The "Taza Kazakhstan" initiative, launched by President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, is a timely and strategic response to the pressing challenge of environmental conservation and fostering an environmentally responsible society. Amid urbanization, increased consumption, and climate change, cleanliness, respect for nature, and responsible resource use have become national priorities.
The President emphasizes that "Taza Kazakhstan" is not a one-time campaign, but a long-term policy to shape a new culture and way of life. The initiative centers on individual responsibility for one's environment, recognizing that a clean country starts with a clean yard, street, city, and region."
The Government of Kazakhstan has continued to implement the President's initiative at the national level. According to the Cabinet of Ministers, the primary achievement is increased public engagement. The initiative extends beyond tree planting and clean-up efforts to include preserving natural resources, clean air, and water, and using them responsibly for current and future generations. This approach aligns with the President's vision of making environmental awareness a daily norm.
Central government agencies report that in 2025, over 1,200 environmental events took place nationwide. Approximately 18 million seedlings were planted, more than 1 million hectares of land were cleared, 800,000 tons of waste were collected, and 3,833 illegal dumps were identified, with about 80% eliminated. Efforts also focus on systemic solutions such as building new solid waste landfills, expanding recycling, and launching waste incineration plants in major cities.
Regional implementation continues this national effort, with Astana as a leading example.
Last year, the capital hosted over 800 environmental events, involving more than 627,000 residents, nearly a third of the city's population. Approximately 120,000 tons of waste were removed.
Special emphasis was placed on the restoration of water bodies—the Yesil River, the Nura-Yesil, Akbulak, and Sarybulak canals, and the Maly Taldykol system. Using modern bioreclamation technologies, over 3,000 tons of various types of waste were removed from these water bodies.
As reported by the capital's Akimat, more than 1.1 million plants were planted last year, primarily large trees and perennial shrubs, contributing to the sustainability of the urban ecosystem. Projects to improve parks, embankments, alleys, and key avenues were also implemented.
It is worth noting that the underlying purpose of this initiative, laid out by President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, is to change public thinking. In this approach, Kazakhstan is guided by the best international practices—in particular, Japan, where clean streets, waste sorting, and respect for nature are not the result of coercion, but rather part of the national culture. In countries with a developed environmental mentality, public policy is based on early education, personal responsibility, and respect for public space. Kazakhstan is striving to adopt this model by introducing environmental education in schools and universities, fostering volunteerism, supporting scientific projects, and instilling values through educational programs.
In this context, "Taza Kazakhstan" is an investment in a future where cleanliness and order are taken for granted, and concern for the environment is a manifestation of patriotism and societal maturity.
The "Taza Kazakstan" initiative of the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, is already transforming from a national environmental campaign into a nationwide movement, incorporated into the Decree of the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan "On Approving the Fundamental Principles, Values, and Directions of the Domestic Policy of the Republic of Kazakhstan." By developing a new environmental culture, Kazakhstan is laying the foundation for its sustainable development, high quality of life, and a responsible attitude toward future generations.
Asset Nurkenov
Head of the Press Service
of the Presidential Center of the DPA RK
https://rus.azattyq-ruhy.kz/politics/100718-taza-kazakstan-ot-prezidentskoi-initsiativy-k-novoi-ekologicheskoi-mentalnosti
