Page 124 – The Times Of Central Asia

11 Sep 2025

Environment, Kazakhstan Environment, Kazakhstan

Kazakhstan Sees Record Water Recovery in Northern Aral Sea

September 11, 2025
By Vagit Ismailov

Kazakhstan’s Ministry of Water Resources and Irrigation has reported a record increase in the volume of water in the Northern Aral Sea, exceeding national and international expectations.

Water Returns to the Sea

Since 2023, approximately 5 billion cubic meters of water have flowed into the basin, bringing the total reserve to 24.1 billion cubic meters. This figure surpasses the target set under Kazakhstan’s Water Resources Management Concept, which had aimed for only 20.6 billion cubic meters by 2025. The current level was not expected to be reached before 2029.

Minister of Water Resources and Irrigation Nurzhan Nurzhigitov said that with the support of a World Bank grant, a feasibility study is underway to raise the Kokaral Dam by two meters and construct a new hydraulic facility. The project is designed to stabilize water levels in the Akshatau and Kamystybas lake systems.

“The project aims to increase both the volume and quality of water in the Northern Aral Sea, restore the Syr Darya delta, reduce salt dispersion from the exposed seabed, develop the fishing industry in the Kyzylorda region, and improve living conditions for local communities,” the minister stated.

International Cooperation

Deputy Minister Nurlan Aldamzharov has said the second phase of the initiative envisions raising the Northern Aral’s capacity to 35 cubic kilometers. He emphasized the critical role of regional cooperation, particularly with Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan, as the sea’s recovery depends on sustained inflows from the Syr Darya River.

Ministry spokesperson Moldir Abdualyeva attributed the recent progress to “water diplomacy, effective resource allocation, and conservation efforts.”

Environmental and Social Impact

The increase in water volume has led to a corresponding expansion of the sea’s surface area. As of February 2025, the Northern Aral covered 3,065 square kilometers, an increase of 111 square kilometers over the past three years. This has reduced salinity levels and enabled the return of 22 fish species to the ecosystem. The annual fish catch now totals around 8,000 tons, offering renewed economic opportunities for local communities.

To further support the region, Kazakhstan has raised subsidies for farmers implementing water-saving technologies, increasing compensation rates from 50% to 80%. Officials say the measure is intended to conserve water while promoting sustainable agriculture in surrounding areas.

The Small Aral Sea, or Northern Aral, was formed in 1987 during the broader desiccation of the Aral Sea and preserved following the construction of the Kokaral Dam. In 2012, it was added, alongside the Syr Darya delta, to the Ramsar List of Wetlands of International Importance.

Kazakhstan assumed the rotating chairmanship of the International Fund for Saving the Aral Sea (IFAS) in 2024, further strengthening its leadership role in regional water cooperation and ecosystem restoration.

11 Sep 2025

Central Asia, Environment, Home, Tajikistan, Tajikistan Home, Tajikistan Environment

Melting Glaciers Threaten Tajik Agriculture

September 11, 2025
By Vagit Ismailov

Climate change in Tajikistan is no longer a future concern, it is an immediate crisis. Farmers across the country are grappling with the effects of melting glaciers, prolonged heatwaves, and dust storms that are disrupting traditional agricultural cycles.

In Vahdat district, the Usto Murod farm has adopted a dual-harvest strategy to mitigate risk. “If one crop fails, the second helps cover the costs,” says farmer Galatmo Alieva. But increasingly rapid glacier melt has doubled irrigation needs from three rounds per season to six. Heatwaves and dust storms have further damaged crops, while honey yields have plummeted from 25 kilograms per hive to just five.

To cope, Alieva’s family installed a biogas plant with support from the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), saving between $550 and $1,100 annually. However, broader adaptation measures remain financially out of reach. Loan interest rates hover around 31%, and water-efficient drip irrigation is used only in greenhouses.

Unequal Access, Dwindling Resources

Other farmers face even harsher realities. Rain-fed plots deliver meager returns, pastures are drying up, and water distribution remains inequitable. “Those at the canal head take all the water,” laments farmer Bakhtiyor.

