More than $4 million could be mobilized for planned climate projects in Kazakhstan. Prospects for cooperation on the deployment of climate technologies and financing of environmental projects were discussed by Saken Kalkamanov, Chairman of the Management Board of the International Green Technologies and Investment Projects Center (IGTIC), with representatives of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) during the Baku Climate Action Week.
During a meeting with UNEP experts, the parties reviewed the results of the Technology Needs Assessment (TNA) project, which IGTIC is implementing jointly with the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB). Work is currently underway on the project's final component — the Technology Action Plan.
The parties also discussed a methane reduction project financed through the Climate and Clean Air Coalition (CCAC). Earlier, IGTIC, together with the Climate Change Coordination Center, submitted an application for grant funding for a project aimed at reducing methane emissions in the agricultural sector, particularly in livestock farming.
In addition, the parties discussed prospects for cooperation on forest and climate projects under Article 6 of the Paris Agreement. The discussions demonstrated a mutual interest in strengthening the partnership and advancing practical climate initiatives.
During a meeting with UNIDO expert Tomasz Pawelец, the parties discussed the establishment of a national climate investment platform with support from the Green Climate Fund (GCF) under the Readiness III programme. UNIDO expressed its readiness to provide technical assistance to IGTIC in developing the platform's operational framework, including potential cooperation under the next Readiness IV programme cycle.
The establishment of the platform will help coordinate climate investments at the national level and create a foundation for transferring expertise and best practices to Central Asian countries through a regional green acceleration hub.
The initiative will build on the Global Cleantech Innovation Programme (GCIP), which IGTIC has been implementing jointly with UNIDO over the past three years.
On 24 July 2026, the annual round table on the Implementation of the Principles of the Aarhus Convention in the Republic of Kazakhstan was held in Astana in a hybrid format. The event was organized by the Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources of the Republic of Kazakhstan jointly with the RSE on REM “Information and Analytical Center for Environmental Protection”, with the support of the OSCE Programme Office in Astana.
The round table brought together representatives of the Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources of the Republic of Kazakhstan, the Supreme Court of the Republic of Kazakhstan, the Association of Environmental Organizations of Kazakhstan, regional Aarhus Centres, non-governmental and international organizations, as well as independent experts.
The first session focused on public participation and access to justice as key elements in the implementation of the Aarhus Convention. Representatives of regional Aarhus Centres and non-governmental organizations shared their views, highlighted current issues, and presented proposals for the further development of public participation mechanisms and the protection of citizens’ environmental rights.
The second session focused on access to environmental information and its dissemination through modern digital tools. During the session, representatives of the RSE on REM “Information and Analytical Center for Environmental Protection” presented a digital system designed to ensure the collecting, systematizing, and disseminating environmental information. Representatives of JSC NC "Kazakhstan Gharysh Sapary” introduced participants to the capabilities of space-based monitoring and demonstrated its application for environmental monitoring and obtaining up-to-date ecological information.
Following the event, a Protocol Decision was adopted containing recommendations aimed at further developing the system of access to environmental information, expanding public participation in environmentally significant decision-making, and strengthening cooperation among government authorities, Aarhus Centres, non-governmental organizations, and the public.
On 23–24 July 2026, in Astana (Sheraton Hotel), the Information and Analytical Center for Environmental Protection of the Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources of the Republic of Kazakhstan (IACEP), jointly with the Green Academy Scientific and Educational Center, organized and conducted the seminar-training entitled “Strategic Environmental Assessment: International Experience, Regulatory Framework and Practical Application in the Republic of Kazakhstan.”
The event was held within the framework of Article 51 of the Environmental Code of the Republic of Kazakhstan and aimed at enhancing the professional competencies of government officials, developers of strategic documents and master plans, business representatives, and members of the expert community in the field of Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA).
During the seminar, participants reviewed international practices in SEA implementation, the regulatory and legal framework for conducting SEA in Kazakhstan, the stages and procedures of the assessment process, the consideration of public health factors in territorial planning, as well as mechanisms for public consultations and discussions.
Welcoming remarks were delivered by Daulet Yesmagambetov, Director of the Department of Environmental Culture and Policy of the Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources of the Republic of Kazakhstan, and Askhat Kozhumov, Director General of the Information and Analytical Center for Environmental Protection. They emphasized the importance of implementing Strategic Environmental Assessment as an effective tool for sustainable development and environmentally informed decision-making.
The seminar was moderated by Dr. Bakhyt Yessekina, Doctor of Economics, Professor, and Director of the Green Academy Scientific and Educational Center.
