AGP Executive Report

Aral Sea Recovery & Heritage: Kazakhstan’s Aral Geopark is being assessed by international experts for possible UNESCO Global Geopark status, with a July 6–13 review of natural sites, management, and conservation efforts—aimed at boosting protection, research, and sustainable tourism in the Aral region. Caspian Environment: Dead Caspian seals have again washed ashore on Kazakh beaches, underlining ongoing pressure on local wildlife and coastal ecosystems. Pollution & Enforcement: Kazakhstan’s Specialized Environmental Prosecutor’s Office secured prison sentences for three people over illegal iron ore mining in Karaganda Region, including unlicensed extraction and exports that caused damage to the state. Climate Litigation: A new report on global climate lawsuits notes Kazakhstan among countries where new climate cases were filed in 2025, reflecting rising legal pressure on climate responsibility. Transport Tech for Safety: Presight and Kazakhstan’s Ministry of Transport signed a term sheet to explore an AI-driven national operational intelligence platform to improve road safety and protect critical transport infrastructure. Energy & Risk: A Chevron-chartered tanker used for Caspian Pipeline Consortium shipments was hit by a drone off Russia’s Black Sea coast; the operator says there’s currently no pollution or environmental impact and that Kazakhstan exports were not affected.

Aral Sea Recovery & Heritage: Kazakhstan’s Aral Geopark is being assessed for possible UNESCO Global Geopark status, with an expert mission checking natural sites, management, science potential and preservation plans—an effort that could boost protection and sustainable tourism in the Aral region. Illegal Mining Crackdown: Kazakhstan’s Karaganda region court sentenced three people over illegal iron ore extraction and unlicensed mining, with damage to the state reported above T2 billion and seized assets worth over T360 million. Transport Safety Tech: Presight and Kazakhstan’s Ministry of Transport signed a term sheet to explore a national operational intelligence platform using sovereign AI to improve road safety, monitor violations, and strengthen resilience of the transport network. Digital Assets Policy: President Tokayev signed a decree to expand regulated stablecoin cross-border payments and offer tax relief to retail traders, aiming to pull crypto activity into clearer domestic rules. Climate Litigation Watch: A new climate litigation report notes Kazakhstan among countries seeing fresh climate-related lawsuits filed in 2025, adding to a growing global trend.

Transport & AI: Presight and Kazakhstan’s Transport Ministry signed a term sheet to explore a national operational intelligence platform for transport, aiming for real-time visibility, predictive insights, and better road safety and infrastructure oversight. Energy Expansion: Kazakhstan approved plans to develop 30 new oil and gas fields, alongside a 2025–2029 gas industry roadmap and hydrocarbon field development through 2035 to meet rising gas demand. Caspian Wildlife Alert: Dead seals were found on Aktau’s coast; ecology officials are counting carcasses and collecting seawater samples to determine the cause. Green/Climate Finance & Regional Trade: The EDB forum in Almaty drew 700 delegates and highlighted priorities like transport/logistics and green energy financing for Eurasia 2030+. Mining & Supply Chains: Minerals Development Oman signed a partnership with Kazakhstan’s Solidcore Resources to explore and develop a copper project in North Al Batinah, with Solidcore targeting up to a 60% stake via milestone-based investment. Digital Governance: Kazakhstan pushed inclusive, interoperable AI governance at the UN Global Dialogue on AI Governance in Geneva, calling for stronger regional cooperation.

Wildlife & Biodiversity: Kazakhstan’s Mangystau ecology authorities are investigating the latest mass die-off of Caspian seals after dead carcasses were found on Aktau beaches on July 3; seawater samples were collected and lab results are expected soon. Water & Ecosystem Health: The seal deaths add to a pattern of repeated Caspian seal mass die-offs along Kazakhstan’s coast, with the species listed as endangered in the country’s Red List. Mining & Environment: Minerals Development Oman signed a partnership with Kazakhstan-based Solidcore Resources to explore and develop a copper project in North Al Batinah, with Solidcore aiming to earn up to a 60% stake via phased milestones—an expansion that will likely shape future environmental and permitting discussions around mining impacts. Nature Research: A WWF camera-trap survey in China captured rare snow leopard sightings, highlighting broader alpine biodiversity monitoring methods relevant to regional conservation thinking. Climate Resilience (Indirect): A UK heritage railway switched one coal-burning steam engine to diesel during heatwave wildfire risk—another reminder that extreme heat is pushing operators toward lower-ignition approaches to protect nearby nature areas.

