Private Forestry Development in Kazakhstan: Paths to a Sustainable Future

May 20, 2024
Photo: UNDP Kazakhstan

On 17 May 2024, a roundtable discussion on the prospects of private forestry development was held in the village of Borovoye, Akmola region. This event was organized by the project "Conservation and Sustainable Management of Globally Significant Ecosystems for Various Benefits," implemented by the United Nations Development Programme in Kazakhstan in partnership with the Committee of Forestry and Wildlife of the Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources of the Republic of Kazakhstan and funded by the Global Environmental Facility.

Private forestry development is a promising direction for increasing forested areas. In Kazakhstan, where forests cover only 5 percent of the country's territory, the development of private forestry entrepreneurship will have socio-economic and environmental significance. It will increase employment and income for the population, attract investment, ensure saturation of the market with forest materials, goods, and products. Additionally, private forestry plays an important role in reducing the resource burden on natural forests and significantly contributes to CO2 absorption.

The event was attended by over 30 representatives of the Committee of Forestry and Wildlife of the Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources of the Republic of Kazakhstan, leading subordinate forestry organizations of the Committee, local executive bodies represented by the Departments of Natural Resources and Regulation of Regions, research institutes in the field of forestry, the National Chamber "Atameken," the Association of Private Forest Nurseries of Kazakhstan "ORMAN," the Association of Forest Management and Forests of the Republic of Kazakhstan "Zhasyl Orman," the "Association of Forestry, Woodworking, and Furniture Industry Enterprises of the East Kazakhstan Region," and peasant farms.

Participants of the roundtable familiarized themselves with the current situation and obstacles to private forestry development in Kazakhstan and discussed policies and further measures to support private forestry.