The following speakers and experts participated in the seminar:
* Bakhyt Yessekina, Director of the Green Academy Scientific and Educational Center;
* Zhanar Tyulyubayeva, Director of the Department of Hygiene and Health Protection at the National Center for Public Health under the Ministry of Healthcare of the Republic of Kazakhstan;
* Yerbol Orazbekov, National Expert of the European Union’s SWITCH-Asia Project;
* Balzhan Zhartybayeva, Representative of the Department of Environmental Culture and Policy of the Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources of the Republic of Kazakhstan.
The seminar programme included both theoretical and practical sessions. Particular attention was given to the practical application of Strategic Environmental Assessment procedures. Participants became familiar with the step-by-step SEA process, worked through practical case studies, and discussed current issues related to its implementation in Kazakhstan.
The seminar brought together representatives of local executive bodies, developers of master plans and strategic documents, as well as representatives of businesses and non-governmental organizations.
Upon completion of the training, participants were awarded personalized certificates confirming their participation in the seminar.
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🌐 https://iacoos.kz www.green-academy.kz
The Korgalzhyn State Nature Reserve is one of the largest specially protected natural areas in the Republic of Kazakhstan. It was established in April 1968 to conserve the unique steppe and wetland ecosystems of Central Kazakhstan. The reserve covers an area of 543,171 hectares.
The reserve is centered around the unique Tengiz–Korgalzhyn lake system, which includes the saline Lake Tengiz and the freshwater Lake Korgalzhyn. Located at the intersection of the major migratory bird flyways of Eurasia, the area serves as one of the most important breeding, stopover, and resting sites for migratory birds. It is also home to the world’s northernmost breeding colony of Greater Flamingos.
The outstanding conservation value of the reserve has received international recognition. In 1976, the Tengiz–Korgalzhyn lake system was designated as a Wetland of International Importance under the Ramsar Convention. In 2007, the territory was included in the global Important Bird Areas (IBA) network. Later, it was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List as part of the “Saryarka – Steppe and Lakes of Northern Kazakhstan” property and became Kazakhstan’s first UNESCO Biosphere Reserve under the Man and the Biosphere (MAB) Programme.
Today, the Korgalzhyn State Nature Reserve is one of Kazakhstan’s leading centers for nature conservation and scientific research. The reserve is home to 365 bird species, 46 mammal species, 15 fish species, 4 reptile species, 2 amphibian species, and more than 700 insect species. Its flora comprises 443 species of vascular plants, representing approximately one quarter of the flora of the Saryarka (Kazakh Uplands).
Thanks to its exceptional biodiversity, unique natural ecosystems, and internationally recognized conservation status, the Korgalzhyn State Nature Reserve is regarded as one of the most important centers for nature conservation not only in Kazakhstan but throughout Eurasia.
The Alakol Region – A Sacred Place for All Living Things
Since ancient times, the Alakol region has been renowned for its natural beauty and the healing properties of its lake water, always captivating people’s attention. It is a true paradise for migratory birds, praised in the poetry and songs of writers and poets, and passed down to us as a heritage from our ancestors. Preserving it in its pristine state and passing it on to future generations is our duty today.
The Alakol State Nature Reserve was established in 1998 with the purpose of protecting the flora and fauna of the Tentek River delta and the unique population of the relic gull on the Araltobe Islands in Lake Alakol.
The reserve covers an area of 65,672 hectares, of which 17,877 hectares are located in the Alakol District of the Zhetysu Region, and 47,795 hectares in the Urzhar and Makanshy Districts of the Abai Region. The territory of the reserve is distributed in a mosaic pattern within the Alakol Depression and is geographically divided into five sections.
Since this region is part of the Central Asian–Indian migratory route for birds, on November 25, 2009, the Alakol–Sasykkol lake system was included in the Ramsar Convention List under number 1892 and is today recognized as a wetland of international importance.
On May 29, 2013, the Alakol Reserve became part of the UNESCO World Network of Biosphere Reserves.
The reserve is one of the largest sites in Kazakhstan for nesting, molting, and stopovers of wetland birds during migration. The main representatives of its wildlife are birds and fish.
The bird fauna of the reserve comprises 330 species, 133 of which nest permanently in the area. Sixteen species are listed in the Red Book of Kazakhstan, with the relic gull being the symbol and pride of Alakol.
The reserve is home to 35 species of mammals, most of which are rodents inhabiting desert areas. The most ecologically significant among them are the wild boar, fox, badger, roe deer, hare, muskrat, and wolf.
