SLU-CA team, in coordination with RK-UNDP-GEF,* conducted the round table “Private Afforestation in Kazakhstan: Challenges and Solutions”. Organisers and speakers gave presentations about the current status of the private afforestation sector, with emphasis upon legal aspects and supporting measures.
GIZ shared the results of a piloting project involving a national programme of state support. Later, round table participants* visited the pilot project territory, which is located in the Almaty region. Called “Bayterek”, it is housed in the private nursery Agora. GIZ also shared recommendations from Unique Forestry and Land Use, an international consultancy company.
“Atameken”, the Centre of Competence of the National Chamber of Entrepreneurs, shared insights from the international community’s experience in the commercialisation of private forest plantations, inclusion of permanent forest fruit plantations in the forest rotation, and organic certification procedures for export to EU countries. 35 participants* then devised recommendations and further steps, including: approving methods of CO2 absorption; creating an expert council with the participation of the private sector; supporting private forest nurseries; restoring protective forest belts; developing a state forestry strategy; and studying the experience of agricultural subsidies for forestry.
*Abbreviations/Explanation:
RK – Republic of Kazakhstan
UNDP – United Nations Development Programmeis the United Nations’ global development network. It advocates for change and connects countries to knowledge, experience and resources to help people build a better life for themselves. It provides expert advice, training and grants support to developing countries. Headquartered in New York City, the status of UNDP is that of an executive board within the United Nations General Assembly. GEF – Global Environment Facility is an international partnership of 183 countries, international institutions, civil society organizations and the private sector that addresses global environmental issues.
RK-UNDP-GEF – project “Preservation and Sustainable Management of Key Globally Important Ecosystems for Multiple Benefits” Committee of Forestry and Wildlife of the Ministry of Ecology, Geology and Natural Resources of Republic of Kazakhstan.
Participants – representatives of: Ministry of Ecology, Geology and Natural Resources of RK, National Chamber of Commerce, Almaty Administration, Association of Environmental Organizations of Kazakhstan, Kazakhstan Biodiversity Preservation Fund, Kazakh Forestry Enterprise, Kazakh National Agrarian University, Regional Association of Forestry Enterprises, Woodprocessing and furniture Industries (East-Kazakhstan region), Association of Private Forest Nurseries of Kazakhstan “ORMAN”, Kazakh Research and Science Institute of Forestry and Agroforestry (Akmola oblast), World Bank, FAO, etc.