Plastic Pollution Treaty Talks: Kazakhstan is pushing for an effective, balanced global agreement on plastic pollution at UN negotiations in Nairobi, with the EcoQolday system highlighted as a way to digitize waste collection and recycling. Flood & Mudflow Preparedness: Central Asian states are drafting a joint plan to cut flood and mudflow losses, including stronger ecosystem protection, regional coordination, a shared hazards catalogue, and wildfire early-warning steps after Kyrgyzstan’s surge in 2026 mudflows. Caspian Sea Water Support: Japan pledged $3 million to back Kazakhstan’s efforts to address Caspian Sea water decline, adding to ongoing regional recovery work. Critical Minerals & Lithium Processing: Kazakh scientists tested a method to recover lithium from low-grade ore, aiming to boost critical-minerals processing capacity while reducing reliance on higher-grade feedstocks. Renewed Environmental Breathing Room: Kazakhstan’s tree-planting drive continues, with reports of over 1 million trees planted since January, supporting the broader push for greener landscapes. Cyber Risk to Infrastructure: A Kazakhstan-linked malware campaign (“Armored Likho”) targeted government agencies and critical infrastructure, raising concerns for environmental monitoring systems and related services.

Plastic Pollution Treaty Talks: Kazakhstan joined UN informal negotiations in Nairobi on a legally binding global agreement to curb plastic pollution, with Deputy Ecology Minister Zhomart Aliyev pushing national positions and pointing to the EcoQolday system for digitizing waste collection and recycling. Flood & Mudflow Risk Planning: Central Asian states, including Kazakhstan, discussed a joint roadmap in Bishkek to cut flood and mudflow losses, stressing stronger ecosystem protection, shared hazard monitoring, and early wildfire warnings after Kyrgyzstan’s surge in mudflows this year. Caspian Sea Water Support: Japan pledged $3 million to help Kazakhstan address Caspian Sea water decline, adding to wider regional recovery efforts. Critical Minerals & Lithium Processing: Kazakh scientists tested a method to recover lithium from low-grade ore using carbothermic smelting, aiming to improve economically viable processing of lithium-bearing aluminosilicate ores. Oil Market Watch: OPEC+ signals it may prioritize oil availability over defending a price floor as the Strait of Hormuz remains only partly normalized, with Brent likely staying under $85—relevant for Kazakhstan’s energy outlook. Environmental Politics: The new Kazakhstan constitution is described as integrating political, socioeconomic, and environmental priorities, alongside governance changes.

Caspian Sea Water Decline: Japan pledged $3 mln to support Kazakhstan and UNDP efforts to slow the Caspian Sea’s falling water levels, backing sustainable water management, better monitoring, and cooperation among Caspian littoral states as climate-driven drawdown threatens ecosystems and shipping. Critical Minerals Processing: EBRD President Odile Renaud-Basso said Kazakhstan’s long-term edge depends on expanding domestic processing of critical raw materials, stressing transparency, access to geological data, and stable rules to attract more mineral-processing investment. Climate Resilience for Water Systems: EBRD and GCF launched a climate-resilience programme for water systems across Central Asia, aiming to strengthen adaptation capacity where water risks are rising. Biodiversity Watch: Rare cinereous vultures were spotted in Altyn-Emel National Park, with camera-trap monitoring helping assess conservation health without disturbing habitat. Energy Market Pressure: OPEC+ agreed to add 188,000 bpd from August, including Kazakhstan, which could cap crude price upside amid soft demand. Food Trade Controls: Kazakhstan plans a temporary ban on apple imports from non-EAEU countries, citing support for domestic producers. Cybersecurity: A new cyber-espionage campaign (Armored Likho) targeted government and electricity-sector organizations in Russia and Kazakhstan, using phishing to steal credentials.

Caspian Sea Water Crisis: Japan pledged $3 million via UNDP to help Kazakhstan tackle climate-driven Caspian Sea water decline, backing sustainable water management, better environmental monitoring, and cooperation among Caspian states as levels have already dropped over 2 meters in 30 years. Pollution & Biodiversity Watch: Rare cinereous vultures were spotted in Altyn-Emel National Park, with camera-trap monitoring used to assess the species listed in Kazakhstan’s Red Book. Climate-Linked Trade Policy: Kazakhstan is set to temporarily ban apple imports from non-EAEU countries to protect domestic producers, with transit through Kazakhstan and intra-EAEU movement still allowed. Green Finance & Industry: EBRD President Odile Renaud-Basso stressed that Kazakhstan’s long-term edge in critical minerals depends on expanding domestic processing, not just extraction, while calling for more transparency and a stable regulatory framework. Cybersecurity for Utilities: Kaspersky named the Armored Likho group targeting government and electricity-sector organizations in Russia, Brazil, and Kazakhstan, using phishing to deploy a credential-stealing “BusySnake” malware. Investment Push: The Islamic Development Bank Group was admitted as an Observer to Kazakhstan’s Foreign Investors’ Council, with Kazakhstan also highlighting AI and digital sovereignty in the agenda.

