Kazakhstan launches AI tool to detect environmental violations

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Kazakhstan has introduced the Sfera-Kontrol digital system to automate environmental permitting and reporting for nature users. The system is expected to cut state inspectors' workload by 50% and speed up public service delivery. The National Environmental Data Bank now comprises six modules, including an AI tool called EcoAgent that flags discrepancies in enterprise reports.
Key Facts
- The Sfera-Kontrol system covers the full lifecycle of a nature user, from permit issuance to reporting and state environmental control.
- Digitization of environmental calculations is expected to reduce inspectors' workload by 50% and shorten public service delivery times.
- The National Environmental Data Bank operates on a single-window principle and currently consists of six modules.
- The EcoAgent AI tool compares permit data, established limits, and nature users' reports, flagging discrepancies for inspectors.
- The TazaQazBot system has received about 50,000 citizen appeals, 94% of which have been fulfilled.
Digital Transformation
The Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources introduced the Sfera-Kontrol system to automate the entire lifecycle of nature users, from obtaining permits to submitting reports and undergoing state environmental control. Previously, state inspectors manually performed environmental calculations, including dispersion calculations for pollutants. The digitization of these processes is expected to reduce inspectors' workload by 50% and shorten the time required to deliver public services.
National Data Bank
The National Environmental Data Bank operates on a single-window principle, consolidating environmental information and facilitating interaction between the state, the public, and nature users. The platform currently comprises six modules, including an automated monitoring system, industrial environmental control, state cadastres of waste and carbon emissions, and a register of pollutant releases and transfers. The EcoAgent tool, introduced within the framework of the Year of Digitalization and Artificial Intelligence, analyzes environmental information and compares permit data, established limits, and reports submitted by nature users. When the system detects discrepancies or abnormal deviations, it alerts the state inspector and generates appropriate recommendations.
Citizen Engagement
The TazaQazBot system allows citizens to submit appeals regarding the state of the environment, attaching photos, videos, and geolocation data. Since its launch, the system has received about 50,000 appeals, 94% of which have been fulfilled. Digital tools are thus being used not only for state control and work with enterprises but also for prompt communication with citizens.