Prime Minister of Kazakhstan Olzhas Bektenov, speaking at the First International Environmental Conference in the city of Manzherok (Altai Republic), highlighted the issue of the Caspian Sea’s shallowing as one of the key regional challenges.

In his speech at the plenary session, the Prime Minister emphasized that environmental security is not merely part of the global “green” agenda, but a vital condition for the sustainable development of any country.

Systematic measures are being taken in Kazakhstan to protect the environment. On the instruction of President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, the “Taza Kazakhstan” (Clean Kazakhstan) program is being actively implemented. It has evolved into a large-scale environmental movement and an integral part of daily life for the people of Kazakhstan. The program is aimed at fostering a culture of respectful and careful attitude toward nature and the homeland. Regular eco-campaigns are organized to clean up natural areas, shorelines, and to plant trees.

The Government is also modernizing environmental legislation, introducing advanced nature protection technologies, and digitizing environmental monitoring. A Biodiversity Conservation Fund is being established, a network of specially protected areas is being developed, and the populations of rare and endangered animal species such as the tugai deer, kulan, argali, goitered gazelle, and snow leopard are being restored. Efforts are underway to reintroduce the Turan tiger and Przewalski's horse.

Olzhas Bektenov drew particular attention to the declining level of the Caspian Sea, stressing the need to strengthen regional cooperation among the Caspian littoral states.

“Since the early 2000s, a trend of declining Caspian Sea levels has been observed. To study this and other related issues, the Kazakh Research Institute of the Caspian Sea has been established. Scientists’ forecasts are alarming. Decisive, coordinated actions from all Caspian states are needed to preserve this unique body of water,” the Prime Minister stated.

In the context of water-related challenges, Olzhas Bektenov also addressed the situation in the Aral Sea region. Kazakhstan currently chairs the International Fund for Saving the Aral Sea. The country is working on restoration initiatives, reinforcing the Kokaral dam, revitalizing the Syr Darya delta, and implementing projects to support the fishing industry and re-green the former seabed.

The Prime Minister further emphasized the importance of preserving glaciers. According to experts, by 2100 the volume of glaciers in Central Asia could decrease significantly. In this regard, the President of Kazakhstan initiated the Water Towers Partnership at the summit in Riyadh, aimed at uniting efforts to study and protect glaciers. The Central Asian Regional Glaciological Centre under UNESCO, located in Almaty, has become a leading platform for regional research.

Kazakhstan also expressed readiness to participate in joint hydrotechnical projects – from reservoir management to the automation of water accounting.

The Prime Minister noted the symbolic significance of the forum’s venue – Altai – which is considered the cradle of Turkic civilization and an important component of cultural and humanitarian cooperation.

The plenary session was attended by Chairman of the Government of the Russian Federation Mikhail Mishustin, Prime Ministers of Armenia Nikol Pashinyan, Belarus Alexander Turchin, Kyrgyzstan Adylbek Kasymaliev, Tajikistan Kohir Rasulzoda, Uzbekistan Abdulla Aripov, and Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers of Turkmenistan Nokerguly Atagulyyev. Alongside issues such as the Caspian’s shallowing, glacier melting, and biodiversity preservation, the participants discussed the application of modern technologies in environmental protection, the introduction of innovative solutions in water resource management, and the development of transboundary ecotourism.

#Olzhas Bektenov #Ecology #International Cooperation

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