Serik Shapkenov took part in conference “Atyrau Environmental Dialogue: Ecology and Industry. Partnership for benefit of society"

The main goal of the conference is an open conversation about the topical environmental problems of the region, the exchange of experience and the search for ways to solve them. The event was attended by Akim of Atyrau Region Serik Shapkenov, Vice Minister of Ecology, Geology and Natural Resources of the Republic of Kazakhstan Nurlan Kurmalayev, Chairman of the Board of the KazMunayGas NC JSC Magzum Myrzagaliyev and representatives of industrial companies in the region.

Akim of the region Serik Shapkenov expressed confidence that the best ways to solve all the issues raised during the conference regarding the environmental problems of the region would be found and wished the participants fruitful work.

“Since the Atyrau region is an industrial region, environmental issues are acute here. Every year, production volumes increase, respectively, damage is done to the ecology of the region. The main task for today is to reduce the harmful impact on the environment of the activities of industrial companies. Undoubtedly, new technologies are also developing that need to be introduced into the production process. On the issues on the agenda of today's conference, I hope effective decisions will be made. I would like to thank the organizers of the event, represented by the management of KazMunayGas, and wish all the participants fruitful work,” S. Shapkenov noted.

In turn, the Chairman of the Board of the KazMunayGas NC JSC Magzum Myrzagaliyev stressed the importance of the conference in strengthening cooperation on environmental issues between the state, civil society and business.

“Environmental protection is one of our top priorities. I am well aware of the existing environmental problems in the region. We do not try to hide or reduce their significance, we openly acknowledge the existence of sensitive issues and bring them up for discussion by the general public. A common task for all of us is to find the best solutions and translate them into reality. This is evidenced by the open dialogue platform organized today,” M. Myrzagaliyev said.

During the conference, measures were widely discussed to minimize the harmful impact on the environment of KMG's assets located in the Atyrau region. The issues of reduction or elimination of gas flaring, water resources and industrial waste management, land reclamation, reduction of emergency emissions, construction of water treatment facilities, reduction of water consumption from the Ural River at the Atyrau Refinery and others were also considered.

As part of the event, Akim of the region Serik Shapkenov and Chairman of the Board of the KazMunayGas NC JSC Magzum Myrzagaliyev signed a memorandum of cooperation for the improvement of the city of Atyrau. According to the document, the national company undertakes to plant about 10,000 seedlings on the territory of the regional center within three years.