International Flood Management Training in Kazakhstan with Dutch Collaboration
Key Stakeholders from Netherlands and Kazakhstan Collaborate on Water and Flood Management
Representatives from the Kazakh Ministry of Emergency Situations, the Ministry of Water Resources and Irrigation, and the Institute of Geography and Water Security recently gathered for the final training session of the year on Oct. 24. This collaboration marked a continuation of the support provided by the Netherlands during the floods in April, where the Dutch Disaster Risk Reduction and Surge Support (DRRS) team worked closely with Kazakh authorities to map and predict flood risks.
Fredrik Huthoff, an associate professor of Hydraulic Engineering at IHE Delft Institute for Water Education and a key representative of the DRRS team, highlighted the potential for collaboration between the two countries. He emphasized the importance of merging skills and information from various institutions to enhance flood preparedness, especially through the use of satellite technology to fill data gaps in flood prediction efforts.
Huthoff explained that remote sensing and satellite observations can help monitor water conditions at key points in Kazakhstan, where ground measurements may be limited. By combining ground measurements with satellite observations, a more comprehensive picture of flood development can be achieved, leading to better predictions and preparedness for future flood situations.
Rieks Bosch, another expert with the DRRS team, discussed the challenges posed by climate change in Kazakhstan and emphasized the need for increased cooperation between ministries to address land degradation and water overuse. Bosch highlighted the significance of clear responsibilities between agencies and suggested the establishment of a permanent working group in Kazakhstan to promote collaboration and informed decision-making.
In addressing climate adaptation challenges in Kazakhstan, Bosch highlighted the rise in extreme temperatures, spring floods due to lower-altitude snowfall, and drought periods lengthening in certain regions. He emphasized the importance of water retention in the ground and revisiting old regulations on runoff protection to mitigate flood risks and adapt to climate change.
Overall, the collaboration between key stakeholders from the Netherlands and Kazakhstan in water and flood management showcases the potential for mutual learning and cooperation in addressing current and future challenges posed by climate change and water-related disasters. This ongoing partnership underscores the importance of utilizing innovative technologies and cross-ministry collaboration to improve land use and water management practices in the region.
