Illustrated comparison inspired by the place and case. Conceptual scenes, not a photographic before and after.
How the change works
- 01 / Public decision
Management of withdrawals and inflows
- 02 / Physical change
More water reaches the northern basin
- 03 / Possible outcome
Partial recovery of aquatic habitats
A lake depends on the water that comes to it. Regular withdrawals and hydraulic works can recover local habitats and activities.
Research and local documents ↓What the evidence tells us
NASA observations show a recovery of the small Northern Aral after the 2005 dam, while much of the southern basin continued to lose water.
Conditions and limits
It is not the rebirth of the entire Aral Sea. A dam changes the distribution of water: the consequences downstream must also be considered.
Other possible benefits
Opportunities for fishing and coastal communities.
Research and local documents
- Evidence for this findingNASA Earth Observatory · North Aral Sea Recovery, 2007 ↗
NASA observations show a recovery of the small Northern Aral after the 2005 dam, while much of the southern basin continued to lose water.
- Local project or policy documentWorld Bank · Syr Darya/Northern Aral Sea, 2006 results profile ↗
Documentation of the project carried out in Kazakhstan with the government and the World Bank.
- Scientific basis of the mechanismIPCC AR6 WGII · Chapter 4: Water, 2022 ↗
Scientific summary on water risks, adaptation and conditions that limit the effectiveness of interventions.
