ALTAÏ: A Documentary Exploring Central Asia’s Water Lifelines to Start Filming
A new documentary, ALTAÏ, by acclaimed writer Cédric Gras and director Bertrand Delapierre, is set to bring global attention to the fragile ecosystems of Central Asia and the critical water issues tied to its majestic Altai Mountains. Slated for release on Ushuaïa TV in 2026, the documentary promises an in-depth exploration of the vital role these mountains play in sustaining life across the arid steppes of Kazakhstan, while addressing ecological challenges, geopolitical tensions, and the impact of climate change.
A Journey Through Kazakhstan’s Heart
[caption id="attachment_33183" align="aligncenter" width="2560"]
Image: TCA, Ilyas Otan[/caption]
The documentary follows the film crew’s expedition through Kazakhstan’s varied landscapes, beginning in its modern capital, Astana, and culminating in an ascent of Mount Belukha, the tallest peak in the Altai range. Along the way, the team will investigate how Kazakhstan is grappling with increasing water scarcity while striving to balance modernization with environmental conservation.
Central to the film’s narrative is the Irtysh River, born from the Altai glaciers, which flows through Russia, China, Mongolia, and Kazakhstan. This river has long delivered life-sustaining water to Kazakhstan’s steppes, irrigating farmlands and powering industries. Yet, as the documentary reveals, upstream diversions and glacial retreat now threaten the river's future.
Central Asia’s Water Crisis
[caption id="attachment_33184" align="aligncenter" width="1536"]
Image: TCA, Ilyas Otan[/caption]
With Central Asia among the regions most threatened by water shortages, ALTAÏ examines the severe consequences of dwindling resources. Astana, once a Soviet outpost named Tselinograd, has been transformed into a futuristic capital fueled by the nation’s oil and gas wealth. However, this rapid expansion has brought a pressing water deficit. The Ishim River, which runs through the city, can no longer suffice, prompting the construction of the new Astana-Irtysh canal to draw water from the distant Altai region.
The documentary highlights alarming findings from hydrologists about the ecological and political pressures weighing on water management in the region. Viewers will see the extensive canal network left by the Soviet Union, such as the Irtysh-Karaganda Canal, and the vital role it continues to play in supporting industrial cities, agriculture, and the survival of the steppes.
Exploring the Altai Mountains
[caption id="attachment_33185" align="aligncenter" width="2048"]
Image: TCA, Ilyas Otan[/caption]
At the heart of the documentary will be an expedition into the Altai Mountains, a remote massif spanning Kazakhstan, China, and Russia. The mountain range is revered as the “water tower” of the region, yet its glaciers are melting at an alarming rate due to climate change. Guided by Kazakh mountaineers, the crew will travel across high valleys and visit traditional nomadic settlements that depend on the rivers fed by these glaciers.
Finally, the team will ascend Mount Belukha, the Altai’s highest peak, to examine the glacial sources of the Irtysh River, capturing breathtaking footage of this territory where the borders of Kazakhstan, China, and Russia converge. Along the way, they will discuss with locals and scientists the geopolitical tensions over water resources, as Chinese development upstream increasingly diverts flow from the Irtysh to fuel its arid regions.
Environmental and Geopolitical Themes
[caption id="attachment_33186" align="aligncenter" width="2268"]
Image: TCA, Ilyas Otan[/caption]
ALTAÏ ties the environmental struggles of Kazakhstan’s steppe to the broader geopolitical struggles of the region, underscoring the urgent need for water conservation amid rising demand and shrinking supply. It will also showcase the resilience of Kazakhstan’s people, from nomadic herders who preserve ancient traditions to engineers constructing new infrastructure to sustain growing urban centers.
Through the documentary, the filmmakers aim to inspire action and awareness about the delicate balance between human activity and nature. Beyond its focus on water issues, the film celebrates Kazakhstan’s rich biodiversity, exploring its lush summer pastures, wildlife, and cultural heritage.
Vision and Release
ALTAÏ is set to be produced by Lucien TV. The Times of Central Asia’s Ilyas Otan will serve as the production coordinator, ensuring local expertise to enhance the film’s authenticity.
