AGP Executive Report

Kazakh Dandelion Research: A new study maps genes and proteins involved in rubber production in Taraxacum kok-saghyz, a Kazakh plant that could offer a temperate alternative to tropical rubber crops. COP17 and Biodiversity: As the UN biodiversity summit opens in Armenia, Kazakhstan’s President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has highlighted rare-species recovery, including saiga restoration, while warning of the Caspian Sea’s decline and the threat to its seals. Kazakhstan is also establishing a National Genetic Biodiversity Bank. Conservation Push: Summit speakers called for faster action and stronger financing to meet global nature-protection goals, with cross-border cooperation vital for shared ecosystems such as Central Asia’s mountains and the Caspian.

COP17 and Biodiversity: At the Yerevan leaders’ summit ahead of COP17, President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev called for stronger international cooperation, warning that biodiversity loss, desertification, water scarcity and land degradation threaten people and economic resilience. He also presented Kazakhstan’s Taza Qazaqstan initiative, with tougher penalties for polluting public spaces under consideration. Wildlife and the Caspian: Tokayev highlighted rare-species recovery but warned of risks to the Caspian Sea’s survival; 12 dead seals were recently found in Mangistau Region. Kazakhstan is also establishing a National Genetic Biodiversity Bank. Mining and nature: Kazakhstan has joined a World Bank critical-minerals initiative that includes plans to strengthen environmental oversight as investment grows.

Taza Qazaqstan: Kazakhstan is developing new projects for its nationwide clean-up initiative, following President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev’s call to strengthen environmental culture and penalties for pollution. Biodiversity: At the COP17 summit in Yerevan, Tokayev proposed a rare-species fund and a UN biodiversity office in Almaty, and announced a national genetic biodiversity bank. He also cited the saiga’s recovery to 4.7 million while warning of declining Caspian seal numbers. Caspian Sea: Twelve dead seals were found in Mangystau, adding urgency to calls to protect the sea’s ecosystem; a major environmental dispute over the Kashagan oilfield remains unresolved. Water Security: A Tajik scientist presented glacier research in Almaty, highlighting how meltwater data can support regional water planning and climate adaptation. Kyrgyzstan also proposed a $10 million seed contribution to a fund to protect Issyk-Kul. Sustainable Minerals: Kazakhstan joined a World Bank initiative to expand critical-minerals investment, with plans that include stronger environmental oversight and more local jobs.

COP17 Push: At the biodiversity summit in Yerevan on Oct. 16, President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev urged countries to turn environmental pledges into action. He proposed a fund for rare species, a UN biodiversity secretariat branch in Almaty and using Astana’s AI centre for conservation research; Kazakhstan is also establishing a national genetic biodiversity bank. Species Recovery: Tokayev said Kazakhstan’s saiga population has climbed from 21,000 in 2003 to 4.7 million, while snow leopard numbers have reached nearly 190. A tiger was returned to the wild in July for the first time in 70 years. Caspian at Risk: Kazakhstan called for international cooperation to protect the Caspian Sea, where declining seal numbers have raised alarm, and is advancing a joint programme to conserve the sea’s water resources.

COP17 Commitments: At the biodiversity summit in Yerevan, President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev urged countries to turn promises into action, citing water scarcity and land degradation as growing threats. Kazakhstan proposed a fund for rare species, a UN biodiversity secretariat office in Almaty, and using Astana’s AI centre for conservation research. Species Recovery: Tokayev said saiga numbers have risen from 21,000 in 2003 to 4.7 million this spring, and the snow leopard population has reached nearly 190. Kazakhstan is also establishing a National Genetic Biodiversity Bank. Caspian Concerns: Tokayev warned of declining Caspian seal numbers, as 12 dead seals were found in Mangystau earlier this week. Kazakhstan is seeking international cooperation to protect the Caspian and its wildlife.

