Swiss Company Launches Massive Reforestation Project in Akmola Region
Swiss Company Launches Reforestation Pilot Project in Akmola Region
A Swiss company has initiated a pilot project in the Akmola Region of Kazakhstan with the goal of reforesting an area spanning 14,500 hectares. This environmentally significant initiative was announced by Kazakh Minister of Ecology and Natural Resources, Yerlan Nyssanbayev, during a government meeting chaired by Prime Minister Olzhas Bektenov on October 8.
Nyssanbayev emphasized the importance of preserving and expanding forested areas in Kazakhstan, noting the growing interest from major global companies in establishing forest plantations within the country. Amendments to legislation have been prepared by the Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources to facilitate such projects on the state forest fund’s territory, enabling investments to drive forestation efforts.
According to the Prime Minister’s press service, Kazakhstan has planted nearly 970 million seedlings since 2021, resulting in a 267,000-hectare increase in forested areas over the past five years. The restoration efforts have covered 651,000 hectares in the last four years, including 413,000 hectares on the dried bed of the Aral Sea. To meet reforestation targets, over one billion additional seedlings will need to be planted and nurtured by the end of 2027.
The country’s leadership has set a goal to plant two billion trees, expanding the forest fund’s territory to 14.5 million hectares. Prime Minister Bektenov highlighted the importance of enhancing forests and parks, preserving biodiversity for future generations, and addressing environmental concerns through sustained efforts and attention.
Additionally, the government discussed measures to safeguard forests from fires and illegal logging, recognizing the need for improved preparedness to combat such threats effectively. The recent large-scale fires emphasized the urgency of enhancing forestry organizations’ capabilities in managing and preventing disasters.
The reforestation pilot project in the Akmola Region signifies a step towards sustainable environmental conservation and underscores the commitment of Kazakhstan to preserve its natural resources for the well-being of the present and future generations.