Set to air on Ushuaïa TV, the French channel dedicated to environmental documentaries, ALTAÏ will debut in 2026, offering a rare opportunity for global audiences to glimpse the challenges and triumphs of a region striving to adapt to a rapidly changing world. Through its narrative of endurance, innovation, and the natural wonders of the Altai Mountains, ALTAÏ will aim to capture the profound interconnectedness between water, people, and the environment, inspiring a deeper understanding of Central Asia’s pivotal role in the global water cycle.
Central Asia and Israel, a Pragmatic Relationship That Never Truly Blossomed
The conflict between Israel and Iran is having both international and regional repercussions. The situation has been further inflamed by the U.S. bombing of several Iranian nuclear sites over the weekend, with Tehran responding by threatening retaliation on U.S. soil through the use of sleeper terrorist cells and the possible closure of the Strait of Hormuz, through which over a fifth of the world’s oil supply passes. While Israel's geographical position places it at the heart of the Middle East, Iran's location brings the Islamic Republic into close contact with Central Asia. The consequences of the conflict are therefore likely to be felt heavily in the Central Asian region. The close relations between Tehran and the capitals of Central Asia, due in part to their geographical proximity, are often highlighted. Less explored is the nature of the relationship between Tel Aviv and Central Asia and the lines along which it has developed since the dissolution of the Soviet Union. On both the Israeli and Central Asian sides, despite all the differences, relations began in the early 1990s, mainly based on certain mutual interests. From Israel's point of view, relations with Central Asia would mean expanding the circle of Muslim countries with which it had friendly ties, gaining greater influence in the region, and reducing its diplomatic isolation. From the Central Asian perspective, the appeal lay in increasing the number of its international partners, coupled with a desire to access Israeli know-how in numerous fields, and the possibility, through relations with Tel Aviv, of having a privileged channel of dialogue with the United States. More than three decades after the dissolution of the Soviet Union, relations remain good for the most part. “The positive relationship between Israel and Central Asia is driven by a combination of strategic, economic, and geopolitical factors,” Dr Zeev Levin, Coordinator of the Central Asian Research Unit at the Harry S. Truman Institute, told The Times of Central Asia. “One of the primary drivers is mutual interest in security and counterterrorism. Economically, Israel’s expertise in water management, agriculture, and technology is highly attractive to the arid, resource-seeking nations of Central Asia that aim to modernize their infrastructure and diversify their economies beyond oil and gas. Additionally, fostering ties with Israel provides a means of diversifying the foreign policy portfolios of the Central Asian republics.” This positive relationship, however, seems to have lost momentum in recent years due to several factors. Central Asian republics have increasingly oriented towards the East, moving closer to China and other players such as South Korea, Japan, and India, or towards other partners, such as the European ones, with Italy at the forefront in this regard. As Levin points out, the relation has cooled due to several factors: “Central Asian republics did look to Israel in the first decade of independence, but in the last decade to a much lesser extent, since Turkey and China are less complicated and cheaper options. For Israel, the region was never a priority or a point of focus - it stood and still stands below many other countries and regions”. Two years ago, Israel's decision to open an embassy in Turkmenistan’s capital, Ashgabat, attracted international attention due to its proximity to the Iranian border. It was a move that led some to suggest that Tel Aviv's primary interest in the region was its proximity to Iranian territory and the possibility of using it as a base for listening to what is happening in the Islamic Republic. This view is shared by Dr Robert Geist Pinfold, Lecturer in Defence Studies at King's College London. “Proximity to Iran is Israel's main geostrategic interest in these republics,” he told TCA. “Part of this is a denial strategy - it doesn't want these states becoming Iranian proxies. The other part is that they are close to Iran and, therefore, a good conduit for spying and reconnaissance missions. But Israel now knows that these states won't go all-in for Israel. Iran is simply too close and too entrenched in the region for them to abandon ties with Tehran in favor of Tel Aviv. As a result, they play a balancing act of trying to stay on good terms with both sides.” Levin is more cautious on this point: “There were many reports of strategic military ties of Israel with Azerbaijan, but none of them addressed the Central Asian republics. Unfortunately, the activities of the Israeli embassy in Ashgabat remain limited.” With regard to the ongoing conflict between Israel and Iran, the outcome of which is still very uncertain, it is clear that it could have a hugely significant impact on Central Asia. An example of this is the natural gas swap agreements between Iran and Turkmenistan, thanks to which the latter would be able to export its natural gas to Iraq and Turkey. There are also a plethora of initiatives on a logistical front, such as Tehran's approval of Uzbekistan's participation in the Chabahar Agreement in 2023. Both Geist Pinfold and Levin believe that the conflict between Israel and Iran could have significant consequences for the Central Asian region. “All these states want to make sure the war does not spillover into their territory and as a result are trying to maintain the delicate balancing act of being on good terms with both Tehran and Tel Aviv,” Geist Pinfold told TCA. Levin, meanwhile, stressed that “if the Iranian regime falls, this will be a critical breaking point for the Central Asian republics, not only for them, but also Russia and China. Central Asia depends on Iran as a transit corridor and is interested in its stability, but at the same time has no interest in its nuclear adventures and fears its religious agenda and possible leaks into their secular systems.” Regardless of the outcome of the war between Tel Aviv and Tehran, there is no doubt that relations between Central Asia and Iran will undergo changes, and the same can be said of relations with Israel.
Kazakhstan: Court Says 1986 Protester Was Victim of Political Repression
Four decades after participating in anti-Soviet protests in Kazakhstan, a 64-year-old man has been recognized as a victim of political repression by a court in the former Soviet republic. The ruling is part of a sweeping effort by Kazakhstan’s government to rehabilitate the reputations of people who faced persecution during Soviet rule, which ended when the country became independent in 1991. Many cases go back to a time of forced resettlement, famine and execution nearly a century ago, drawing on documents and the expertise of scholars and other specialists that lay bare historical trauma even as Kazakhstan maintains close trade and diplomatic ties with its neighbor, Russia. On Thursday, Kazakhstan’s Supreme Court released a statement about a more recent case, saying a resident of Aktobe city in western Kazakhstan who was a philosophy and economics student at Kazakh State University had been expelled for allegedly disturbing public order. “The reason for his expulsion was his detention by law enforcement officers on December 18, 1986 - on suspicion of participating in the December events, without charges being brought,” the court said. It did not name the student. The so-called December events refer to a 1986 protest movement called the Jeltoqsan that young people began in Almaty, then known as Alma-Ata. The demonstrations escalated into clashes with Soviet security forces and lasted for several days. The catalyst for the upheaval was the removal of Dinmukhamed Kunaev, an ethnic Kazakh who was the first secretary of Kazakhstan’s Communist Party, and his replacement with an ethnic Russian. The direct challenge to authority highlighted the erosion of Moscow’s control that would eventually end with the collapse of the Soviet Union. According to Kazakhstan’s Supreme Court, the student who was detained was freed, but he was expelled from the Communist Party, faced persecution, and couldn’t find a job. His wife was also turned down for jobs. Between 1990 and 1993, the couple and their three young children had to rent housing and were in a “socially vulnerable position,” the court said. This year, the man, now 64 years old, filed a lawsuit to be recognized as a victim of political repression because of his participation in the 1986 protests. Court No. 3 of Aktobe agreed that he had been subjected to political persecution, including restrictions on labor rights, the Supreme Court said. The Aktobe court based its decision on documents from the university and the prosecutor's office, as well as witness testimony. Kazakhstan’s law on rehabilitation of victims of political repression can provide for the restoration of violated rights as well as financial compensation.
After U.S. Strikes, Kazakhstan Warns of Deteriorating Security in Caspian Region
Kazakhstan said on Sunday that U.S. military strikes on Iran pose “serious consequences” for security in the Caspian region. “As a result of recent U.S. military actions against Iran, the international situation is rapidly deteriorating, posing serious consequences for the security of states in our region,” Kazakhstan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs said after the United States joined Israel’s war against Iran and attacked several Iranian nuclear sites. “Kazakhstan, as one of the Caspian region states, maintains cooperation with Iran in various spheres. We believe that all disputes, including those related to nuclear issues, must be resolved through negotiations based on the United Nations Charter,” the ministry said. “We urge all relevant states to accelerate the development of an agreement aimed at preventing the proliferation of nuclear weapons and providing security guarantees for states that comply with the non-proliferation regime under international oversight,” it said. Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan, Turkmenistan, Iran and Russia border the Caspian Sea. The area is an important trade route.
Kazakhstan’s Domestic Violence Law Brings Progress Amid Ongoing Challenges
Crimes against women and children have declined over the past year in Kazakhstan, a trend attributed to a sweeping new law on domestic violence. Despite these gains, authorities caution that women and children remain at significant risk from abuse. Persistent Challenge On June 16, 2024, Kazakhstan's Law on Ensuring the Rights of Women and the Safety of Children came into force, having been signed by President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev two months earlier. Since the outset of his presidency, Tokayev has identified combating domestic violence as a top policy priority. Children’s Ombudsman Dinara Zakieva reported that roughly 900 crimes against the sexual integrity of minors are recorded annually. Since the law’s enactment, at least 25 individuals convicted of sexual violence against children have received life sentences. Meanwhile, according to Marat Abishev of the General Prosecutor’s Office, at least 80 women die from domestic violence each year. Law enforcement officials stress that official statistics significantly underreport the true extent of domestic abuse. Surveys suggest that one in three women in Kazakhstan has experienced physical violence, threats, or psychological pressure. The new law has introduced tougher criminal penalties for domestic abuse, as well as protective and preventative mechanisms. Amendments to the Criminal Code now bar lenient sentences for crimes involving violence against minors and prohibit reconciliation between victims and perpetrators in such cases. The sole punishment for the murder or rape of a minor is now life imprisonment. The law also establishes liability for the sexual harassment of persons under 16 and introduces penalties for inciting or abetting suicide. Initial Results State Secretary Yerlan Karin recently shared data showing early progress under the new legislation. In the first five months of 2025, reports of domestic violence dropped by 20.5% compared to the same period in 2024. The number of serious domestic crimes fell by 29%, while particularly serious offenses declined by 44%. Crimes against the sexual integrity of minors decreased by 21.3%, and pedophilia-related offenses dropped by 40.7%. Karin noted that crimes against women have halved over the past five years, crediting stricter penalties and improved prevention efforts for the amelioration. He also highlighted a rise in the detection of domestic violence cases, facilitated by a new mechanism allowing authorities to launch investigations without a complaint from the victim. Between January and May 2025, more than 19,000 such cases were identified through mobile patrol units, police reports, witness statements, and social media monitoring. To improve reporting mechanisms, QR codes for the national 111 contact center are now displayed in schools. This has led to a spike in outreach: in the first five months of 2025, children sent more than 86,000 messages, with over 2,000 seeking help for violence or bullying. In 28 cases, potential suicides were prevented. Adults also placed over 62,000 calls to the center, many concerning domestic violence. Kazakhstan currently operates 20 psychological support centers and family support services in 112 districts and cities. A new prevention initiative, mandatory psychological counseling for aggressors, was introduced this year, with courts ordering 52 individuals to participate. Legal Reversal on the Horizon? Despite these improvements, newly proposed legislation has sparked concern. The Ministry of Internal Affairs has introduced a draft bill, On Crime Prevention, which seeks to consolidate five laws, including the 2009 Law on the Prevention of Domestic Violence, into a single legal framework. Critics, including Professor Muslim Khasenov, warn that the consolidation may dilute legal protections for victims. Speaking at a meeting of the Public Chamber in the Mazhilis, Khasenov said the draft includes just one article on domestic violence, reducing the issue to a list of general forms and preventive measures. “While these measures may theoretically apply to domestic violence, in practice there's a high risk that the specific nature of such crimes will be overlooked,” Khasenov said. He noted that most post-Soviet states maintain separate domestic violence laws that reflect the distinct dynamics of such offenses. Deputy Minister of Internal Affairs Igor Lepekha has responded by issuing assurances that key reforms, such as harsher penalties for assault and minor bodily harm, will be preserved. The ministry states that the draft law is part of a broader reform of Kazakhstan’s law enforcement and legal system. The issue of domestic violence has been the subject of much public scrutiny in recent years, particularly since the live-streamed trial of Former Minister of the National Economy, Kuandyk Bishimbayev, for the murder of his common-law wife, Saltanat Nukenova, in November 2023. Bishimbayev was sentenced to 24 years in prison.