Biodiversity and climate: At COP17 in Yerevan, President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev urged countries to turn biodiversity pledges into action, warning that water scarcity and land degradation already threaten communities and cross borders. Regional cooperation: Kazakhstan and Armenia discussed clean transport, renewable energy, waste management and more sustainable use of natural resources. Caspian Sea: Kazakhstan is pressing for joint action as the sea shrinks; recent reports of 12 dead seals in Mangystau add urgency to regional conservation efforts. Five Caspian countries have agreed to develop a joint mechanism to address the decline. Environmental accountability: ExxonMobil reportedly blocked a proposed settlement over Kazakhstan’s $5 billion Kashagan environmental fine, leaving a major pollution dispute unresolved.

Water Security: At the CICA summit in Baku on October 15, President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev proposed a regional water partnership for research, technology-sharing and water-saving measures, warning that scarcity and ecosystem damage are major challenges. Caspian Sea: Five countries have agreed to establish a joint mechanism to address the sea’s falling levels, with its first commission meeting planned in Azerbaijan in 2027. The decline threatens regional ecosystems and economies. Pollution Accountability: ExxonMobil reportedly blocked a proposed settlement of Kazakhstan’s $5 billion environmental fine linked to the Kashagan oilfield. Wildlife: Twelve dead Caspian seals were found in Mangystau, renewing calls for stronger protection; rare flamingos were also filmed at the Irgiz-Turgai reserve, and wild argali were spotted in the Bayanaul Mountains.

Wildlife: Twelve dead Caspian seals were found in Mangystau, as Kazakhstan called for international efforts to protect the species. A herd of wild argali was also spotted in the Bayanaul Mountains. Caspian Sea: Kazakhstan and its neighbours agreed to create a five-country mechanism to address the sea’s decline, with the first commission meeting planned for 2027 in Azerbaijan. Tokayev has warned that shrinking shorelines threaten regional economies. Conservation: UNESCO held a workshop in Almaty to strengthen protection of natural World Heritage sites and cross-border cooperation across Central Asia and Mongolia. Water and pollution: A new report examines Kazakhstan’s preparations for a future with less glacier-fed water, while the country’s pollution bureau assessed emissions per capita. Kashagan: ExxonMobil reportedly blocked a proposed settlement of Kazakhstan’s $5 billion environmental fine, leaving the dispute unresolved.

Water Security: Kazakhstan’s water future is shifting as snowmelt and glacier runoff arrive at different times. Central Asian glaciers lost an estimated 30 cubic kilometres of ice in 2025, while nearly 44% of Kazakhstan’s surface water comes from beyond its borders. Caspian Sea: Five countries agreed to coordinate efforts over the sea’s declining level, with a joint commission due to meet in Azerbaijan in 2027. Twelve dead Caspian seals were also found in Mangystau, renewing concern for the species. Environmental Accountability: ExxonMobil blocked a proposal to settle Kazakhstan’s $5 billion Kashagan environmental fine, leaving the dispute unresolved. Wildlife: A herd of wild argali was spotted in the Bayanaul Mountains, while Kazakhstan has highlighted Northern Aral recovery and the return of rare species.

Water Security: Kazakhstan may face water shortages not only because glaciers are shrinking, but because meltwater is arriving earlier. Glacier loss is already changing river flows, while 44% of the country’s average surface water comes from abroad. Caspian Wildlife: Twelve dead seals were reported along Mangistau’s coast; authorities sent specialists to investigate. A dead sturgeon was also found, but its condition prevented officials from determining the cause of death. Caspian Cooperation: The five Caspian states agreed to establish a joint mechanism to address the sea’s decline, with its first commission meeting planned for 2027. Kazakhstan has also urged international efforts to protect the Caspian ecosystem. Kashagan Dispute: ExxonMobil reportedly blocked a proposed settlement of Kazakhstan’s $5 billion environmental fine over sulfur storage at the oil field, prolonging a dispute tied to a possible expansion project. Wildlife: A herd of argali spotted in Bayanaul National Park offered a welcome sign for conservation, though officials say continued monitoring is needed.

Caspian Wildlife: Reports of 12 dead seals along Mangystau’s coast are under review; a dead sturgeon was also found near Aktau, but its condition made the cause of death unclear. Caspian at Risk: Falling water levels are disrupting shipping at Aktau, where dredging began to deepen port channels. Five Caspian states have agreed to a joint mechanism to address the sea’s decline, with a first commission meeting planned for 2027. Polluter Pays: ExxonMobil blocked a proposed settlement of Kazakhstan’s roughly $5 billion Kashagan environmental fine, tied to sulfur storage. Wildlife Protection: Wild argali were spotted in Bayanaul National Park, while Kazakhstan has highlighted Northern Aral recovery and the return of rare species.

