Almaty SuperSki project faces criminal liability claims over Kok-Zhailau trees
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Kazakhstan's Green Salvation environmental group claims the Almaty SuperSki resort project violates the country's criminal code over tree felling in Kok-Zhailau. The group published an analysis on Facebook disputing Kazakh Tourism Development's statement that no Red Book trees exist on the site. The dispute follows threats of legal action by Kazakh Tourism Development CEO Yerzhan Yerkimbayev against social media users posting felling videos.
Key Facts
- Green Salvation published an analysis on Facebook disputing Kazakh Tourism Development's claim that no Red Book trees exist in Kok-Zhailau.
- Kazakh Tourism Development CEO Yerzhan Yerkimbayev threatened social media users with criminal and administrative liability over felling videos.
- Kazakh Tourism Development stated in late July that a forest pathology survey found no Red Book trees on the Almaty SuperSki site.
- Green Salvation noted that the 2012 feasibility study for the Kok-Zhailau ski resort recorded Red Book species in the area.
Environmental Group's Analysis
Green Salvation responded to Kazakh Tourism Development's announcement that no Red Book trees were found on the Almaty SuperSki site. The group published an extensive analysis of Kok-Zhailau documentation on Facebook. Green Salvation compared the statement to a medieval indulgence, saying it justifies destruction of state property for profit. The group clarified that the Red Book includes not only trees but also rare and endangered animals, plants, and fungi.
Legal Threats and Dispute
Kazakh Tourism Development CEO Yerzhan Yerkimbayev threatened criminal and administrative liability for social media users posting videos of tree felling allegedly in Kok-Zhailau. Yerkimbayev said tree felling on the future Almaty SuperSki resort territory has not yet begun. Green Salvation's analysis found that organizers and contractors of the Almaty ski cluster may themselves face criminal liability.
Red Book Species History
Kazakh Tourism Development reported in late July that specialists from Ile-Alatau National Park and Kazgiproleskhoz-KZ conducted a forest pathology survey of the Almaty SuperSki site. The survey recorded coordinates, species, and sanitary condition of trees, and determined which trees fall within the impact zone of planned infrastructure. The main result stated was that no Red Book trees were found on the Almaty SuperSki project territory. Green Salvation pointed out that the 2012 feasibility study for the Kok-Zhailau ski resort recorded Red Book species in the area.
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