Kazakhstan unveils biodiversity fund, green hydrogen projects
ASTANA, Kazakhstan (MNTV) — Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has warned that Central Asia is facing a worsening climate crisis and called for stronger regional cooperation to address water shortages and environmental degradation, and ensure energy security.
Speaking at the international conference “Central Asia in the Face of Global Climate Challenges,” Tokayev said the region is warming at twice the global average, with glaciers retreating and water scarcity intensifying. He described water scarcity as a “growing challenge,” noting that per capita availability has declined by 30% over the past two decades.
“Seventy percent of our water resources are transboundary,” he said, calling for collective action and support from the international community in areas such as smart irrigation, hydrological monitoring, and water-saving technologies.
His remarks, reported by Silk Way TV, come as Central Asian governments face mounting pressure to balance development with environmental concerns.
Tokayev reiterated Kazakhstan’s proposal for a regional Water-Energy Partnership to coordinate shared resource management.
Kazakhstan, one of the world’s leading uranium producers, is also looking to diversify its energy mix. Tokayev confirmed plans to build the country’s first nuclear power plant to reduce emissions and boost energy security. He also highlighted investment in renewable energy and carbon farming, and announced the creation of an International Biodiversity Fund to support conservation efforts.
Beyond regional initiatives, Kazakhstan is expanding its green energy ties with Europe. Tokayev cited joint ventures with companies including Total, Eni, and Svevind on green hydrogen and renewables, as well as a new cross-Caspian transmission line project involving Uzbekistan and Azerbaijan to supply clean energy to the EU market.
Kazakhstan produces 19 of the 34 critical raw materials designated by the EU, including lithium, uranium, and titanium. Under a partnership with the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, the country is introducing sustainable technologies in mining and geological exploration.
Trade and logistics are also growing. According to Tokayev, container traffic along the trans-Caspian route rose by 62% in 2024 to 4.5 million tons. Authorities aim to more than double that volume by 2027.
While Tokayev’s proposals signal growing climate engagement, observers note that implementation remains a challenge across the region, where overlapping interests and resource disputes have long complicated cooperation.
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