The Government of Kazakhstan has adopted the Concept for the Conservation and Sustainable Use of Biodiversity for 2026-2035, a strategic document defining state policy in nature conservation, ecosystem restoration, and the sustainable use of biodiversity.
The concept is the result of joint work between the Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources and the scientific community, with the support of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Kazakhstan.
According to the ministry, the document will serve as the basis for planning practical measures to protect biodiversity, including increasing forest cover in the country, protecting forests from fires, and developing specially protected natural areas.
The concept’s ideology shifts from reacting to damage to proactive management and ensuring the growth of natural capital.
The concept covers eight key areas.
First, the development of a unified ecological network and a system of specially protected natural areas as the most effective mechanism for preserving flora and fauna.
By 2035, the specially protected natural areas in Kazakhstan are expected to increase from the current 31 million hectares to 33.2 million hectares.
Second, improving the efficiency of forest protection and restoration and developing sustainable forest management.
By increasing forest planting, Kazakhstan plans to expand the country’s forest area to 14.7 million hectares from 13.9 million hectares today.
An important component is the rational use of wood resources. The concept calls for the introduction of in-depth processing of domestic wood, with a fivefold increase in wood processing industry output by 2035.
Third, improving the system for monitoring, protecting, and sustainably using wildlife.
The concept envisions the conservation and sustainable growth of endangered species, as well as the sustainable use of wild animals for hunting.
Fourth, ichthyofauna and fish resources, including enhanced monitoring and in-depth research into all types of risks.
The fifth and sixth areas include a significant block of work on flora, as well as the pressing issue of pasture degradation.
The seventh and eighth directions form the foundation and framework for the entire biodiversity conservation and sustainable use system. The collection and systematization of all biodiversity data and the development of an effective indicator system will enable the development of a long-term strategy in this area.
The new concept aims to strengthen Kazakhstan’s leadership in nature conservation in Central Asia, creating a platform for new national and international partnerships aimed at building a sustainable future.