Engineer Alexander Pirov warns that accelerating glacier melt threatens not only agriculture but also the country’s hydropower sector. By 2080, Tajikistan is expected to experience 12 additional days per year with temperatures exceeding 40°C, compared to the 1986-2005 average.

Already, 70% of Tajikistan’s arable land is considered degraded.

High Costs, Limited Support

Water-saving technologies could significantly improve crop yields and farmer incomes, yet the upfront costs, estimated at $5,000 or more, remain prohibitive for most rural families.

As climate risks intensify, Tajikistan’s rural population is increasingly vulnerable. Without targeted investments in adaptation, infrastructure, and equitable resource distribution, the country’s agricultural backbone may begin to fracture under the weight of a rapidly changing environment.

11 Sep 2025

Central Asia, Home, Kazakhstan Local Politics, Local Politics, Kazakhstan, Kazakhstan Home

Kazakhstan Labor Ministry Increases Pressure on Employers Paying “Gray” Salaries

September 11, 2025
By Dmitry Pokidaev

Kazakhstan’s Ministry of Labor and Social Protection has drafted legislation aimed at eliminating the widespread practice of paying employees off the books, known locally as “gray” salaries, Minister Svetlana Zhakupova announced this week.

According to ministry estimates published earlier this summer, approximately 30% of Kazakhstan’s employed population fails to contribute to the Unified Accumulative Pension Fund (UAPF), a clear indicator that they may be receiving unreported wages.

Data from the Bureau of National Statistics shows that in the second quarter of 2025, 9.3 million people were employed across the country. Of these, 7.1 million were salaried employees (76.8%) and 2.2 million were self-employed (23.2%).

This suggests that more than 3 million workers may be receiving wages outside the official system, avoiding both income tax and social contributions.

Targeting the Shadow Economy

The ministry plans to focus first on those who make no contributions at all. “We have cases where highly qualified employees officially receive the minimum wage of 85,000 KZT (about $159),” Zhakupova said. “To avoid taxes, employers declare the minimum wage on paper and pay the rest in cash.”

This practice, she added, creates striking wage disparities among employees with the same qualifications and roles. “In some instances, workers in identical positions earn between 229,000 KZT ($426) and 1.2 million KZT ($2,200), depending on the employer,” Zhakupova noted. These discrepancies are particularly acute in Kazakhstan’s mining and metallurgical sector.

Digital Oversight and Industry Agreements

To address the issue, the ministry is negotiating industry-wide wage agreements and requiring companies to declare their staffing structures. A digital tool for this purpose is available on the enbek.kz platform.

“About 20 to 25 major organizations, including several under our jurisdiction, have already submitted their staffing schedules in a pilot project,” said Zhakupova.

She believes the initiative will help ensure a more equitable distribution of company profits. “We’ve seen cases where salaries have risen, yet labor productivity has not. That contradicts basic economic logic. Our digital system identifies such ‘red zones’ for inspection,” she explained.

Legislative Timeline

The draft law is currently under interagency review and has received support from both the government and the presidential administration. It is expected to be submitted to Kazakhstan’s parliament, the Mazhilis, for consideration in the near future.

In the meantime, the ministry has begun flagging suspicious labor contracts, particularly those listing highly skilled workers, such as mechanical engineers, at or near the minimum wage.

More than 1.1 million people in Kazakhstan currently earn wages at or below the legal minimum. “When we see such contracts, it’s clear these companies are operating in the shadow economy,” Zhakupova said during a recent government briefing. “Inspectors are now actively working with such employers.”

As The Times of Central Asia previously reported, the government has also decided to freeze the minimum wage in 2026, despite earlier pledges to raise it.

11 Sep 2025

Business & Economy, Kyrgyzstan, Kyrgyzstan Business & Economy

Sharp Rise in Global Gold Prices Expected to Benefit Kyrgyz Economy

September 11, 2025
By Anton Chipegin

A significant surge in global gold prices is presenting new economic opportunities for Kyrgyzstan. Over recent weeks, gold has risen by more than $400 per troy ounce on the London Commodities Exchange, signaling potential gains for the country’s gold-dependent economy.

