The Aral Sea

A2 – Water Conflicts

What is it

• Once the world’s 4th largest inland sea – 68,000km2

• located in Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan (both countries were part of the former Soviet Union)

• Historically a saline lake

• Fed by the Amu Darya and Syr Darya rivers

What’s wrong with it?

• In the late 1950’s the soviet govt diverted much of the Amu and Syr Darya rivers to irrigate crops.

• By 2007 the sea had shrunk by 90% and split into several lakes

• It’s level had fallen 40m• The shoreline has receded up to 120 km from its

former shore• Deemed an environmental catastrophe

However…

• In the past it has completely disappeared and also been far bigger than it was in 1960

• The controversy about the Aral Sea Region arises because the change is human induced

• Possibly on purpose

The difference

So Who Are The Players?

• Former soviet govt • The fishing

community • Local Residents• Uzbekistan govt• Scientists• Kazakhstan

farmers• International

Economists• Water Engineers

Activity 1

• In groups draw up a matrix of the following issues and Brainstorm how the problems of the Aral Sea may be affecting them:

• Human health • Agriculture • Fishing industry • Ecosystems

The Video

• Watch the film and take notes on the various perspectives depending on which group you are in.

• Farmers• Government• Fishermen• Environmentalists

Activity

• In your groups formulate ideas on how you may argue your cases for what has gone wrong or right for you.

Finally

• Research the issues surrounding the Salton Sea• Write 400 words on the following title:• ‘The issues facing both the Aral and Salton Seas

are solely to do with anthropogenic mismanagement’ Discuss.