Kazakh Ecology Ministry Reports Half-Year Success in Environmental Protection and Biodiversity Conservation
ASTANA — The Prime Minister’s press service recently reviewed the Kazakh Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources’ key environmental control, protection, and biodiversity conservation projects over the past six months on Aug. 1.
Kazakhstan is reinforcing its environmental obligations by reaffirming its commitment to the global fight against climate change. The country aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 15% from 1990 levels by 2030 to meet its commitments under the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change and the Paris Agreement.
During the COP-28 conference in Dubai, Kazakhstan joined the Global Methane Pledge and secured nearly $2 million for the development and update of seven oil and gas, coal, and agricultural projects. Additionally, the country is working on a national program to reduce methane emissions in these sectors.
In line with its SCO chairmanship, Kazakhstan declared 2024 as the Year of Ecology. The country, in collaboration with SCO member states, approved six key environmental documents in May in Astana.
Efforts to reclaim forests have also been a priority for Kazakhstan. Approximately 840 million trees and shrubs were planted in the country from 2021 to 2023. Forest reclamation work is ongoing in the Aral Sea region on the drained seabed, with plans to plant 15 million trees in populated areas.
The “Taza Kazakhstan” environmental campaign was launched in March, focusing on cleaning up territories, planting green spaces, and eliminating illegal dumps. More than 800,000 people participated, collecting around 165,000 tons of garbage and creating over 326,000 green spaces.
The Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources is collaborating with the UNDP to revise national priorities and objectives in biodiversity conservation. A draft concept for the conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity for 2025-2035 is currently in development.
In another conservation effort, seven Przewalski’s horses were reintroduced to the Altyn Dala nature reserve in June through a partnership with the Prague Zoo. A total of 40 animals are expected to be relocated by 2029.
Kazakhstan is also continuing its Tiger Reintroduction Program, importing 205 Bukhara deer and 60 kulans to the Ile-Balkhash nature reserve from 2018 to 2023. Biotechnical measures are being implemented to boost the population of these wild animals.