Its water bodies contain 18 species of fish, 9 of which are native. Among them are endemics of the Balkhash–Alakol Depression: the Balkhash perch and the Balkhash marinka.
Within the Alakol Depression, 24 species of reptiles are found, 10 of which occur within the reserve.
Two species of amphibians have been recorded, including Pevtsov’s toad, listed in the Red Book of the Republic of Kazakhstan.
A total of 392 insect species are known in the reserve.
The flora is represented by 290 plant species, including 288 species of higher plants and 2 species of lower plants.
The reserve’s activities are carried out in four main areas: protection of the territory, scientific monitoring, environmental education, and fire prevention.
Conservation measures are extensive, yet support is still needed. Although our nature is still intact, the future raises concerns. It is important to build a proper relationship between humans and nature — to not only use its resources but also replenish them, and to actively participate in environmental protection. Even though people recognize the importance of nature for human life, the lack of ecological awareness is still felt. And even when nature shows its formidable character, people often fail to treat it with care and responsibility. Nature is an incomparable wealth given to humankind.
If you lift your gaze toward the majestic peaks of the Zailiyskiy Alatau, a remarkable world will unfold before you — a world of snow-capped summits, deep gorges, crystal-clear mountain rivers, and forests where nature has preserved its pristine beauty.
It is here, at the foothills of the Northern Tien Shan, that the Ile-Alatau State National Nature Park is located — one of the largest and most valuable specially protected natural areas in Kazakhstan.
Ile-Alatau National Park was established on February 22, 1996, by a resolution of the Government of the Republic of Kazakhstan, with the aim of preserving the unique natural complexes of the Zailiyskiy Alatau, its rich flora and fauna, mountain landscapes, forests, and rare species of great scientific, ecological, and cultural significance.
Today, the park covers an area of 200,160 hectares. Its territory includes picturesque mountain gorges, forested areas, alpine meadows, glaciers, and high-altitude peaks. Along its perimeter, the park is protected by the Almaty State Complex Nature Reserve, which covers an area of 542,400 hectares.
The territory of the park is divided into several functional zones: a strict protection zone, an ecological stabilization zone, a tourism and recreation zone, and a zone of limited economic activity. This zoning makes it possible to combine nature conservation, scientific research, environmental education, and regulated tourism.
One of the main natural treasures of Ile-Alatau National Park is its forests. The area of forest-covered land amounts to more than 73,000 hectares. The forest cover of the territory is 36.5 percent. These forests not only adorn the mountain slopes but also play an important role in preserving the region’s water resources, soils, climate, and biological diversity.
The flora of Ile-Alatau National Park is exceptionally rich. More than 2,000 species of vascular plants grow here, 37 of which are listed in the Red Book of Kazakhstan. Among them are the Sievers apple, the common apricot, and other rare plants that have survived in the mountain ecosystems of the Zailiyskiy Alatau.
The park’s fauna is also diverse. About 270 species of vertebrate animals inhabit its territory, including 48 species of mammals and 198 species of birds. Many of them have special conservation status. In the mountain forests and gorges, one can encounter roe deer, wild boar, foxes, squirrels, and stone martens, while rare predators — true symbols of wild nature — inhabit the remote high-mountain areas.
Ile-Alatau State National Nature Park is not merely a protected area. It is a living heritage of mountains, forests, and rivers — a natural laboratory where the unique gene pool of wild fruit plants is preserved. Here, the past meets the future: ancient relict species continue to live, bloom, and bear fruit, reminding humanity of its responsibility toward nature.
Ile-Alatau National Park is the heart of the Zailiyskiy Alatau, a symbol of the richness of Kazakhstan’s nature, and a place where the grandeur of the mountains is combined with the fragile beauty of forests. Its preservation is an important duty to future generations, to whom we must pass on clean rivers, green gorges, blooming apple orchards, and the living harmony of wild nature.
RSI "Ustyurt State Nature Reserve" is a specially protected natural area with the status of a nature conservation and scientific institution. The main purpose of the Reserve is to preserve, study and restore the natural course of natural processes and phenomena within its territory, conserve and study flora and fauna, individual species and communities of plants and animals, as well as typical and unique ecosystems. The Ustyurt State Nature Reserve was established on 12 July 1984 by Resolution No. 294 of the Council of Ministers of the Kazakh SSR. The purpose of its establishment is to preserve the natural complexes of the desert zone in the southwestern part of Kazakhstan in their natural state.
