15th Ile-Balkhash regatta to be held this year
16:11, 28 April 2015
ALMATY. KAZINFORM - The Ile-Balkhash regatta will be held for the 15th time this year, head of "Tabigat" Ecology Union Mels Yeleusizov told at the press conference in Almaty today.
"This event has been held since 2001 and its main role to attract attention to the problems of the ecosystem of Balkhash, water use and development of ecotourism," he told.
He also noted that Balkhash despite being a quite big water body is quite shallow, the average depth of the lake is six meters. "80% of the water of the lake is brought by the Ile River. We could soon face the reality of drying out lake if we do not take any serious measures," he emphasized.
"The regatta is held during one month. This year, the route is divided into six stages that have sports and cultural programs," M. Yeleusizov added.