Back in 2022, amid escalating global geopolitical tensions, Kyrgyz authorities began encouraging citizens to hold their savings in gold. Three years on, that strategy appears vindicated: gold prices have nearly doubled.

According to the National Bank of Kyrgyzstan, the country’s international reserves reached over $7 billion in 2025, growing by $2 billion in just one year. A substantial portion of these reserves is held in gold bullion, highlighting the precious metal’s role as the cornerstone of Kyrgyzstan’s financial resilience. The current price surge is expected to further insulate the national economy from external shocks.

In 2024, Kyrgyz mining enterprises produced 24 tons of gold. If production levels remain steady, export revenues could exceed $2.5 billion in 2025. This would provide a significant boost to tax revenues, the national budget, and the country’s foreign currency reserves.

Economist Kubanychbek Idinov told The Times of Central Asia that the Kumtor mine, the country’s flagship gold asset, remains the primary driver of state revenue.

“Thanks to the nationalization of Kumtor in 2022, government revenues from the enterprise have increased several times. These funds are already being used to build social housing and develop new industries. With the launch of underground mining, authorities now have the capacity to further expand social spending and finance industrial growth,” said Idinov.

He estimates that Kumtor still holds between 500 and 700 tons of gold, which could support Kyrgyzstan’s economic stability for up to two more decades.

However, experts warn against overreliance on gold.

“Prices may rise, but they can also fall,” Idinov noted. “While current conditions offer windfall revenues, these should be strategically invested into infrastructure, trade, and industrial development. That is the path to a more resilient and diversified economy.”

The latest rally in gold prices offers Kyrgyzstan a rare window of opportunity. But capitalizing on this moment will depend on how effectively authorities can translate resource wealth into long-term national development.

11 Sep 2025

Life & Culture, Home, Kazakhstan Life & Culture, Kazakhstan, Features, Kazakhstan Featurees

Attitudes Toward Children with Special Needs in Kazakhstan Are Beginning to Shift

September 11, 2025
By Aliya Haidar

An appalling call by an Almaty-based blogger to “kill autistic people” has reignited public debate over attitudes toward children with special needs in Kazakhstan, revealing deep-rooted prejudices that persist in society despite ongoing reforms.

Shocking Comments and a Criminal Case

“There are too many autistic people, they need to be treated, and if they cannot be cured, they should be killed or autism hospitals should be opened. Children with autism have no feelings!” wrote Almaty blogger Raihan Zhumamuratova in a now-deleted post on social media. Her remarks sparked outrage online and drew swift condemnation from authorities.

Zhumamuratova’s post followed a disturbing incident on August 23, when a mother posted on Instagram that her two-year-old son was attacked in a courtyard by a teenager who picked him up, threw him in the air, and then fled while covering his ears. The act was captured on video. Initial reports suggested the 13-year-old boy may have a mental health condition, possibly an autism spectrum disorder, though no official diagnosis has been confirmed.

The Auezov District Police Department opened a criminal case, and the teenager’s parents were held accountable for failing to properly fulfill their parental duties.

Zhumamuratova’s comments were widely condemned. The Autism Kazakhstan association filed a formal complaint, prompting Almaty police to launch an investigation. Minister of Labor and Social Protection Svetlana Zhakupova stated, “I think law enforcement agencies will take the right decisions regarding this blogger. The harshest ones.”

“You know, we are building an inclusive society together. We do not tolerate discrimination against people with disabilities,” Zhakupova added. “Children with autism are currently under the special supervision of several government agencies, the Ministry of Education, our Ministry of Labor, and the Ministry of Health. We fully support these children.”

A Pattern of Neglect and Violence

While Zhumamuratova’s statements have drawn near-universal condemnation, this is not the first time a child has been seriously harmed by a teenager with a psychiatric condition.

In February 2025, a teenager attacked a five-year-old with a knife inside an elevator in a residential building in Astana. The assault was also recorded and widely circulated online. The attacker, who is registered at a psychoneurological clinic, was later placed in a psychiatric hospital. His legal guardian was held accountable, according to Children’s Rights Commissioner Dinara Zakieva.

Parents of children with special needs frequently report being left to cope alone. Rehabilitation services are limited, oversight is weak, and resources are stretched thin.

A Long Road to Inclusion

Kazakhstan faces systemic challenges in building an inclusive society. For decades, people with psychiatric or developmental diagnoses were kept out of public view. Traditional nomadic culture stigmatized them, and under the Soviet regime, psychiatric diagnoses often carried punitive implications that brought shame upon families.

Many citizens today remain uninformed about developmental disorders like autism. As a result, people with such conditions are often met with fear or hostility. Compounding the issue, disability benefits remain low, making private care and quality rehabilitation inaccessible for most families.

As of March 1, 2025, Kazakhstan had 12,807 children and adolescents under observation for autism spectrum disorders, more than triple the number recorded in 2020. This surge reflects both improved diagnostics and growing public awareness.

Currently, 74 rehabilitation centers provide medical assistance to children nationwide. A development and early intervention center is under construction, while 207 mental health offices operate at the district level. The Republican Scientific and Practical Center for Mental Health in Almaty serves as the leading institution. Pilot programs for early intervention are being tested in Almaty and the Kyzylorda region.

However, according to parents, these efforts fall short. Many are forced to turn to expensive private specialists due to long waits and a lack of qualified personnel in state facilities. Stigma remains entrenched, especially in rural areas, but also in urban centers like Almaty, as demonstrated by Zhumamuratova’s inflammatory comments.

Political Response and Public Hope

Mazhilis deputy Irina Smirnova responded to the incident by calling for a systemic overhaul of Kazakhstan’s approach to supporting children with autism.

“When we hear reports about the opening of rehabilitation centers, these are all fragmented moments that do not solve the overall picture,” said Smirnova. “We need to review our approaches, take the best international experience, study it, and implement it.”

While the path ahead is steep, the widespread backlash against Zhumamuratova’s comments and the strong response from civil society suggest a growing awareness and a willingness among Kazakhstani citizens to stand up for children with special needs.

10 Sep 2025

Home, Environment, Kyrgyzstan Environment, Kyrgyzstan

UNDP and Eldik Bank Partner to Advance Green Finance in Kyrgyzstan

September 10, 2025
By Sergey Kwan

Kyrgyzstan is taking a significant step toward building a greener and more resilient economy. On September 9, state-owned Eldik Bank and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) signed a memorandum of understanding to deepen cooperation in sustainable finance.

The agreement aims to mobilize climate-related investments, develop sustainable financial products, and integrate Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles into Kyrgyzstan’s banking sector. It also outlines plans for joint research and knowledge exchange in climate finance, including the creation of tools to assess climate risks in lending operations.

This initiative supports Kyrgyzstan’s updated Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC 3.0) under the Paris Agreement, which commit the country to reducing greenhouse gas emissions, expanding renewable energy, and enhancing climate resilience. It also aligns with the National Development Program through 2030, which prioritizes expanding the regulatory framework for green finance.

“UNDP supports the development of sustainable finance solutions that reduce the carbon footprint of the economy, enable the green transformation of businesses, and create new opportunities for investment,” said Alexandra Solovieva, UNDP Resident Representative in Kyrgyzstan.

For Eldik Bank, the partnership represents more than a financial commitment; it is a strategic step toward becoming a catalyst for climate-conscious economic development. “Together with UNDP, we aim to introduce products that promote green growth and sustainable business development for our clients,” said Ulanbek Nogaev, Chair of the bank’s Management Board.

Green finance is gaining traction across Central Asia, a region still heavily reliant on extractive industries but increasingly vulnerable to climate risks such as water scarcity, extreme weather, and glacial melt. Kyrgyzstan’s efforts to empower domestic financial institutions signal that achieving climate goals will require more than policy declarations; it will demand concrete investments and innovation.

The Eldik Bank-UNDP partnership also underscores the importance of regional cooperation. Similar initiatives are under discussion in neighboring countries, as Central Asia seeks to attract international capital for renewable energy, sustainable agriculture, and green infrastructure projects.

If effectively implemented, Kyrgyzstan’s model could serve as a regional benchmark, demonstrating how national banks can help transform global climate commitments into tangible, growth-oriented outcomes.