Marking its 60th anniversary, UNDP participated in a tree planting event at the Astana Botanical Garden.
Kickstarting the Green Revolution: Taza Kazakhstan, a nationwide campaign, is gaining momentum through strategic partnerships and significant achievements, as it collaborates with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Kazakhstan.
Fostering Collaboration: The alliance between UNDP Kazakhstan and the Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources is a powerful force, evident in their joint organization of a tree-planting event on April 30, 2025, at the Botanical Garden in Astana. This celebration marked UNDP's 60th anniversary and received additional support from the Yessil District administration, signifying localized engagement.
Achieving Greener Horizons: Over the past 30 years, UNDP has implemented more than 200 projects, exceeding $210 million, focusing on various aspects of environmental restoration. Some key achievements include the revitalization of environmental disaster zones like the Aral Sea and Semipalatinsk nuclear test site, the creation of ten protected natural areas, and the development of ecological corridors covering an extensive 2.9 million hectares.
Moreover, UNDP has contributed to biodiversity conservation by establishing Kazakhstan's first genetic seed bank, ensuring the long-term storage of seeds of 18 forest-forming tree species. Additionally, UNDP has supported renewable energy projects, and fostered innovation in areas such as carbon market development and forest conservation.
Influencing Policy Changes: UNDP's presence has played a crucial role in shaping strategic national documents, including Kazakhstan's transition to a green economy and reforms in public administration, social protection, and environmental legislation.
Looking to the Future: The campaign's objectives align with UNDP's 2026–2030 Country Programme, which will continue to focus on human capital, environmental sustainability, climate commitments, and promoting the human rights agenda and the rule of law. This effort emphasizes regional and local development, striving for a greener and more equitable future.
The Taza Kazakhstan campaign complements broader goals like the International Biodiversity Fund (announced April 2025) and the Central Asian Water and Energy Partnership. This cooperation underscores the campaign's commitment to climate resilience and transboundary cooperation.
- In celebration of UNDP's 60th anniversary, they, along with the Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources, successfully organized a tree-planting event in Astana's Botanical Garden on April 30, 2025, seeking to promote sustainability.
- Significant financial support from the Yessil District administration further solidified the representation of local communities in the Taza Kazakhstan campaign, reflecting the nationwide drive towards environmental restoration.
- UNDP's $210 million worth of environmental restoration projects over the past 30 years have resulted in the revitalization of environmental disaster zones like the Aral Sea and Semipalatinsk nuclear test site, proving their long-term commitment to sustainability.
- To ensure long-term seed storage, UNDP established Kazakhstan's first genetic seed bank, preserving the seeds of 18 forest-forming tree species for future generations.
- The Taza Kazakhstan campaign's renewable energy projects, developed with UNDP's support, have demonstrated innovative approaches in clean energy production and sustainable living.
- Recognizing the need for collaboration, the campaign mirrors UNDP's aspirations as outlined in their 2026–2030 Country Programme, focusing on human capital development, environmental sustainability, and climate commitments.
- Collaborative efforts such as the Taza Kazakhstan campaign, the International Biodiversity Fund, and the Central Asian Water and Energy Partnership underscore the importance of transboundary cooperation in addressing climate-change challenges and fostering a greener future.
- As part of their commitment to sustainability, UNDP has supported initiatives in data and cloud computing, harnessing technology's potential to promote sustainable sources of energy and contribute to the community's green lifestyle.
- Through life-long learning and education-and-self-development programmes, UNDP strives to instil a deeper appreciation for environmental science in the general public, encouraging everyone to play a part in combating climate change.
- In addition to environmental initiatives, Taza Kazakhstan's objectives extend to promoting personal finance and business development, encouraging investing in sustainable technologies and lifestyle choices that contribute to a greener home-and-garden domain and ultimately, a more equitable society.
