The Aral Sea Basin, which is located in the central Asian part of the
former Soviet Union, is undergoing dramatically rapid and intense
environmental change. Pervasive human misuse and overuse of its water,
land, and other critical natural resources have led to severe
degradation of key ecological systems. This book analyses the
environmental, human and economic problems that have arisen and presents
recommendations for future research needs. Primary focus is on the
drying of the Aral Sea, but related issues of diminished river flow,
land and water pollution, and degradation, ecosystem deterioration, and
adverse effects on humans are also examined.