On December 19, 2025, the IV Republican Congress of the Kazakhstan Green Party “Baytaq” was held in Astana.

December 19, 2025

The Congress was structured into four main thematic sections. Within the fourth thematic block, seven speakers delivered presentations offering an in-depth analysis of seven key environmental challenges facing Kazakhstan and the global community. The discussions covered issues of nuclear safety, climate change, conservation of natural resources, and sustainable development.

Tanirbergen Berdongar highlighted the historical connection between the Kazakh people and nature, noting that the current generation cannot yet take pride in its environmental achievements. He drew attention to the passive attitude of society toward environmental issues and called on citizens and members of the “Baytaq” Party to take a more active role in protecting the environment. He emphasized that environmental responsibility lies primarily with society itself. The speaker stressed the importance of transitioning to the “Ecology 2.0” stage and noted that environmental initiatives must receive support at the state level. He underscored the need for concrete actions, including oversight in the construction sector, management of residential complexes, and strict compliance with environmental standards. According to him, the country’s future directly depends on the conscious and responsible participation of citizens and civil activists, and preserving Kazakhstan’s rich environmental heritage for future generations is a shared responsibility.

Medetkali Nurgaziev, an oil industry specialist from Kulsary, Atyrau Region, stated that environmental taxes for major oil companies in Kazakhstan remain extremely low. He pointed out that payments for methane and CO₂ emissions are largely symbolic, while the damage to nature and public health is substantial. Having thoroughly studied the Environmental Code, he criticized the fact that companies continue to maximize profits while fulfilling their environmental obligations at a minimal level. He called for an open public discussion on the fair cost of environmental pollution and the responsibility of businesses in preserving Kazakhstan’s environment.

Karlygash Zhaksybaeva emphasized that Kazakhstan’s environmental agenda is directly linked to quality of life, public health, and the country’s future. She noted that environmental problems exist regardless of whether they are publicly discussed and require constant attention and a responsible approach. She stressed the role of citizens’ conscious choices and priorities in building a mature society, stating that decisions should be made not through confrontation, but through responsibility and constructive action. The speaker also highlighted the connection between individual inner freedom and the stability of public institutions. Human dignity, values, and Independence Day were identified as symbols of civic maturity. The “Baytaq” Green Party was presented as a political force focused not only on environmental protection, but also on fostering a responsible civil society.

Bekbergen Duisenbayuly focused his speech on the Aral Sea disaster and the long-term weakening of environmental legislation in the Aral region. He pointed out that several social and environmental guarantees remain unfulfilled in practice, which has a direct negative impact on the health and well-being of local residents. He stressed the need for continuous oversight and clear accountability from both state and public institutions to restore the regional ecosystem and ensure the protection of citizens’ rights.

Oleg Pak emphasized the need to deeply integrate environmental considerations into Kazakhstan’s economy and to develop coal chemistry as a strategic sector. He noted that despite Kazakhstan having one of the world’s largest coal reserves, the level of resource processing remains low. According to him, environmental policy is sometimes used merely as a tool for subsidies or budget replenishment. He also highlighted systemic issues within the activities of the National Chamber of Entrepreneurs “Atameken,” including weak expertise, lack of strategic planning, and insufficient control over the efficient use of financial resources. These shortcomings, he stated, hinder both business development and environmental progress. Oleg Pak proposed a new model of environmental economy based on efficient resource use, ESG principles, and digitalized monitoring. He also emphasized that civil society and non-governmental organizations are reliable partners of the state in environmental protection efforts, presenting the “Baytaq” Party as a force oriented toward practical solutions, reforms, and sustainable development.

Alma Karash noted that Almaty is not only a cultural and business hub, but also a key indicator of governance and environmental decision-making in the country. She highlighted systemic challenges faced by the мегаполис, including dense urban development, air pollution from transport and thermal power plants, and low-quality greening and waste processing systems. These issues, she said, undermine public trust and reduce the city’s investment attractiveness. She stressed that environmental considerations must become an integral part of economic policy, and that environmental payments and recycling fees should be directed toward tangible improvements in air quality and urban development. Alma Karash called for systemic solutions, stricter standards, a science-based approach, and high-quality legislation, emphasizing that ecology serves as a filter for investment quality and a key factor in the city’s future.

Abai Yerkebalan highlighted that increasing climate instability makes water-related issues a top priority. He noted that the growing frequency of floods, forest fires, and droughts clearly signals the need for a fundamental reform of water resource management systems. He proposed shifting from a rigid centralized management model to a collegial governance system based on the experience of Europe and Canada. He also advocated abandoning the artificial concreting of riverbeds, introducing water-saving technologies, and strengthening control over the use of budget funds. Special attention was given to regional cooperation. Abai Yerkebalan proposed the establishment of a Central Asian Climate Water Hub aimed at integrating the scientific, financial, and technological potential of regional countries. He emphasized that this initiative supports President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev’s proposal to create an international organization on water issues and would contribute to sustainable development and environmental protection.

In the final stage of the Congress, a ceremonial award presentation was held to honor active party members and regional branches for their contribution to the development of green policy and the promotion of environmental initiatives.

Following the Congress, the “Baytaq” Party reaffirmed its commitment to institutional strengthening, expanding its regional network, and advancing international cooperation in the field of ecology and green policy.