A board meeting of the Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources of the Republic of Kazakhstan was held under the chairmanship of First Deputy Prime Minister Roman Sklyar to summarize the results of 2025 and define key objectives for 2026.
The meeting was attended by Members of Parliament, representatives of the Presidential Administration and the Government Office, central and local executive bodies, quasi-public sector entities, territorial divisions, and members of the Ministry’s Public Council.
In his opening remarks, Minister of Ecology Yerlan Nysanbayev highlighted major achievements in environmental protection, sustainable use, and enhancement of the country’s natural resources. Vice Ministers presented detailed reports on their respective areas of responsibility.
Constitutional Reform and Environmental Rights
In his address, Roman Sklyar emphasized that the board meeting was held on the eve of a significant national event — the republican referendum on the new Constitution of the Republic of Kazakhstan.
The proposed draft Constitution includes a fundamental principle reflecting a key public demand: ensuring a favorable environment for life and human health and promoting a careful and responsible attitude toward nature.
Thus, environmental security is positioned as a constitutional guarantee and a strategic national priority.
Digitalization and Environmental Governance
The Ministry is currently implementing a comprehensive set of digital projects aimed at:
monitoring environmental conditions;
managing waste;
controlling emissions;
early detection of forest fires;
accounting of forest resources;
monitoring visitor flows in national parks.
A key priority is the development of a modern waste management system with the involvement of private investment.
International Agenda and Regional Cooperation
At the 78th session of the United Nations General Assembly, the Head of State announced that Kazakhstan will host a Regional Environmental Summit this year. The summit will serve as a major international platform bringing together heads of state and government, international partners, and the expert community.
The event is expected to demonstrate Central Asia’s potential in interregional cooperation and its contribution to strengthening global climate action.
“Taza Kazakhstan” Initiative and Reforestation
The presidential initiative “Taza Kazakhstan” has evolved into a large-scale nationwide movement, encompassing a wide range of environmental activities — from territory clean-ups to large-scale awareness campaigns aimed at enhancing environmental culture.
A major reforestation program is underway, including the planting of 2 billion trees and increasing forest area to 14.5 million hectares.
At the same time, challenges related to land degradation and desertification remain. One of the key solutions is the creation of protective forest belts and barrier plantations to reduce wind erosion, stabilize sands, and restore pastures.
Early Forest Fire Detection System
In 2025, the Prime Minister set a specific task to introduce an early forest fire detection system in 24 of the most fire-prone forestry and conservation institutions.
Over the past year, the system’s coverage has reached 2.2 million hectares. Artificial intelligence has been integrated to automatically record data and instantly transmit it to the operational control center.
By the end of the current year, total coverage is expected to expand to 5.4 million hectares of the country’s most fire-prone forests.
In addition, measures for implementing the 2026 priorities were outlined, and instructions were given to ensure environmental security, biodiversity conservation, promotion of responsible and constructive patriotism, and the development of a high level of environmental awareness.
📌 Source: Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources of the Republic of Kazakhstan
