Tokayev tasks new ecology minister with waste-to-energy plants in Astana, Almaty, Shymkent

September 4, 2026 at 04:02 PM1 min

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President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev instructed new Ecology and Natural Resources Minister Alibek Kuantyrov to develop waste-to-energy plants in Astana, Almaty and Shymkent. The president also set tasks on forest restoration, national park infrastructure and a circular economy. The directives were given at a meeting on September 4, a day after Kuantyrov's appointment.

Key Facts

Tokayev instructed Kuantyrov to work on building waste-to-energy plants in Astana, Almaty and Shymkent, with plans to later expand the experience to other regions.
The president set tasks on forest restoration, national park infrastructure development and waste recycling for a circular economy.
Tokayev ordered continued implementation of the "Taza Kazakhstan" initiative and work to raise environmental culture.
Alibek Kuantyrov was appointed Minister of Ecology and Natural Resources on September 3, replacing Yerlan Nysanbayev.

Waste-to-Energy Plants

Tokayev instructed the new minister to develop waste-to-energy plants in Astana, Almaty and Shymkent. The successful experience is planned to be scaled to other regions of Kazakhstan.

Environmental Priorities

The president set tasks on further forest restoration, development of national park infrastructure and transition to a circular economy. Tokayev stressed that infrastructure projects alone are insufficient and that environmental culture must be raised. He also called for more effective implementation of the nationwide "Taza Kazakhstan" initiative.

Ministerial Appointment

Alibek Kuantyrov was appointed Minister of Ecology and Natural Resources on September 3. He replaced Yerlan Nysanbayev, who had led the ministry since September 2023.