Kazakhstan and French experts develop 2040 master plan to save Lake Balkhash

Kazakhstan is developing a Master Plan to 2040 for conserving Lake Balkhash together with French experts, and scientists have carried out the first field studies. The Ministry of Water Resources says about 40 billion cubic metres of water has flowed into the lake over the past three years, stabilising its level. Some 15.9 billion cubic metres arrived in 2024, about 13.9 billion in 2025, and over 9.7 billion since the start of 2026.

Water is released from the Kapshagay Reservoir, which regulates inflow via the transboundary Ili River. The reservoir was 98% full this year and 100% in each of the previous two years. Minister Nurzhan Nurzhigitov said inflow remains at its long-term average, keeping the lake at its optimal 341-metre mark on the Baltic height system.

The basin study is being carried out with the French Development Agency (AFD), the French Bureau of Geological and Mining Research (BRGM) and local specialists. Analysis of the field results is ongoing, and BRGM experts plan a site visit to inspect wells, hydroposts and irrigated areas.