Caspian Sea Water Loss: Japan pledged a 465 million yen (about $3m) UNDP grant to help Kazakhstan tackle climate-driven Caspian Sea decline, with a focus on water management cooperation and better monitoring to protect logistics and ecosystems. Wildlife in Focus: Rare cinereous vultures were spotted in Altyn-Emel National Park, with camera-trap monitoring used to observe the Red Book species without disturbing habitat. Critical Minerals Processing Push: EBRD President Odile Renaud-Basso said Kazakhstan’s long-term edge depends on expanding domestic processing of critical raw materials, calling for more transparency in geological data and a stable, predictable regulatory framework to attract investors. Uranium Supply Signals: Cameco reported record Q2 2026 production at McArthur River/Key Lake, adding supply momentum as analysts warn a primary uranium deficit may persist into the decade. Cyber Risk to Utilities: Kaspersky named the Armored Likho group targeting government agencies and electricity-sector organizations in Russia, Brazil, and Kazakhstan using phishing and a BusySnake Stealer infostealer.

Caspian Sea Water Crisis: Japan pledged a 465 million yen (about $3m) grant with UNDP to help Kazakhstan tackle climate-driven Caspian Sea water decline, boosting monitoring and cooperation among littoral states as falling levels threaten ecosystems, logistics, and endemic species. Mining & Environment: The EBRD will lend up to $300m for Solidcore Resources’ Ertis hydrometallurgical complex in Pavlodar, using pressure oxidation to process refractory gold concentrates more efficiently and with a focus on environmentally responsible technology. Water Stress Data: A new global map highlights extreme water stress worldwide, underscoring how freshwater withdrawals can outstrip renewable supplies—an issue closely tied to Central Asia’s climate and water security pressures. Green Investment Push: Kazakhstan’s investment pitch at the Foreign Investors’ Council emphasized AI and digitalization for sectors including agriculture, with claims of precision farming—relevant for reducing resource strain as climate variability hits yields.

Caspian Water Crisis: Japan pledged a 465 million yen (about $3m) UNDP grant to help Kazakhstan tackle the Caspian Sea’s climate-driven water decline, with support for monitoring and cooperation among littoral states. Clean Kazakhstan Push: Kazakhstan’s Taza Qazaqstan initiative reported major momentum: over 1 million trees planted since the start of 2026, 200+ eco-events with 4 million participants, 76,000 hectares cleaned, and 413,000 tons of waste collected for recycling. Environmental Enforcement: Kazakhstan conducted 1,105 environmental compliance inspections in 2025, finding 2,945 violations; authorities issued 1,701 correction orders and imposed fines totaling T2.38 trillion, with some cases taken to court. Green Energy & Gas Access: Kazakhstan is developing a roadmap to expand gasification coverage and improve energy security, while also pushing renewable capacity growth. Mining With Lower Impact: EBRD approved up to $300m for Solidcore Resources’ Ertis hydrometallurgical complex in Pavlodar, using pressure oxidation to process refractory gold concentrates with a more environmentally responsible approach.

Environmental Enforcement: Kazakhstan reported 1,105 environmental compliance inspections in 2025, finding 2,945 violations; authorities issued 1,701 orders to fix problems, imposed 2,602 administrative fines totaling T2.38 trillion, and collected T6.2 billion in total fines, with 12 cases taken to court to suspend operations. Clean Kazakhstan Drive: Under President Tokayev’s Taza Qazaqstan initiative, Kazakhstan says it has planted over 1 million trees since the start of 2026, held more than 200 eco-events with 4 million participants (including 510,000 volunteers), cleaned 76,000 hectares, collected 413,000 tons of waste, and sent 115,700 tons for recycling. Energy & Air Quality Link: Kazakhstan is developing a roadmap to expand gasification to reach more residents, with 13.1 million people now having access to natural gas and plans to add coverage for another 36,000 residents in 2026. Green Finance for Industry: The EBRD will lend up to $300 million for a Pavlodar gold hydrometallurgical complex using pressure oxidation, aiming to process up to 278.5 kilotonnes of concentrate annually with a focus on resource efficiency and lower environmental impact.

