How has reduced flow in the lower Amu Darya affected its delta wetlands and wildlife?

The diversion of water from the Amu Darya for large-scale irrigation projects, such as the Karakum Canal, has severely depleted the river's flow in its lower reaches. This reduction has had devastating consequences for the river's delta and surrounding ecosystems:12

• Wetland Shrinkage: The lakes and wetlands that were once fed by the river in the delta area have shrunk to a tiny fraction of their former size. Most streams within the delta have dried up, and the southern shore of the Aral Sea has receded many miles from its original position.13
• Loss of Biodiversity: The delta, which historically featured an impenetrable tangle of vegetation, is now dominated by salt- and drought-resistant plants. The depleted and polluted waters have caused a catastrophic decline in wildlife, leaving the area nearly devoid of the fish and birds that once flourished there.1
• Environmental Degradation: Increased irrigation has led to soil salinization, while the concentration of pollutants from agricultural runoff has further degraded the remaining water quality, negatively impacting the entire regional environment.13