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