On 2 November 2026, Kazakhstan’s Minister of Ecology and Natural Resources Alibek Kuantyrov met with Andrey Mikhnev, the World Bank’s Country Director for Kazakhstan. They discussed ongoing programmes, joint projects and prospects for further cooperation.
The Minister outlined key environmental challenges in the Aral and Caspian Sea regions. To curb dust storms on the exposed Aral seabed, 1.1 million hectares of saxaul have been planted. The sides also discussed the need to protect the Caspian seal.
Preparations for COP31 were another focus. Kuantyrov invited a World Bank delegation to attend the Ministry’s special session, “Friends of the Caspian: From Regional Initiatives to Joint Action.” Mikhnev confirmed the Bank’s participation and invited Ministry representatives to World Bank events during the conference.
The participants reviewed the Resiland CA+ and Partnership for Market Implementation (PMI) projects. They noted the successful implementation of Resiland CA+ and discussed plans to further develop the initiative. For PMI, they emphasised the need to accelerate implementation.
The World Bank also expressed its intention to develop new projects on biodiversity and climate. The sides reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening the partnership and advancing joint initiatives.
📌 Source: Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources of the Republic of Kazakhstan.
