Kazakhstan’s chairmanship actively promotes SCO Year of Ecology

Kazakhstan’s chairmanship actively promotes SCO Year of Ecology

Environmental protection and combating climate change are key priorities of Kazakhstan’s chairmanship in the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO). At Kazakhstan’s initiative, 2024 was declared the SCO Year of Ecology. The Kazakh Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources developed a series of important documents recognizing the significance of this agenda. These include a register of environmental problems, a cooperation program for the development of specially protected natural areas and ecotourism, a Cooperation Agreement among SCO Member States’ Governments on Environmental Protection, a Statement by the SCO Heads of State Council on Smart Waste Management, and the Plan of Events for the SCO Year of Ecology this year.

«The documents cover a wide range of issues, including air and water pollution, various climate challenges, biodiversity conservation, and waste management. Each of these areas can be addressed jointly with the SCO member states. The exchange of experiences is particularly important, given the diverse geography of the member countries. Each country has its own specific expertise in solving certain environmental problems and issues. Cooperation also includes the exchange of scientific and technical practices and data,» said Aigerim Kuat, Director of the International Cooperation Department at the Kazakh Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources.