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New Report Urges Local Irrigation Equipment Production to Tackle Water Scarcity in Central Asia

The Eurasian Development Bank (EDB) and the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) have jointly released a report titled Irrigation Equipment Production in Central Asia: Industrialising the Water Sector, highlighting the urgent need to localize irrigation equipment manufacturing in the region. The publication argues that establishing a domestic irrigation equipment manufacturing sector could serve as a strategic response to mounting water challenges in Central Asia. It calls for coordinated action by regional governments, international organizations, and private sector actors to implement investment and policy frameworks aimed at reducing reliance on imports and fostering a self-sufficient production ecosystem. Heavy Dependence on Imports The report identifies irrigation equipment as a key strategic area for bolstering food security and managing water resources more efficiently. Currently, the regional market for such equipment is valued between $130 million and $200 million, with over 90% of this demand met through imports. Despite this dependency, governments across Central Asia are taking proactive steps to modernize agriculture. Substantial financial and non-financial support is being extended to farmers, and plans are underway to expand irrigated farmland and adopt advanced irrigation technologies. According to the study, the irrigated area in Central Asia is projected to grow to 10.6 million hectares by 2040. This expansion is expected to drive demand for up to two million units of irrigation equipment, with the potential to generate $426 million annually in local production. The report further estimates the annual market for new sprinklers at $114 million and for drip irrigation systems at $220 million. Cluster-Based Development To address these needs, the publication proposes a cluster-based approach to developing local irrigation equipment production hubs. Nikolai Podguzov, Chairman of the EDB Management Board, emphasized the economic potential of localization: “The region’s demand for irrigation equipment could more than double by 2030. Localizing production will not only help retain investments within the local economy but also stimulate the development of precision irrigation technologies, digital water management tools, engineering labs, and knowledge-sharing centers focused on best practices in irrigation and water use.”

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Kazakhstan’s Altyn-Emel Named Among World’s Most Incredible National Parks

Kazakhstan’s Altyn-Emel National Park has been ranked in the world's top 10 most impressive national parks outside the United States, according to a recent article in the American travel magazine Travel + Leisure. The article praised the park’s natural diversity, rich wildlife, and distinctive landscapes. Among the standout attractions highlighted were the Singing Barchan sand dune, the Saka-era burial mounds at Besshatyr, the Kapshagai Reservoir, and the Sholak Mountains, a favored destination for birdwatchers. “In Kazakhstan’s Altyn-Emel National Park, you can encounter rare and endangered species such as the Przewalski’s horse and the snow leopard,” the article explains. [caption id="attachment_30226" align="aligncenter" width="600"] @altynemel.kz/Sakka burial mounds[/caption] A Park of History and Biodiversity Established in 1996 in Kazakhstan’s Zhetysu region, in the east of the country, Altyn-Emel National Park spans 307,600 hectares, having expanded from its original area of 209,000 hectares. The park is situated in the Ili River valley and encompasses desert plains, the foothills of the Dzungarian Alatau, and isolated rocky outcrops. The name Altyn-Emel means “Golden Saddle.” The park experiences a sharply continental climate, with dry, hot summers and limited annual precipitation of just 300-330 millimeters. Its varied landscapes include sand dunes, clay formations, and mountain zones composed of ancient Paleozoic rock, some of which date back 400 million years. [caption id="attachment_30227" align="aligncenter" width="600"] @altynemel.kz/The singing barchan[/caption] A Sanctuary for Rare Flora and Fauna Altyn-Emel is home to more than 1,800 species of plants, including 21 listed in Kazakhstan’s Red Book of endangered species. Unique vegetation includes black and white saxaul, ironwood groves, and the wild Sivers apple tree, an ancestor of modern cultivated apples. The park hosts 393 species of vertebrates: 78 mammals, 260 birds, 25 reptiles, four amphibians, and 26 species of fish. Among the rarest animals are argali sheep, goitered gazelles, kulans, and snow leopards. The park is especially proud of its Turkmen kulan population, reintroduced in 1982, which now numbers more than 2,000 individuals. [caption id="attachment_30228" align="aligncenter" width="600"] @altynemel.kz/Petroglyphs[/caption] Nature’s Wonders The park’s most iconic feature is the Singing Barchan, a sand dune stretching 1.5 kilometers and rising to 130 meters in height. In dry weather, the dune emits a humming sound reminiscent of organ music. Other geological and historical landmarks include the multi-colored Aktau clay mountains, the volcanic Katutau rocks, Chokan Valikhanov’s spring, and the Besshatyr necropolis of Saka nobility. Ancient petroglyphs in the Taigak area are also of interest to visitors. Promoting Kazakhstan’s Natural Heritage Efforts to promote Kazakhstan’s national parks internationally continue through initiatives such as the Qazaq National Parks project. In 2024, an exhibition in New York showcased a digital display of the country’s natural wonders. Among the highlights was the book Ile-Alatau Stories, a collection chronicling the lives of individuals committed to conservation efforts. Global Recognition Altyn-Emel shares its top-10 ranking in Travel + Leisure with other spectacular national parks: Galápagos National Park (Ecuador) Mana Pools (Zimbabwe) Plitvice Lakes (Croatia) Killarney National Park (Ireland) Kaz Dağları National Park (Turkey) Rishiri-Rebun-Sarobetsu National Park (Japan) Bandhavgarh National Park (India) The Azores (Portugal)...

