Kazakhstan is actively advancing digital technologies across the environmental and natural resources sectors to enhance transparency, efficiency, and public engagement. These initiatives were presented by Nurlan Kurmalaev, Vice Minister of Ecology and Natural Resources of the Republic of Kazakhstan, during a media briefing.
A flagship initiative is the National Environmental and Natural Resources Data Bank — a multifunctional digital platform operating on a “single window” principle. The platform provides open access to environmental data, integrates the national environmental fund infrastructure, and ensures effective interaction between government authorities, natural resource users, and the public. Its core focus is environmental monitoring and data transparency.
Special attention has been given to the digital transformation of municipal solid waste (MSW) management. In cooperation with the Akimat of Astana, a pilot digital solution was implemented, including the development of a digital map of MSW infrastructure, optimized waste collection routes, and real-time digital confirmation of waste removal. As a result, reliable waste collection services were ensured and public complaints decreased in the pilot areas.
The Vice Minister also highlighted the implementation of EcoQolday, a digital information system and mobile application designed to support waste monitoring, accounting, and management nationwide. The system automates collection, transportation, and recycling processes, while fostering the growth of a modern environmental services sector. To date, approximately 50,000 tonnes of waste have been collected and recycled through the platform, with total incentive payments reaching KZT 830 million, Nurlan Kurmalaev noted.
Under the national initiative “Taza Kazakhstan”, a Telegram chatbot was launched to enable citizens to easily report environmental and urban improvement issues. The service processes requests across 20 categories, including waste cleanup, illegal dumping, and conditions of streets, parks, and other public spaces. The chatbot has become an effective tool for government–citizen interaction, significantly improving feedback mechanisms and response efficiency.
Another key initiative is the interactive natural resources map “Tabigat.gov.kz”, a geospatial information platform that provides data on the country’s environmental conditions and natural resources, utilizing satellite-based monitoring technologies.
Concluding the briefing, the Vice Minister presented the rollout of an early forest fire detection system, as well as projects on traceability and digital marking of saiga derivatives and timber. The marking and traceability system is a critical digital tool ensuring legal origin verification and supply chain transparency, helping to reduce illegal trade and shadow markets while strengthening state oversight.
📌 Source: Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources of the Republic of Kazakhstan