The Reserve carries out its activities in three main areas:
- protection of the Reserve's territory and maintenance of the protected natural complexes in their natural condition;
- environmental monitoring through the maintenance of the Nature Chronicle and the implementation of scientific research;
- environmental education of the local population and promotion of nature conservation.
The territory of the Reserve includes part of the western escarpment of the Ustyurt Plateau, a narrow strip of the plateau, and the extensive Kendirli Salt Flat (Kendirli Sor). Administratively, the Reserve is located within the Karakiya District of the Mangystau Region. The Ustyurt State Nature Reserve is situated in the southwestern part of the Ustyurt Plateau within the Aral–Caspian watershed. Its territory extends 43 km from west to east at its widest point (from 54°09′ to 54°55′ east longitude) and 95 km from north to south (from 42°34′ to 43°23′ north latitude, according to the 1942 coordinate system). The total area of the Reserve is 223,342 hectares. It comprises the southern part of the Western Escarpment of the Ustyurt Plateau (from the Mamekkazgan Well in the northwest to the Kyzylsai Gorge in the south), the adjacent narrow strip of the Ustyurt Plateau, the eastern part of the Karynzharyk–Kendirli Sor Depression, fragments of the Karynzharyk sand massif, and Mount Karamaya.
The highest point of the Reserve is located on the Western Escarpment of the Ustyurt Plateau, near the Kokesem Well, at an elevation of 340 m above sea level. The lowest point is situated in the northern part of the Kendirli Salt Flat at 52 m below sea level.
Due to the diversity of its landforms and soils, the Reserve is characterized by rich biological diversity. To date, 403 plant species, 33 mammal species, 174 bird species, 15 reptile species, and 1 amphibian species have been recorded within its territory.
The following species occurring in the Reserve are listed in the Red Book of the Republic of Kazakhstan:
Plants: Small Sea Kale (Crambe minutiflora), Hardy Spurge (Euphorbia stricta), Khiva Saltwort, Common Soft-fruited Plant, and Chalk Rhubarb.
Birds: Little Egret, Eurasian Spoonbill, Glossy Ibis, Greater Flamingo, Short-toed Snake Eagle, Steppe Eagle, Cinereous Vulture, Golden Eagle, Bearded Vulture (Lammergeier), Egyptian Vulture, Saker Falcon, Peregrine Falcon, Demoiselle Crane, MacQueen's Bustard, Mediterranean Gull, Black-bellied Sandgrouse, Pallas's Sandgrouse, and Eurasian Eagle-Owl.
Reptiles: Pallas's Coluber (Pallas's Racer).
Mammals: Argali, Goitered Gazelle, Caracal, Honey Badger, Pallas's Cat (Manul), Marbled Polecat, Sand Cat, Persian Leopard, and White-bellied Long-eared Bat.
The administrative headquarters of the Reserve is located in the city of Zhanaozen. The nearest point of the Reserve's boundary is 130 km from the headquarters, while the regional center, Aktau, is located 150 km away. The Reserve can be reached from Zhanaozen via the village of Kyzylsai (22 km), then along the Beket Ata graded road (94 km), and further east to the Baluaniyaz Ata Necropolis (40 km). The Mamekkazgan Ranger Station is located 1.5 km from the necropolis. The southern boundary of the Reserve can be accessed from Zhanaozen via the village of Kulandy (15 km), then through the Kendirli–Kayasan Upland to the Onere area (120 km), where another ranger station of the Reserve is located. The nearest settlement to the Reserve is the village of Akkuduk, situated approximately 30 km from its territory.
A glance at the picturesque mountains rising above the vast steppes of Saryarka reveals the unique beauty and mysterious charm of nature. At the heart of this magnificent landscape lies a remarkable place dedicated to preserving its natural treasures—the Karkaraly State National Nature Park.
Established in 1998, the park has been protecting the unique natural ecosystems, diverse flora, and rich wildlife of the Karkaraly region for future generations. It stands as a symbol of Kazakhstan's commitment to conserving its natural heritage.
The park covers an area of 112,120 hectares. It includes the Tau, Karkaraly, Kent, and Bakty forest districts. Towering pine forests, impressive granite cliffs, and crystal-clear lakes create the park's breathtaking scenery. Among its most famous natural attractions are Lake Shaytankol, Lake Basseyn, and Lake Pashennoye.
The flora of the Karkaraly region is remarkably diverse. Pine, birch, aspen, hawthorn, rosehip, and many other plant species thrive here. This rich vegetation plays a vital role in maintaining the balance of the ecosystem.
