The international volunteer week Green Aral: Volunteers for Life 2026 has commenced in Kyzylorda region. Participants from Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan will take part in environmental initiatives, including planting saxaul trees on the dried-out Aral Sea bed, El.kz reports citing the regional akimat.
A total of 100 volunteers from the three countries arrived in Kyzylorda for the opening ceremony. They were joined by more than 500 local students and young volunteers. The initiative is being held as part of the United Nations-declared International Year of Volunteers for Sustainable Development.
Following the opening ceremony, participants planted trees in Kyzylorda’s Presidential Park as part of the Taza Kazakhstan environmental campaign. The guests then took part in guided tours of the Botanical Garden, the Regional Museum of History and Local Lore, and Kaysar Arena Stadium.
The main events of the volunteer week will take place in Aral District.
Meetings focusing on environmental protection and the development of volunteerism are scheduled for October,21. The main environmental initiative will take place on October, 22 on thw dried-out Aral Sea bed. Volunteers will plant saxaul trees, which help stabilise shifting sands and reduce the spread of salt-laden dust from areas of the former seabed exposed by the retreating sea.
Saxaul planting is used in the Aral Sea region as one of the measures to mitigate the environmental consequences of the sea’s desiccation. Thanks to its extensive root system, saxaul can survive in arid conditions and help stabilise the soil, protecting it against wind erosion.
The international volunteer week will conclude on October, 23 in Aralsk. The city will also host a fish products fair, an exhibition of traditional crafts, and the closing ceremony.
