities and nature protection agencies fail to pay adequate attention to activities for the River ecosystem restoration and water protection against pollution.

This Project aims at restoring the Small Uzen and Karazu tranbsboundary rivers water regime, water pollution prevention, the Karasu River biodiversity rehabilitation, improvement of local community livelihood in the Kaztalovsky district, West Kazakhstan. The project implementation incorporates information and lobbying campaigns in execution of the Resolution of the Government of the Republic of Kazakhstan No. 262 ?On Additional Measures for WKR Social and Economic Development up to 2005? which relates to preparation of the intergovernmental draft agreement with the Russian Federation about utilization of the Big and Small Uzen transboundary rivers. Apart from this, a packet of measures has been planned to ensure the Karasu River water regime, water protection against pollution and water rational utilization, enhancement of environmental awareness among local population.

The project tasks are
1) Intensification of nature protection activity and involvement of local community into Project activity
2) Lobbying on bringing into effect the Resolution of the Government of the RK about settlement with the Russian side of transboundary issues of the Big and Small Uzen Rivers utilization
3) Restoration of the Karasu River water regime and ecosystem
4) Karasu River waters protection against pollution and their rational utilization
5) Enhancement of environmental education and improvement of Kaztalovka villagers livelihood

As a result of Project realization the following outcomes are expected:
1. Restoration of optimal water regime of the transboundary Small Uzen and Karasu Rivers and prevention of threats ensuing from overcontrol.
2. Prevention of the Karasu River pollution and restoration of its ecosystem.
3. Drawing attention towards and intensification of nature protection activities of local authorities, state institutions, local community, enhancement of environmental education level and improvement of local community livelihood
4. Accomplishment of final results can be checked through analyzing hydrological data and investigation of ecological condition of the Small Uzen and Karasu Rivers, laboratory sampling for pollution, meetings with local population, local authorities and comparative evaluation of local people incomes.

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Project Snapshot

Grantee:

Kaztalovka

Country:

Kazakhstan

Area Of Work:

International Waters

Operational Phase:

Phase 2

Grant Amount:

US$ 50,000.00

Co-Financing Cash:

Co-Financing in-Kind:

US$ 38,450.00

Project Number:

KAZ/01/11

Start Date:

10/2001

End Date:

8/2004

Status:

Satisfactorily Completed

Project Characteristics and Results

Notable Community Participation

The local population will be involved in the following activities: clean-up and restoration of the River Karasu old bed and the canal, construction of locks on the Small Uzen and Karasu Rivers (which will create 6 additional jobs), removal of garbage, manure, and domestic outhouses, the construction of artificial watering places outside the Karasu River protection zone, planting of reeds on the degraded river banks, carrying out a lobbying campaign, learning about legal background to the issue, the correct use and protection of water resources, the purification of drinking water and the recovery of domestic waste at workshops and courses.

Emphasis on Sustainable Livelihoods

This Project is directed at the adoption of rational economic management techniques for the the Karasu River Water Utilization and Protection regulations. It will introduce new local options for the expansion of the services and commodity markets from the cultivation and selling of the products of vegetable gardens, melon fields and fruit orchards, cattle breeding, and fisheries. 17 jobs will be created throughout the period of the Project.

Capacity - Building Component

This project will improve the water of the Karasu River, and will revitalize the regulation of water regimes for watering firth meadows. Public control over water use will be exercised, and water protection will prevent pollution. During training workshops residents will be taught how to use of water and land plots for the sustainable cultivation of agricultural crops. Also, a partnership between local authorities, local community and the public association will be extended.

Promoting Public Awareness of Global Environment

To draw the attention of local authorities, economic entities, the mass media, and the local population to the ecological problems that exist in the region, all partners will be completely involved in project activities. The project will be commenced with a strong informational campaign which will last throughout the whole project term. For this, articles will be published in regional and district newspapers, and TV and radio addresses will be prepared. Informational and educational workshops for schoolchildren and citizens from the Kaztalovsky district will be organized, leaflets and the "River Karasu Water Utilization and Protection Regulations" will be prepared and distributed districtwide. These activities will be devoted to regional and district ecological problems, to the objectives and tasks of the project, to the planned measures, to the protection and utilization of water resources, and to the progress being made by the project.

Project Results

Results reached:
1.Involvement of the local community into the nature protection activities within the project
?4 meetings with the local community have been arranged, 800 people participated;
?4 lectures at schools have been carried out, 2 photo exhibitions have been arranged, 200 school children participated;
?A number of articles have been published in 5 local and regional newspapers.

2.Lobbying on bringing into effect the Resolution of the Government of the RK about settlement with the Russian side of transboundary issues of the Big and Small Uzen Rivers utilization
?public staff from the local community, local authorities representatives has been created;
?negotiations with administration of the Saratov province of Russia to solve the issue took place.

3.Restoration of the Karasu River water regime and ecosystem and the river waters protection against pollution and their rational utilization
?A sluice has been established;
?A channel has been cleared with active participation of the local community;
?The coasts of the river have been cleaned out of dust and dung, household utilities have been carried out of water-security zone;
?cane planting has taken place to strengthen the river coasts;
?A special resolution has been signed by the local authorities for assignment of a special place to water the cattle outside of security zone of the river, and also obligatory using of the drinking bowl has approved,
?A mechanism for the drinking bowl functioning has been implemented.

4.Enhancement of environmental education and improvement of Kaztalovka villagers livelihood
?2 training seminars on water treating, recycling of household waste have been lead;
?Methodical recommendations on clearing of potable water and recycling of household waste methods have been developed;
?Hayland and pastures have been created

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