Another Suspected Drone Discovered in Kazakhstan’s Mangistau Region
On June 19, fragments of a suspicious object resembling an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) were discovered in the Karakiyan district of Kazakhstan’s Mangistau Region, near the Bolashak border station.
According to the Mangistau Region Police Department, the UAV debris was found in a remote area, far from populated settlements. Authorities emphasized that "no damage" was reported. The incident is currently under investigation in cooperation with the relevant agencies.
Potential Iranian Link Suggested
While officials have not confirmed the origin or type of the device, speculation is growing. The KazTAG news agency reported that the shape of the debris may resemble that of an Iranian Shahed-136 drone. These drones have been reportedly supplied by Iran to Russia since late 2022 and used extensively in the war in Ukraine.
According to independent sources, Russia may have paid Iran approximately 1.8 tons of gold, worth around $104 million, for a consignment of Shahed-136 drones. Despite denials from both Moscow and Tehran, the drones' deployment in Ukraine has been documented by independent journalists and military experts.
Meanwhile, pro-Kremlin sources have speculated that it could be a British Banshee drone used by the Ukrainian Armed Forces.
[caption id="attachment_33143" align="aligncenter" width="1280"]
Image: TCA[/caption]
Pattern Emerges Along Western Border
This is not an isolated occurrence. Since early 2024, at least three similar incidents have been recorded in the West Kazakhstan Region (WKR). UAVs or drone parts were discovered in the villages of Ualy (February 18), Atameken (March 18), and Zhanibek (March 25).
Regional media have noted that some of the discovered objects bear a resemblance to French-made Crecerelle reconnaissance drones, produced by Sagem. However, no official conclusions have been issued.
Broader Security Implications
The repeated discovery of drone-like objects in Kazakhstan raises broader security concerns, particularly given the proximity of Russian regions frequently targeted by Ukrainian drones. Strategic installations in Russia’s Saratov region, including airfields and oil depots, have been hit multiple times.
In this context, the unexplained appearance of aerial objects near Kazakhstan’s borders is concerning. Experts stress the need for transparent investigations and enhanced monitoring of airspace, especially near critical infrastructure and transportation corridors.
Kazakhstan’s Ministry of Defense previously stated that UAV fragments found in February and March 2025 may have originated from activities at Russia’s 929th State Flight Test Center, located near the Kazakh border. The facility, named after Chkalov, is used by the Russian Ministry of Defense for testing military aircraft.
The Hearth of Hospitality: The Importance of the Chaikhana in Central Asia
“Every meal begins with tea and ends with tea. Every guest is welcomed with tea. Every festival and every ceremony – from the celebration of birth to wedding to funeral – must feature tea” - Ketan Desai.
Across Central Asia, the chaikhana, or teahouse, holds a cherished place in the region’s social and cultural fabric. Beyond serving cups of steaming tea, it represents history, hospitality, and a space where the rhythms of daily life unfold.
For Central Asians, tea isn’t just a drink; it’s a way of life. Every pour, sup, and serving is steeped in tradition. Green tea is considered supreme in the east, while black tea holds court in the west. The offering of tea isn’t just polite, it’s a heartfelt symbol of welcoming and friendship, and to turn it down is practically a cultural crime. Tea is always poured into a piala, a small ceramic or porcelain bowl similar to the Chinese gaiwan or the Japanese chaiwan, but with its own unique steeped allure.
A Link to History
[caption id="attachment_33095" align="aligncenter" width="1024"]
Chaikhana, Samarkand, 1905; image: Prokudin-Gorskiĭ[/caption]
The chaikhana has roots stretching back centuries, intertwined with the history of the Silk Road. These teahouses sprang up along trade routes as places where merchants, travelers, and locals could rest and exchange goods, ideas, and stories. Over time, chaikhanas became hubs of cultural exchange, bearing silent witness to the blending of a rich tapestry of traditions.
