Implementation period: 2021–2025 Organizers: UNDP, Ministry of Ecology of Kazakhstan Partners: GEF, local governments, research centers This project tackles severe land degradation and pasture depletion in the arid and semi-arid landscapes of southern Kazakhstan. Its goal is to promote sustainable land management (SLM) practices and nature-based solutions that support long-term productivity, ecological restoration, and rural resilience. The initiative also contributes to Kazakhstan’s national targets under the UN Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) and SDG 15.3 on Land Degradation Neutrality (LDN).
Through a combination of policy support, field demonstrations, and capacity-building, the project is working to build local ownership of land stewardship and ensure the ecological and economic viability of dryland communities.
Outcomes (as of 2024)
Land degradation assessments and GIS-based mapping conducted in priority regions.
Over 15,000 hectares of rangeland restored using sustainable grazing, erosion control, and revegetation techniques.
Local land use strategies adopted to implement LDN principles at the community level.
More than 500 farmers and technical staff trained, including women and youth, in sustainable pasture and soil management.
Innovative technologies introduced, such as soil moisture sensors, pasture monitoring via drones, and digital land cadastres.
Pilot demonstration sites established to showcase best practices for upscaling.
Cross-sectoral dialogue strengthened among land use, agriculture, and environmental agencies for integrated land governance.
