The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Kazakhstan, in partnership with the Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources and with support from the Global Environment Facility (GEF), has presented the results of the Seventh Operational Phase of the GEF Small Grants Programme (SGP), DKNews.kz reports.
Over the past three years, the programme supported local communities in implementing environmental and climate initiatives across 10 regions of Kazakhstan.
Communities lead environmental action
A total of 25 projects were implemented in:
- Almaty Region
- Akmola Region
- East Kazakhstan Region
- Karaganda Region
- Kostanay Region
- Kyzylorda Region
- Turkistan Region
- Abai Region
- Zhetysu Region
- Ulytau Region
One of the key achievements of the programme was strengthening the capacity of local communities and civil society organizations.
Photo source: UNDP in Kazakhstan/ Iris Mambur
Through the implementation of their own projects, residents gained practical experience in:
- identifying local challenges
- developing solutions
- managing project finances
- conducting procurement
- implementing activities
- monitoring and evaluating results
These skills are expected to support greater community participation in local development and decision-making processes.
Photo source: UNDP in Kazakhstan/ Iris Mambur
Thousands of people benefit from projects
The Seventh Operational Phase directly reached 25,900 beneficiaries, including women, men and young people.
According to programme results:
- thousands of households adopted sustainable agroecological practices
- communities introduced sustainable land management approaches
- more than 120 organizations gained access to renewable energy and energy-efficiency technologies
Representatives of the Ministry of Ecology highlighted the importance of community involvement in achieving sustainable development goals.
Photo source: UNDP in Kazakhstan/ Iris Mambur
«Sustainable territorial development is impossible without the active participation of local residents. By supporting community-led initiatives, we are not only addressing environmental challenges but also strengthening the capacity of local communities and creating opportunities for greater citizen engagement in the development of their regions,» said Shattyk Tastemirova, Deputy Director of the Climate Policy Department of the Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources of the Republic of Kazakhstan.
Significant environmental impact recorded
The programme also delivered measurable environmental outcomes.
Photo source: UNDP in Kazakhstan/ Iris Mambur
As a result of supported initiatives:
- 87,700 hectares of degraded land were restored
- greenhouse gas emissions were reduced by 23,200 tonnes
- 124,000 hectares of landscapes came under sustainable community-based management
- seven successful practices and technologies were replicated by other communities
The projects demonstrated how local action can contribute to broader environmental and climate objectives.
Photo source: UNDP in Kazakhstan/ Iris Mambur
Small grants create long-term change
UNDP representatives emphasized that the programme serves not only as a source of funding but also as a tool for developing local leadership and practical skills.
Photo source: UNDP in Kazakhstan/ Iris Mambur
«The Small Grants Programme is both a learning platform and an investment in people and local communities. By taking projects from concept to implementation, including equipment procurement and ensuring long-term sustainability, community members gain practical experience in planning, resource management and results evaluation. These skills lay the foundation for sustainable local development and stronger local leadership,» said Sukhrob Khojimatov, UNDP Deputy Resident Representative in Kazakhstan.
Knowledge sharing and innovation highlighted
The results were presented during an event attended by representatives of government agencies, UNDP, the National Steering Committee of the Small Grants Programme, local communities and civil society organizations.
Photo source: UNDP in Kazakhstan/ Iris Mambur
The programme included:
- panel discussions with grant recipients and project beneficiaries
- exchanges of practical experience
- a knowledge fair showcasing successful initiatives
- presentations of innovative environmental solutions
Supported projects covered a wide range of areas, including youth climate education, agroecology, sustainable agriculture, land restoration, renewable energy and waste management.
Photo source: UNDP in Kazakhstan/ Iris Mambur
Why this matters
The results demonstrate how relatively small investments can generate substantial environmental, social and economic benefits when local communities are directly involved in project implementation.
Photo source: UNDP in Kazakhstan/ Iris Mambur
The programme also supports Kazakhstan’s national climate and environmental goals by promoting sustainable land management, renewable energy adoption and community-driven solutions to environmental challenges.
