During the Government session, chaired by Prime Minister Alikhan Smailov, the Minister of Ecology, Geology and Natural Resources Serikkali Brekeshev spoke about measures to implement the instructions of the Head of State Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, given at the enlarged Government session of the Republic of Kazakhstan.

Within the framework of the Plan of actions on realization of election program of President of Kazakhstan Tokayev 6 actions are assigned to the Ministry.

First of all the Minister dwelled on water sector issues. In this direction, according to him, it is planned to adopt a new Water Code, the Concept of which was approved at the end of November at the Interdepartmental Commission on legislative works. At present, articles of the future code are being formed. The deadline for submission to the Majilis is March 2023.

"In addition, the draft Concept for Water Resources Management for 2023-2027 has already been developed, which includes measures for reconstruction of 3,500 km of irrigation canals, construction of 25 new and reconstruction of 16 existing reservoirs," Brekeshev said.

Also, he said, a draft Integrated Water Sector Development Plan for 2023-2025 was formed, which includes priority measures. Just yesterday, the draft was considered at a meeting of the Water Council. 

In order to improve ecological situation the work on reduction of harmful substances emission by 20% is carried out. Emission limits for enterprises of the first hazard category are being reduced. In addition, from 1 January 2025 enterprises will be obliged to introduce the best available technologies. To this end, the ministry has developed 12 BAT guides over two years, in 2023 it is planned to develop six more guides.

"In particular, work has been done with ArcelorMittal Temirtau to reduce emissions. Pollution limits were reduced from 243,000 tonnes to 210,000 tonnes or by 13.5% and a 35% reduction compared to 2021. We will continue working in principle to further reduce the impact on the environment and to re-equip the enterprise," Brekeshev said.

According to the Minister, in order to bring the forest area from the current 13.6 to 14.5 million hectares, 2 billion trees are being planted within the Presidential instruction. It is also planned to include unrecorded areas of forests into the state forest fund. As a result, the forest cover of the country will increase from the current 5% to 5.3%.

In order to restore the number of rare and endangered wildlife species on the basis of annual accounting and monitoring, the analysis will also be carried out and specific decisions will be made. In addition, a number of measures, including legislation, are planned for the next 3 years to strengthen protection of rare and endangered species of wild ungulates and improve the logistics of the inspectorate.

"The Ministry will make every effort to implement the instructions of the Head of State in a qualitative and timely manner," Brekeshev said.