Ecosystem restoration through Saxaul Plantations on the Dried Aral Sea Bed in Kazakhstan: a spatial assessment in a GIS environment

The Aral Sea crisis is one of the most serious environmental disasters of the 20th century, beginning in the 1960s due to the Soviet Union’s mismanagement of water resources. Increased irrigation for large-scale cotton farming caused the diversion of key rivers supplying the Aral Sea, leading to a dramatic drop in water levels. Since then, the Aral Sea has lost nearly 90 percent of its volume, transforming from one of the world’s largest lakes into a series of smaller bodies of water, with devastating effects on local ecosystems and communities. This thesis aims to critically examine the complex impacts of the Aral Sea crisis while proposing sustainable solutions crucial for restoring the environment of the degraded Aralkum desert and the dried-out bed of the Aral Sea. The research emphasizes principles of agroecology, advocating for a comprehensive approach that combines ecological, social, and economic aspects in farming practices. Agroecological methods support biodiversity, improve soil health, and increase resilience, making them especially relevant for ecological restoration in this region. The present study employs advanced analytical tools such as Quantitative Geographic Information Systems (QGIS) and Google Earth Engine (GEE) to analyze historical land use changes and vegetation cover across the Aralkum area. Results show notable shifts in plant cover, suggesting a gradual recovery due to targeted restoration efforts. This research underscores the importance of involving local communities and incorporating traditional ecological knowledge into sustainable farming practices. Furthermore, it aims to lay a foundation for developing sustainable strategies to address ongoing environmental challenges faced by local communities, promoting a multifaceted approach based on agroecology and backed by effective government policies, essential for restoring ecological balance and supporting sustainable livelihoods in the Aral Sea region.