Central Asia is a region shaped by the collapse of the Soviet Union and subsequent episodes of democratization, political coercion, and repression. Throughout history, the chaikhana also played a role in the region’s intellectual life. Much like coffeehouses in Europe, these spaces often served as platforms for debate, poetry readings, and the airing of progressive ideas.
These venues often feature private rooms with enclosed spaces or pull-down shades and outdoor spots with canopies or yurt-like structures, ensuring discretion for guests. Unlike typical restaurants or cafes, which rarely offer such private arrangements, teahouses allow organizations to hold meetings comfortably and confidentially. Teahouses serve a dual purpose by balancing privacy with public engagement, making them invaluable to those seeking both discretion and societal visibility.
[caption id="attachment_33096" align="aligncenter" width="1019"]
Bukhara Chaikhana; image: Joepyrek[/caption]
Teahouses serve as neutral spaces where the general public and government can freely interact. They offer a safe space for open discussions, even for government employees, highlighting their unique role in fostering dialogue. The subversive potential of teahouses cannot be overlooked, as debates frequently occurred outside formal governmental frameworks. They have quietly allowed people to organize and challenge institutional power in subtle yet meaningful ways.
Tradition and Architecture
Chaikhanas are more than just teahouses; they’re cultural treasures enriched by stunning architecture. From simple wooden benches in rural areas to urban teahouses adorned with intricate carvings, colorful tiles, and ornate patterns, these spaces are as much about artistry as they are about tea.
The interiors feature low tables and cushions, encouraging leisurely conversations and fostering a warm, communal atmosphere. Whether beside a flowing stream or under a carved ceiling, they are designed to make you pause, sip, and savor the moment.
The Chaikhana in Art and Painting: A Cultural Symbol Through Creative Expression
[caption id="attachment_27446" align="aligncenter" width="972"]
Aleksandr Volkov, Chaikhana with a Portrait of Lenin[/caption]
Whether through vivid paintings or evocative literature, the chaikhana has emerged as a profound muse for creators across eras and captivated artists and storytellers for generations. Artists have long been drawn to its cozy charm and its role as a social hub. Historical paintings vividly portray these teahouses as dynamic spaces where lively conversations unfold and contemplation takes place. The details speak to the vibrancy of daily life, depicting the pouring of tea into delicate porcelain cups or patrons reclining against intricately carved wooden walls.
A hallmark of these artworks is their masterful use of light, color, and texture. With warm, earthy tones, artists invoke the atmosphere of these teahouses. Richly detailed rugs, ornate teapots, and trays of traditional sweets are constant features, illustrating the significance of cordiality and ritual. Often, these teahouses are depicted nestled beneath shady trees, surrounded by people savoring the simpler joys of life.
Writers often use the teahouse as a symbolic setting to explore themes of community, wisdom, and nostalgia. From classical poets like Alisher Navoi celebrating it as a nucleus for intellectual exchange to modern authors lamenting lost traditions, the chaikhana is deeply woven into literary narratives.
Beyond the written word, the teahouse is a vital backdrop in folk tales, where friendships are formed, disputes resolved, and life lessons shared. It also inspires traditional music and performance art, historically serving as venues for songs and stories that resonate with themes of love, loss, and life. Even today, select chaikhanas keep these traditions alive through music and occasional dance performances, celebrating human connection and interaction.
[caption id="attachment_33094" align="aligncenter" width="1080"]
Novruz Palace; image: TCA, Stephen M. Bland[/caption]
Choikhona Kokhi Navroz, also known as Novruz Palace, is an architectural marvel in Dushanbe, Tajikistan, and the largest teahouse in Central Asia. Originally built solely as a teahouse, this multi-domed structure with intricate hand-carved details has transformed into a grand palace. Constructed at a staggering cost of $60 million - equivalent to about 1% of the nation's GDP at the time - the once-exclusive citadel that catered to fat cats and dignitaries now welcomes locals and tourists to its lavish halls. It serves as both a cultural symbol and a popular spot for enjoying traditional Tajik tea and cuisine.
