The number of animals and birds
listed in the Red Data Book is on the rise in the desert areas of Kazakhstan.
This trend is attributed by domestic scientists to the expansion of saxaul
areas. The shrub grows well in arid and hot regions, providing immense
benefits. It stops sand migration, suppresses landslides, and protects the soil
from erosion. Preserving and expanding saxaul areas addresses numerous
environmental challenges. Comprehensive afforestation measures are currently
being considered in the country, including the planting of saxaul. For example,
in the Turkistan region, plans are in place to plant over 12 million saxaul
seedlings across around 10,000 hectares in 2025.
“Overall, from 2021 to 2023, 78
million trees were planted across 51,500 hectares in the Turkistan region.
Saxaul makes up the majority of the greenery covering the steppe. Currently,
significant efforts have been undertaken in this direction in the region,
reaching about 60-65 percent of the planned target,” Aidynbek Makhashov, Chief
Specialist of the Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Management
of the Turkistan Region, said.