Caspian Wildlife: Authorities are investigating reports of 12 dead seals found along a 2.5–3-kilometer stretch of Mangistau coastline. A dead sturgeon was also found near Aktau; its condition prevented officials from determining the cause of death. Caspian Sea: Falling water levels are disrupting shipping at Aktau, where a 20.6-billion-tenge dredging project aims to deepen port waters and increase cargo capacity. Separately, the five Caspian states agreed to a joint mechanism to address the sea’s decline, with their first commission meeting planned for 2027. Environmental Accountability: ExxonMobil reportedly blocked a proposed settlement of Kazakhstan’s disputed $5 billion Kashagan environmental fine, prolonging a dispute linked to sulfur storage. Wildlife Conservation: Wild argali were spotted in Bayanaul National Park, which officials say remains suitable habitat for the species.

Kashagan Accountability: ExxonMobil reportedly blocked a proposed settlement over Kazakhstan’s $5.2 billion environmental fine against the Kashagan oil field operator, prolonging a dispute over pollution penalties. Caspian Crisis: Five Caspian states agreed to establish a joint mechanism to address falling water levels, with its first meeting planned for Azerbaijan in 2027. Kazakhstan has also urged international action to protect Caspian seals and proposed pooling preservation projects. Green Energy: The AIIB and Azerbaijan signed grants, including $1 million for a feasibility study of a proposed electricity cable linking Kazakhstan and Azerbaijan across the Caspian; the study will assess environmental impacts. Aral and Water Security: Kazakhstan highlighted Northern Aral recovery and the return of rare species. Central Asian states also agreed on water use and reservoir operations for 2026–27, though national quotas remain unclear.

Kashagan Fine: ExxonMobil reportedly blocked a proposed settlement over Kazakhstan’s $5.2 billion environmental fine against the oil field’s operator, prolonging a dispute over accountability and future development. Green Energy: AIIB grants totaling $1.1 million will fund early studies for a proposed power cable across the Caspian and offshore wind infrastructure; the cable study will assess environmental impacts. Caspian at Risk: At a regional summit, Kazakhstan called for coordinated action as falling water levels, pollution and habitat damage threaten the sea. Leaders backed a joint preservation program, while Tokayev urged protection of seals, wetlands and river-fed ecosystems. Aral Recovery: Tokayev said the Northern Aral Sea’s area has grown 36%, with improved water quality and recovering fish stocks, while rare species are returning to their habitats.

Caspian Crisis: Kazakhstan is urging stronger joint action as the sea shrinks. Five littoral states agreed to establish a commission on falling water levels, with its first meeting planned in Azerbaijan in 2027. Tokayev called for measures to restore river flows, deltas and wetlands and protect Caspian seals. Water Security: Central Asian states agreed on water use and reservoir operations for 2026–27, but national quotas remain unclear as rivers decline and glaciers melt. Aral Recovery: Tokayev said the Northern Aral’s area has grown 36%, helping improve water quality and fish stocks. Kazakhstan also highlighted saiga recovery and efforts to protect rare species. Climate Investment: Kazakhstan and the Green Climate Fund have launched a platform to attract climate investment; environmental tax collections have also surpassed 4 trillion tenge.

Caspian Crisis: Five Caspian states agreed to create a joint commission on falling sea levels, with its first meeting planned for Azerbaijan in 2027. Kazakhstan called for a wider action plan covering the rivers and wetlands that feed the sea, along with stronger protection for seals and other wildlife. Aral Recovery: President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev said the Northern Aral’s area has grown by 36%, improving water quality and fish stocks; he cited the recovery as a model for science-led environmental work. Pollution Accountability: Kazakhstan is pursuing a US$5.2 billion environmental penalty tied to sulphur storage at Kashagan, while ExxonMobil reportedly blocked a settlement deal. Wildlife: Rare flamingos were captured on camera at the Irgiz-Turgai Nature Reserve.