Preserving Identity in Modern Times
[caption id="attachment_33135" align="aligncenter" width="1600"]
Osh Bazaar Chaikhana, Bishkek; image: TCA, Jonathan Campion[/caption]
Despite the sweeping influence of modernization and globalization, these traditional teashops remain vital in both villages and urban centers. While coffee shops and fast-food chains have gained popularity, the attraction of the chaikhana endures as a cultural touchstone.
Present-day chaikhanas in cities blend old-world aesthetics with contemporary conveniences, ensuring the tradition evolves to suit modern times. Historically, these have been male-dominated areas; however, the landscape is changing. It’s now common to find women enjoying tea and chats in these former forbidden spaces.
Organizations like Chai Khana - a visual multimedia platform - are taking this shift even further by actively working to reclaim these spaces and create a more inclusive environment that bridges gender and cultural divides. Today, the chaikhana is not just a relic of the past but a symbol of how tradition can adapt for an inclusive future.
Saiga Conservation Clash: Kazakhstan Aids China, Russia Struggles
Kazakhstan will transfer 1,500 saigas to China to help restore the species' population in the western regions of the People’s Republic of China. The announcement came during a bilateral meeting between President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev and Chinese President Xi Jinping. President Xi expressed gratitude for the initiative, reaffirming China’s commitment to restoring the population of this antelope species. Returning to Their Historical Habitat On June 18, Minister of Ecology Yerlan Nysanbayev elaborated on the decision, explaining that the move is part of an effort to support the long-term sustainability of the species by reintroducing it to its historical range. “Kazakhstan is currently home to 99% of the world's saiga population. Since 2003, when only 2,500 individuals remained, we have grown the population to more than five million,” Nysanbayev said. The minister emphasized that the transfer will proceed only after a joint scientific assessment by Kazakh and Chinese experts, who will evaluate potential resettlement zones, available food sources, and optimal transport methods. When asked whether the move aimed to reduce saiga numbers in response to farmers’ complaints, Nysanbayev dismissed the idea. "Can 1,500 animals really affect the overall population or solve issues like agricultural damage? This is absolutely irrelevant,” he stated. Nysanbayev also underscored the importance of international cooperation in biodiversity conservation. “The saiga population has historically extended beyond Kazakhstan, into Mongolia, China, Russia, and Turkmenistan,” he added. Ongoing Tensions Between Wildlife and Agriculture Despite conservation successes, conflicts between saigas and agricultural interests remain a serious concern. In 2022, farmers in the West Kazakhstan and Akmola regions reported significant crop losses and property damage caused by saigas, with some even calling for a state of emergency to be declared in the West Kazakhstan Region. In response to growing tensions, the government included saigas in the list of species subject to regulation in late 2023. Authorities initially planned to capture up to 200,000 animals, but logistical challenges led to the approval of a limited culling. This shift enabled meat-processing plants to begin producing canned saiga meat. However, in February 2024, the Ministry of Ecology suspended population control measures following President Tokayev’s public call to protect this iconic symbol of the Kazakh steppe. Nevertheless, in March 2025, during a meeting of the National Kurultai, President Tokayev acknowledged the strain on agriculture and raised concerns about potential epizootic risks and broader ecological pressures. “Agriculture is suffering. There are risks of a worsening epizootic situation. Overall, the burden on the ecosystem has increased,” Tokayev said. Minister Nysanbayev later confirmed that discussions about potential future regulation are ongoing. “It will take time for science to thoroughly study the situation again,” he said. Options under consideration include culling through corrals or selective shooting, with final decisions to be guided by scientific recommendations. Saiga Migration Threatens Saratov Farmers' Livelihoods In Russia, meanwhile, farmers and agricultural leaders in the Novouzensky district of the Saratov region have appealed to President Putin for help, citing a severe threat to their livelihoods from saigas migrating from the Kazakh steppes. They claim the influx of these animals has made farming, livestock raising, and forage harvesting almost impossible, putting their enterprises at risk. Novaya Gazeta reports that while only about 100 saigas typically reside in the region, this spring saw an unprecedented migration of around a million saigas, according to the local authorities.
Sunkar Podcast
Astana International Forum 2025: Rethinking Global Dialogue
