Kazakhstan Proposes International Fund to Protect Rare Species and Biodiversity
Astana, The Gulf Observer: Kazakhstan President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has announced an initiative to establish an International Fund for the Protection of Rare Species and Biodiversity, calling on international partners to support efforts to conserve wildlife and protect ecosystems.
According to Akorda, the presidential press service, Tokayev announced the initiative while addressing the COP17 Leaders’ Summit on Biodiversity, highlighting Kazakhstan’s commitment to strengthening environmental protection and international cooperation.
The President said the proposed fund would complement Kazakhstan’s National Biodiversity 10-Year Programme, which focuses on restoring natural habitats, protecting endangered species and expanding protected areas.
He also announced the launch of a National Bank of Genetic Biodiversity, aimed at supporting the conservation of the country’s biological resources.
Highlighting Kazakhstan’s regional environmental initiatives, Tokayev noted that Astana hosted the UN Regional Ecological Summit in April, which adopted the Astana Declaration on Environmental Solidarity in Central Asia.
He further stated that Kazakhstan, with the support of all five Caspian littoral states, was spearheading an interstate programme to conserve the Caspian Sea’s water resources.
The President identified water resource management as another priority area requiring stronger international coordination, stressing the importance of protecting water security and the ecosystems dependent on healthy rivers, lakes and wetlands.
Tokayev recalled that Kazakhstan had proposed establishing an International Water Organization within the United Nations system last year. He expressed confidence that the initiative could become a joint effort of Central Asian countries while remaining open to participation by all nations.
He emphasised that closer international cooperation was essential to addressing shared environmental challenges, protecting biodiversity and ensuring the sustainable management of vital natural resources.
Kazakhstan’s proposals reflect its efforts to strengthen regional environmental solidarity and promote international mechanisms for biodiversity conservation and water security.