Land & Waste Education: Al-Farabi Kazakh National University hosted an EU monitoring visit focused on the LESLIE project (Land Management, Environment and Solid Waste) under Erasmus+ CBHE, with progress and results reviewed for 2024–2026. Cross-Border Academic Links: LESLIE was also presented at the Spain–Uzbekistan University Forum in Madrid, highlighting Central Asian environmental education cooperation. Water Security & Infrastructure Finance: President Tokayev met the Islamic Development Bank, citing $4.2bn already financed in Kazakhstan and a $1.15bn water resources program, plus new 2027–2032 partnership talks. Renewables Push: Kazakhstan expects to fully cover electricity demand by early 2027 and reach surplus by 2029, including a planned doubling of renewable capacity. Digital Investment for Sustainability: Tokayev outlined an AI-driven investment agenda and a National Digital Investment Platform, while Alatau City is set as a digital testing ground for new tech. Regional Climate Context: A UN report ranked Kazakhstan 67th in sustainable development progress, with environmental degradation concerns noted across the region.

Renewables Push: Kazakhstan says it can fully meet electricity demand by early 2027 and reach a stable surplus by 2029, with plans to commission 13.3 GW of new capacity and double renewables. Digital Cities & Tech Testing: Tokayev backs Alatau as Kazakhstan’s first fully digital city, built on a “digital by default” model and a regulatory framework for digital assets, while the government says Alatau will also serve as a testing ground for drones, self-driving tech, and new services. AI for Investment: Tokayev frames AI as a key growth driver and highlights Kazakhstan’s push to streamline investor services through digital tools and stronger data protection. Energy Security Cooperation: Kyrgyzstan asks Kazakhstan and other neighbors for help amid Russia-linked fuel risks, underscoring how regional energy shocks can quickly spill over. Water Stress Watch: A new study flags sharp declines in Amu Darya flows in Tajikistan, pointing to heavy water use and reservoirs as major drivers. Regional Climate Governance: CAREC and the Kazakh-German University expand training for water and environmental specialists, supporting climate and sustainable development capacity across Central Asia.

Regional Energy Security: Kyrgyzstan asked Kazakhstan and other neighbors to help ensure stable fuel supplies as Russia faces shortages after Ukraine drone strikes on refineries, with Kyrgyz officials saying stocks are sufficient but some AI-95 shortages are reported. Water & Climate Resilience: Tajikistan warned heavy rain could trigger mudslides, citing Central Asia’s push for cross-border flood and mudflow cooperation, early warning, and data sharing amid climate-driven glacier melt risks. Caspian Green Power: A feasibility study is underway for the Caspian Green Energy Corridor, aiming to link Central Asian renewables to Europe via Azerbaijan, with engineers calling Phase 1 “very promising.” Water Sector Capacity Building: Kazakhstan and China are expanding water training and education, including a September joint university program and a Taraz training center, with China funding advanced courses for about 200 Kazakh specialists by end-2026. Transport & Environment Link: Kazakhstan and Turkmenistan signed a treaty to mark a new stage in regional cooperation, while Kazakhstan’s investment cycle and infrastructure push also highlights climate-resilient transport planning.

Transport & Climate-Resilient Infrastructure: The Islamic Development Bank signed an MoU to help prepare Kazakhstan’s Kyzylorda–Saksaulsk road corridor, with potential funding up to $1.4bn, focusing on safer, connected, climate-resilient transport links. World Bank Partnership: Kazakhstan and the World Bank highlighted more than 50 projects worth over $8bn, spanning transport, education, digitalization, environmental protection and green technologies, while discussing further cooperation. Water Security Cooperation: Kazakhstan and China are set to expand water-industry training and a joint education program, including a planned training center in Taraz, as both sides push work on transboundary water management. Renewables Push in the South: Masdar-backed wind development continues to move forward in Kazakhstan, including a 1GW wind and storage push aimed at easing southern energy deficits. Biodiversity & Nature: Kazakhstan’s saiga population has surpassed 4.6 million, a key conservation milestone for steppe wildlife. Air Quality & Pollution Risk: A World Bank report warns gas flaring is rising again, underscoring ongoing pollution and emissions pressure across producing regions. Disaster Monitoring from Space: Kazakhstan is among countries developing a satellite constellation for natural-disaster monitoring, targeting earthquakes, glacial floods and related climate-linked risks. Soil Regeneration Research: A NATO-linked project is testing giant miscanthus grass to help clean contaminated soils, including work involving Kazakh partners.