“Turan Seedling Nursery” is an initiative in the city of Aral aimed at transforming the ecologically degraded area into a green oasis by desalinating mineralized groundwater using wind and solar energy.
Project Implementer: Public Association “Turan Depression – Aral Sea”
Supporting Organization: Global Environment Facility Small Grants Programme (GEF SGP / UNDP Kazakhstan) — supporting local communities on the path to sustainable development.
Problem addressed by the “Turan Seedling Nursery” project:

• The city of Aral is located in a semi-arid zone.
• Groundwater is saline and mineralized but can become a valuable resource after desalination.
• It poses a threat to the ecosystem and human health.

Project Goals:

• Purify mineralized water to supply the nursery.
• Create green belts within the city.
• Distribute seedlings to residents and schools.
• Introduce eco-technologies for water purification using wind and solar energy.

Main Project Components:

• Solar energy — desalination of water using solar panels.
• Wind energy — additional power source.
• Nursery — seedlings adapted to the local climate.
• Water circulation — closed-loop water management system.
• Demonstration/educational area — training and dissemination to schools and local communities.

Project Impact and Outcomes:

• Improvement of air quality.
• Annual CO₂ absorption (in tons).
• Shaded, clean green areas within the city.
• Increased environmental awareness among local residents.
• Participation of students and youth in project activities.