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Two Earthquakes Strike Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan, Causing Damage in Talas Region

Two earthquakes struck Central Asia early on March 28, affecting parts of Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan. The first tremor, with a magnitude of 5.5, occurred in southern Kazakhstan, approximately 133 kilometers from Bishkek. The Kyrgyz capital felt the tremors at 4:42 a.m., according to the Institute of Seismology at the National Academy of Sciences of Kyrgyzstan. The quake registered a strength of four points in Bishkek and reached up to five points in parts of Kyrgyzstan’s Talas Region, which borders Kazakhstan. A second, less powerful earthquake was recorded at 7:00 a.m. on the Chatkal Ridge in southwestern Kyrgyzstan. It registered a magnitude of 3.5. According to the Kyrgyz Ministry of Emergency Situations, five residential buildings and one educational institution sustained damage in the Talas Region following the first quake. An operational team has been dispatched to assess the extent of the damage. “A state of emergency has been declared in connection with the earthquake recorded in Kazakhstan on March 28. An emergency meeting was held at 5 a.m. at the central office of the Ministry of Emergency Situations and the Crisis Management Center of Kyrgyzstan. First Deputy Minister of Internal Affairs Azamat Mambetov instructed officials to maintain a high alert regime,” the ministry's press service reported. No casualties have been reported. Authorities have stated that the situation remains under control. Kyrgyzstan’s Crisis Management Center is in direct communication with its counterpart in Kazakhstan, with both agencies exchanging real-time updates. Two major earthquakes were also recorded on March 28 in Southeast Asia. Seismologists from China and the United States reported tremors affecting Myanmar and Thailand. In Myanmar, the first quake registered a magnitude of 7.9 (with other sources citing 7.7), followed by a second at 6.4. The tremors were also felt in Bangladesh, India, Thailand, Laos, and China.

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Kazakhstan Considers Resuming Saiga Culling Amid Ecological and Agricultural Tensions

Kazakhstan’s Minister of Ecology and Natural Resources, Yerlan Nysanbayev, has addressed the growing debate over the potential resumption of saiga culling, acknowledging that while no decision has yet been made, consultations with scientists and environmental experts are ongoing. Conservation or Population Control? Speaking at a government briefing, Nysanbayev emphasized the complexity of the issue. “We expect a second meeting. Science needs time to comprehensively study the situation, assess obligations, and determine whether population regulation is necessary or if alternative measures are viable,” he said. The minister acknowledged that the conflict between wildlife and agricultural interests is becoming increasingly apparent. “There are epizootic risks involved. A very balanced decision is required here,” he added. Regulation Methods: Culling or Capture? When asked about potential population control methods, Nysanbayev responded candidly. “It could be corral-based capture or shooting, what other options are there? But the final decision is still under scientific review.” The idea of regulating saiga populations first stirred controversy in 2022 when farmers in West Kazakhstan and Akmola regions reported widespread crop damage caused by the animals. Fields were trampled, fences destroyed, and harvests consumed. Some farmers even called for a state of emergency. By autumn 2023, saigas were added to the official list of animals subject to population control. Authorities initially aimed to capture 200,000 saigas, but technical challenges led to a shift toward culling. Meat processing plants began producing canned saiga meat for local consumption. Shifting Policies and Political Pressure However, on February 10, 2024, the Ministry of Ecology suspended the population control initiative following consultations with Kazakh and international experts. In April, President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev declared his intent to ban saiga culling altogether, calling the antelope a “symbol of the Kazakh steppe”. Yet the issue resurfaced in March 2025 during a meeting of the National Kurultai. Tokayev again urged the government to reassess the situation, citing appeals from the AOYL political party and local residents. “Agriculture is suffering. Epizootic risks are growing. Overall, pressure on the ecosystem has increased,” he said. Global Context and Local Dilemma According to Energyprom.kz, global wildlife populations have declined by an average of 73% over the past 50 years. While Kazakhstan’s saiga population has rebounded significantly thanks to anti-poaching efforts and conservation policies, the country now faces a new dilemma: how to reconcile ecological preservation with agricultural stability. Minister Nysanbayev confirmed that a final decision will be made later this year but what form it will take remains uncertain.

