Aral Sea Basic Facts/Recap Once the fourth largest freshwater sea in the world at over 26,000 sq. miles, the words Aral Sea mean Sea of Islands. Served Kazakhstan to the north, Uzbekistan to the south, and its fishing industry helped feed nearby Turkmenistan, Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan. Once fed by the Amu and Syr Rivers, until they were both diverted to support the cotton industry in Uzbekistan when the area was part of the former Soviet Union.

Resulting Tragedy The Aral Sea is now less than 10% of its former size (26,000 sq. miles to under 2,500 sq. miles). The Northern portion has been stabilized, but the Southern part is almost gone except a small strip in the west. Summers are extremely hot and dry, and winters are longer and colder, making agriculture more difficult. The combination of salination of the land, overuse of fertilizers, and testing of chemical weapons have left the land and water polluted and dangerous.

How do we fix it?

Improve and repair current irrigation PROS Much of the water could be saved, allowing farmers and the government to return about half of the river water to the Aral Sea CONS It would be very expensive. The major rivers are located in multiple countries. Description: It is estimated that up to 70% of water that is diverted for farming is wasted and simply evaporates because of a poorly built irrigation system. For example, only 12% of the canals in Uzbekistan are resistant to water loss.

Desalinate what water is left PROS It would make the water healthy again for humans. Fish and plant live would return to the sea. CONS It would be extremely expensive, and in countries that cannot afford it. It would use a lot of energy that could be bad environmentally. Description: Much of the water in the Aral Sea right now is too salty for humans or animals. The water could go through the desalination process, making it fresh water again.

Charge farmers for water PROS Farmers would stop wasting water they don't need. It would generate income that could be used for restoration efforts. CONS Farmers might stop farming if it became too expensive. Description: The government is currently providing the water for free to encourage farmers to keep farming. They could start charging fees, which would decrease water waste as farmers would not want to pay for what they aren't using.

Use hybrid and drought resistant crops PROS Plants would use less water. CONS Other varieties tend to be more expensive for farmers to purchase. Some people do not like scientifically created crops. Description: There are many varieties of cotton, and some require less water than others. Additionally, scientist have created alternate types that require very little. Why can't people use those varieties?

Use crops native to a desert climate PROS No additional water would be needed on a regular basis. It would be easier to care for the plants. Salinization to the land would stop. CONS These types of crops are not worth as much money to farmers, whereas cotton is worth quite a bit. Farmers want to earn as much as possible. Description: There are many types of plants that grow well and naturally in a desert. Farmers should just grow what the land would naturally allow them to grow.

Build dams to divert more river water back to the Aral Sea PROS In a matter of decades all the water would return. Health of the region would greatly improve. CONS Estimates suggest it would cost between billions dollars. Some countries are less willing than others to help restore the Aral Sea. Description: Other dams could be built on the Amu and Syr rivers, as well as other rivers in different countries, to divert water back in the Aral Sea. It is estimated that it could return entirely in years if this were done.

Utilize international efforts for restoration PROS The more countries helping, the less the financial burden for individual nations. It could create a shared sense of responsibility for the sea. CONS There are some countries not willing to help, for example Uzbekistan who is currently diverting much of the water for their cotton crops. Description: If the Aral Sea is ever going to actually return, it is going to require a joint effort from many countries, particularly the countries within the region (Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan). Other global agencies are helping as well such as the World Bank.

How do we fix it?