Kazakhstan has a diverse range of ecological zones, ranging from semi‑arid steppes to wetlands and deserts, and has been working to mainstream biodiversity into national development frameworks. In 2019, the country hosted the Central Asia Regional Trialogue to raise awareness of the IPBES assessments on pollinators, pollination and food production, and on land degradation and restoration. Building on the priorities identified during this dialogue, Kazakhstan received catalytic support from the BES Solution Fund between 2020 and 2024 to advance national actions that integrate IPBES knowledge into policy, practice and community‑level interventions.
Through BES Solution Fund support, Kazakhstan established its National BES Platform under the Institute of Ecology and Sustainable Development, bringing together science, policy and practice communities. The platform played a central role in guiding Kazakhstan’s formal membership in IPBES in 2024 and contributed to the update of the National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan in line with the Kunming‑Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework. The Fund also supported the creation of a land degradation neutrality working group, integration of pollinator‑friendly practices into the national Agro‑Industrial Sector Development Program (2022–2026) and the development of a national pollinators conservation programme. Innovative approaches were introduced, including the modernization of biological pest control through drones, reducing reliance on chemical pesticides while improving soil health and biodiversity.
On the ground, demonstration plots in Kostanay and Almaty regions showcased pollinator‑friendly land restoration techniques such as honey plant cultivation and the green conveyor crop rotation approach. These pilots restored degraded lands, trained over 700 farmers, increased incomes by more than 30% and created over 300 jobs. Nurseries of melliferous plants were established for seed breeding, while initiatives like the Petrovskaya Apiary promoted eco‑tourism and pollinator conservation. Awareness campaigns reached schoolchildren, farmers and policymakers, while a comprehensive study on the nexus of climate change, land degradation and water in the Aral Sea region provided evidence for future resilience projects. Collectively, these achievements highlight Kazakhstan’s strengthened capacity to integrate IPBES findings into national strategies, policies and community‑based actions, reinforcing its commitment to biodiversity conservation and sustainable land management.
Start of BES Solution Fund implementation period: 14 July 2020
End of BES Solution Fund implementation period: 31 December 2024
Implementing agency: UNDP Kazakhstan
Government Partner: Ministry of Ecology, Geology and Natural Resources