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Climate Change – A Catalyst for Poverty and Environmental Degradation in Central Asia

Climate change encapsulates the gradual yet profound shifts in temperature and weather patterns over extended periods. While these changes can arise naturally from various phenomena — such as fluctuations in solar energy or significant volcanic eruptions — the advent of the industrial age in the 1800s marked a pivotal point where human influence became the predominant force driving climate change. This influence stems chiefly from burning fossil fuels, including coal, oil, and natural gas. The combustion of these fuels releases vast quantities of greenhouse gases into the atmosphere, creating a thick layer that envelops the Earth and traps heat from the sun, resulting in a steady rise in global temperatures. Carbon dioxide (CO2) and methane (CH4) are the most significant greenhouse gases contributing to this crisis. Carbon dioxide predominantly emerges from driving gasoline-powered vehicles and burning coal for heating. Additionally, the widespread practices of deforestation and land conversion continue to elevate carbon dioxide levels. Methane, meanwhile, is primarily produced through agricultural practices and the extraction processes associated with the oil and gas industries. The sectors that bear the heaviest burden in terms of greenhouse gas emissions include energy production, industrial processes, transportation, building operations, agriculture, and land use changes. The ramifications of this unfolding climate crisis are dire, especially for the world’s most vulnerable populations, particularly those residing in poverty. According to alarming insights from the World Bank, the 74 countries with the lowest income levels contribute a mere one-tenth of global greenhouse gas emissions. Yet, ironically, these nations are poised to endure the harshest repercussions of climate change. Over the past ten years, they have experienced an astounding surge in natural disasters, facing approximately eight times the frequency of such events compared to the 1980s. The effects on the lives of vulnerable populations are profound and far-reaching. Many face severe health challenges, including the prevalence of illnesses exacerbated by inadequate healthcare access. Erratic water supply creates a critical situation, often resulting in polluted drinking water that can lead to waterborne diseases. Additionally, the standard of education for these communities tends to be alarmingly poor, limiting future opportunities for young individuals. Many are forced to relocate as refugees, fleeing conflict and instability, which further complicates their lives. Moreover, those who find employment often encounter hazardous working conditions that put their safety and well-being at significant risk. Climate change presents profound security challenges for Central Asia, a region grappling with the dual threats of environmental shifts and social vulnerabilities. The interplay of climate change with existing fragility intensifies the risks to peace, stability, and security across the globe. This convergence will exacerbate human insecurity and escalate socio-economic and political instability. As a result of these changing climatic conditions, critical resources such as water, food, and energy face increasing threats. Countries already characterized by vulnerability — those grappling with conflict or instability — are among the most likely to experience detrimental effects. For instance, reports indicate severe drought conditions have led to a 30-40% decrease in agricultural production in some Central Asian...

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Kazakhstan Restores Populations of Przewalski’s Horse, Turanian Tiger, and Snow Leopard

Kazakhstan is making significant strides in wildlife conservation, actively restoring populations of Przewalski’s horse, the Turanian tiger, and the snow leopard. These efforts mark a major step toward reintroducing species that were once native to the region but had either disappeared or faced severe population declines. Hungary Supports Reintroduction of Przewalski’s Horse Kazakhstan is continuing its ambitious program to restore endangered species, including Przewalski’s horse, a once-dominant species of the Kazakh steppes that vanished from the wild in the 1960s. Thanks to international conservation programs, their numbers have been preserved in captivity, and now efforts are underway to return them to their natural habitat. As part of this initiative, Hungary will provide 150 Przewalski’s horses, which will be released into Kazakhstani nature reserves, Hungarian Minister of Agriculture István Nagy announced. “This step will increase safety for this horse species in case of disease outbreaks,” Nagy stated. The first seven horses have already been brought from the Prague Zoo to the Altyn Dala Reserve in Kazakhstan’s Kostanay region. Reintroducing the Turanian Tiger In parallel, Kazakhstan continues its efforts to bring back the Turanian tiger, a subspecies that disappeared from the region 70 years ago. To support this initiative, the government has established the Ile-Balkhash Nature Reserve, which now serves as a habitat for key prey species. To date, the reserve has received 205 riparian deer and more than 100 kulans. Authorities have also increased the populations of roe deer and wild boars, ensuring an adequate food supply for the tigers. In fall 2023, two tigers from the Netherlands arrived at the reserve, and another three to four animals from Russia are expected to be introduced soon. Snow Leopard Population Doubles Kazakhstan has also made remarkable progress in snow leopard conservation. According to Daniyar Turgambayev, chairman of the Forestry and Wildlife Committee of the Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources, the number of snow leopards in the country has now reached 180 individuals, double the population recorded in the 1990s. “Specially protected natural areas covering 3.6 million hectares have been established in key snow leopard habitats. Currently, about 70% of their range is under official protection,” Turgambayev stated. The government has deployed photo traps and satellite telemetry to monitor the snow leopard population. Eleven leopards have been fitted with satellite collars, allowing researchers to track their movements and adaptation to the wild. Expanding Protected Areas Since gaining independence, Kazakhstan has dramatically expanded its protected natural areas, from 869,000 hectares to 30.9 million hectares. This expansion has not only helped revive endangered species but also significantly strengthened overall biodiversity protection. With an integrated approach to conservation, Kazakhstan has positioned itself as a leader in Central Asia in the reintroduction of endangered species and the preservation of natural ecosystems.