Vice Minister of Agriculture Erbol Taszhurekov held a working meeting with UNDP Resident Representative in Kazakhstan Katarzyna Wawiernia, DKNews.kz reports.
The key focus of the talks was the development of joint projects aimed at sustainable agriculture and ecosystem conservation.
Issues discussed
During the meeting, the parties reviewed:
- the current status of joint initiatives;
- prospects for their expansion and scaling;
- practical measures to reduce environmental pressure on agricultural land.
Special emphasis was placed on the regions of Northern Kazakhstan, where land and ecosystem conservation issues are of strategic importance.
UNDP–GEF project as a key cooperation tool
Currently, UNDP, in partnership with the Ministry of Agriculture of the Republic of Kazakhstan, is implementing the UNDP–GEF project “Promoting a Sustainable Agricultural Production System and Conserving the Ecosystems of the Northern Kazakhstan Landscape.”
Its main objectives include:
- introducing effective land resource management technologies;
- applying environmental protection approaches in the agricultural sector;
- developing “green” value chains.
Why it matters
The project aims to:
- reduce the degradation of productive agricultural land;
- preserve valuable ecosystems in Northern Kazakhstan;
- enhance the environmental sustainability of agricultural production.
Experts note that these measures are particularly relevant amid climate change and increasing pressure on land resources.
Pilot solutions and scaling
The project plans include:
- testing sustainable land-use approaches and practices;
- piloting ecosystem management models at the landscape level;
- analyzing results for further application.
The outcomes of pilot projects will be used in decision-making at national and regional levels, helping to improve the effectiveness of public policy in agricultural development and environmental protection.
Meeting outcomes
Following the talks, the parties:
- confirmed their readiness to strengthen cooperation;
- agreed on active implementation of joint projects;
- expressed interest in long-term partnership in sustainable agriculture and environmental security.
