Astana, August 22, 2025.
Kazakhstan is entering a new stage in addressing environmental challenges. The “BAYTAQ” Party has presented a new environmental ideology within the framework of the national project “Taza Kazakhstan”, implemented by the instruction of the Head of State, Kassym-Jomart Tokayev.

President Tokayev emphasized that ecology is one of the country’s top priorities:
“Ecology is not a peripheral issue; it is the foundation of state stability, quality of life, and the future of our nation.”

This new initiative is aimed at treating ecology not only as a sphere of environmental protection, but also as a key component of the national ideology and the country’s strategic development.

Why a new ideology is needed

In recent years, environmental problems in Kazakhstan have had a direct impact on the health and quality of life of the population:

In major cities, air pollution levels exceed permissible norms several times over;

The share of waste recycling remains extremely low compared to developed countries;

The shortage of clean water is becoming increasingly acute at the regional level.

Alarming statistics

Over the past 10 years, the rate of oncological diseases in Kazakhstan has tripled. Today, around 350,000 people are officially registered with cancer, with an annual increase of 5–6%.
The highest mortality rates are recorded in Aktau, Atyrau, Aktobe, Ust-Kamenogorsk, Semey, Karaganda, and Pavlodar — regions where the country’s major industrial and processing enterprises are concentrated.

The main cause is emissions of harmful substances by enterprises and the burial of industrial waste. Research conducted by the “BAYTAQ” Party confirms a direct correlation between air pollution and the rise of oncological, allergic, and cardiovascular diseases.

No progress in 20 years

Between 2003 and 2024, the level of emissions treatment from stationary sources remained within the range of 0–3%, indicating no real progress for more than 20 years.
The share of waste recycling has also declined: in 2003 it stood at 38%, while in 2024 it fell to just 30%.

Key directions of the new ideology

Priority to citizens’ health. Ecology is not only about protecting nature, but also a factor directly influencing the life expectancy and quality of every Kazakhstani.

Openness and public trust. A national online portal will be created to provide ecological monitoring data and information on the environmental impact of enterprises.

Decentralization and public oversight. Regional ecological councils and volunteer movements will be established.

New requirements for businesses. Enterprises of Class I will be subject to mandatory environmental audits. Eco-projects will be financed through “green” bonds and public eco-funds.

Institutional changes

The new environmental ideology will be implemented on the basis of a Presidential Decree and a state program:

A National Environmental Agency will be established;

The Environmental and Water Codes will be updated;

Environmental payments will be directed exclusively to the financing of specific projects;

The performance of regional governors (akims) will be evaluated by ecological KPIs.

Environmental critique

According to experts, today the Ministry of Ecology of Kazakhstan functions more as a fiscal body for collecting environmental payments rather than as a true protector of the environment. This has become a consequence of a rent-based policy in the field of ecology.

A particular concern is the ineffective collection of fees for the disposal of hazardous waste:

Over the past three years alone, more than 10 billion tenge have not been transferred to the budget by “AZHS” LLP.

Large enterprises — such as JSC ERG.KZ, JSC KazZinc, JSC Kaz Minerals and others — underpay the state budget by over 350 billion tenge annually.

This situation requires a revision of the environmental payments mechanism.

Expected results by 2030

Reduction of air pollution levels in major cities by 40%;

Increase in the share of waste recycling;

Reduction in the incidence of oncological and cardiovascular diseases;

Strengthening of environmental awareness and culture;

Active involvement of science and innovation in ecological development.

“Taza Kazakhstan” is not just a new environmental ideology, but a strategic choice in favor of the country’s future. The political will of the President and the support of society must turn Kazakhstan into a state with clean ecology, healthy citizens, and sustainable development.