The park is also home to an impressive variety of wildlife. It shelters 234 bird species, including 4 listed in the Red Book of Kazakhstan. In addition, 46 species of mammals inhabit the park, 2 of which are also included in the Red Book of Kazakhstan.
Beyond protecting nature, Karkaraly State National Nature Park serves as an important center for scientific research and environmental education. Every year, it hosts conservation campaigns, ecological events, and educational programs aimed at promoting environmental awareness.
Karkaraly State National Nature Park is truly the pearl of Saryarka and one of nature's greatest gifts. Its magnificent forests, majestic mountains, pristine lakes, and abundant wildlife represent an invaluable part of Kazakhstan's natural heritage. Preserving this treasure is a responsibility shared by both present and future generations.
The Tarbagatai State National Nature Park, under the Committee of Forestry and Wildlife of the Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources of the Republic of Kazakhstan, is a unique natural area that has preserved the rich history and beauty of the Great Steppe for centuries.
As part of the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan’s «Taza Kazakhstan» environmental initiative, important environmental protection measures have been implemented in the Tarbagatai State National Nature Park with the support of JSC «Zhasyl Damu».
Special containers for separate waste collection have been installed along tourist routes;
Eco-friendly biodegradable bags are being provided to visitors;
Ongoing efforts are being carried out to promote environmental awareness and encourage responsible behavior towards nature.
The unique natural heritage of Tarbagatai is an invaluable asset of our country. Preserving it is a shared responsibility for all of us.
Let’s keep nature clean and protect it for future generations!
If you lift your gaze to the peaks of the Northern Tien Shan, a majestic world will unfold before you – icy summits, rushing rivers, and untouched nature.
At the very heart of these mountains lies a unique haven – the Almaty State Natural Reserve.
Established in 1931, it became Kazakhstan’s second official nature reserve. Since then, it has preserved the region’s natural wealth: the diversity of plants and animals, the beauty of snowy peaks, and the clarity of mountain streams. The Almaty Reserve is not just a protected area – it is a precious heritage passed down from our ancestors, a gift of nature intended for future generations.
The reserve covers an area of 71,700 hectares. Elevations range from 1,200 meters to the summit of Talgar Peak at 5,017 meters above sea level. There are 160 glaciers within the territory, including Korzhenevsky, Shokalsky, and Bogatyr glaciers. From these glaciers originate the turbulent mountain rivers – Talgar, Esik, and Shelek. Nestled in the gorges are stunning alpine lakes – Esik, Bozkol, Akkol, and Muzkol. Among them, Lake Esik stands out for its crystal-clear waters and natural beauty.
The reserve encompasses all altitudinal zones: at the base lie deciduous forests, followed by spruce forests, then alpine and subalpine meadows, and higher up – rocky peaks covered with eternal snow.Each belt represents a separate world, with its own climate, life, and ecosystems.
The plant life is extraordinarily rich: over 1,440 species of plants, 29 of which are listed in the Red Book of Kazakhstan. Among them are the Tulipa ostrowskiana, Iris albertii, Malus niedzwetzkyana, and the legendary Malus sieversii – the ancestor of all modern apple varieties. The region is also home to 14 relict and 18 endemic plant species found only here and nowhere else in the world.
The animal life is equally diverse. The reserve hosts more than 1,100 animal species, including 41 species of mammals, of which four are listed in the Red Book of Kazakhstan: the Snow Leopard – the symbol of the Almaty Reserve, the Tien Shan Brown Bear, the Turkestan Lynx, and the Stone Marten. Siberian Ibex freely roam the steep slopes, while Marals and Siberian Roe Deer grace the alpine meadows.
The world of birds brings melody to the reserve. There are 177 bird species, 12 of which are listed in the Red Book. Notable among them are the Golden Eagle, Bearded Vulture, Ibisbill, and the rare Blue Whistling Thrush. The reserve is also home to around 2,000 species of insects, including butterflies, beetles, bees, and ants – all playing an essential role in maintaining the delicate balance of the ecosystem.
In 2020, the Almaty State Natural Reserve was included in the UNESCO World Network of Biosphere Reserves for its unique landscape, rich biodiversity, and scientific value.
This international recognition highlights its importance not only for Kazakhstan but for the entire planet.
The Almaty Reserve is the living heart of nature – a reflection of the grandeur of mountains, the purity of rivers, and the depth of forests.
It symbolizes the beauty, strength, and harmony of the natural world – and it is our shared duty to protect it for generations to come.