Kazakhstan Approves National Biodiversity Conservation Strategy for 2026-2035

The Government of the Republic of Kazakhstan has adopted the Concept for the Conservation and Sustainable Use of Biological Diversity (Concept). This strategic framework sets clear priorities and targets to strengthen biodiversity conservation across the country and ensure the sustainable use of biodiversity. It serves as a practical tool for fulfilling national and international biodiversity commitments.

The strategy was developed through cooperation between the Kazakh Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources, the scientific community, and international partners, including the United Nations Development Program (UNDP), with financial support from the Global Environment Facility.

Vera Voronova, Director of the Association for the Conservation of Biodiversity of Kazakhstan, emphasized the importance of the collaborative process behind the Concept:

“The approval of the Concept is the result of joint efforts by government institutions, the scientific community, and civil society organizations. Its development involved extensive work to identify key national priorities, taking into account international approaches and recommendations,” she said.

The Concept provides a strategic foundation for practical measures, from expanding protected areas and restoring forests to strengthening wildlife management and improving biodiversity data systems. It outlines eight key priority areas and establishes 13 target indicators to guide biodiversity conservation and sustainable use across the country.

One central priority is the development of a unified ecological network and the expansion of specially protected natural areas, one of the most effective mechanisms worldwide for conserving plant and wildlife species. By 2035, Kazakhstan plans to increase the total area of protected territories from 31 million hectares to 33.2 million hectares.

Another priority focuses on improving forest protection and regeneration while promoting sustainable forest management. By preserving existing forests and expanding reforestation efforts, Kazakhstan aims to increase forest-covered land from the current 13.9 million hectares to 14.7 million hectares by 2035.

The Concept also promotes the rational use of timber resources, including deeper domestic processing of wood. By 2035, the output of the country’s wood-processing industry is expected to increase fivefold.

Strengthening the monitoring and sustainable management of wildlife is another key focus. The Concept includes measures to conserve species listed in Kazakhstan’s national Red Book and to support the sustainable growth of wildlife populations. It also promotes responsible use of wild animals legally subject to hunting, including trophy hunting.

Other priorities address the conservation of fish species and natural fish resources, areas that require stronger monitoring systems and more comprehensive scientific research to assess potential risks.

The Concept also highlights the importance of protecting plant biodiversity and addressing pasture degradation—two pressing challenges for Kazakhstan’s ecosystems. Monitoring, inventory, and the application of advanced science-based solutions will play a key role in addressing these issues.

The final priorities focus on strengthening the institutional and knowledge foundations for biodiversity conservation. Improved collection and systematization of biodiversity data, along with the development of an effective indicator system, will support long-term planning and more informed decision-making.

According to Alexander Berber, Candidate of Biological Sciences, establishing national biodiversity targets and a strategic framework will help bring together diverse stakeholders.

“Defining national biodiversity targets and adopting a strategic framework will help consolidate the efforts of government institutions, international and non-governmental organizations, and the private sector to conserve and restore not only rare and key species but biodiversity as a whole,” he noted.

The adoption of the Concept marks an important milestone in Kazakhstan’s environmental policy and reinforces the country’s commitments under the Convention on Biological Diversity, which Kazakhstan ratified in 1994. The new framework also supports the implementation of the Kunming–Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, the global roadmap aimed at restoring harmony with nature by 2050.