Under the chairmanship of the head of state Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, a meeting of the Security Council of the Republic of Kazakhstan was held, at which issues of environmental and water security were considered.
Minister of Ecology and Natural Resources Zulfiya Suleimenova made a report on the state of environmental safety. In addition, the heads of a number of state bodies and akims of the regions reported on certain aspects.
The head of state in his speech noted the high relevance of the fight against natural and anthropogenic factors that pose a threat to environmental security.
“In recent years, the activity of the governments of many countries has increased. Decisive measures are being taken to improve the environment, transition to a "green" economy and achieve carbon neutrality. If we want to have a healthy generation, live in a clean country and be recognized around the world, we need to follow their example,” the president said.
Kassym-Jomart Tokayev focused on environmental issues that need to be addressed immediately.
“Many industrial enterprises, old coal-fired power plants and boiler houses, which are a legacy of the Soviet period, have led to a deterioration in the environmental situation,” the head of state noted.
A number of questions were raised regarding the formation of a responsible attitude towards environmental protection.
The President drew the attention of the leadership of regions and cities of republican significance to the low rates of elimination of spontaneous dumps and waste processing.
Based on the results of the consideration, Kassym-Jomart Tokayev gave a number of instructions to the Government to harmonize national environmental standards with world standards, reduce emissions from industrial enterprises, process municipal solid waste, eliminate spontaneous dumps and reclaim eroded lands.
It was instructed to study in detail the experience of implementing a pilot project on land reclamation for the revival of fields and the development of animal husbandry in the Shet district of the Karaganda region in order to expand it to other regions of the country.
The meeting also noted the growing level of risks in the field of water security.
The President noted the need for a systematic approach to rational use of water and reduction of losses in all sectors of the economy, including the agro-industrial complex, which accounts for the bulk of the total water intake and losses of water resources.
Along with the introduction of water-saving technologies and the development of economic incentives for optimal water consumption, the digitalization of water management infrastructure, including for accounting, monitoring and forecasting water use, is becoming increasingly relevant.
The head of state paid special attention to the issues of the effectiveness of the functioning of water management facilities, increasing the transparency and effectiveness of the use of allocated funding.
The government was instructed to take measures to strengthen the scientific and human potential in the environmental and water sectors. In the period up to 2030, targeted research projects in the field of water resources assessment will be implemented, the results of which will be taken into account in the management of the water industry.
As a result of the discussion, it was noted that the key indicator of water security is the availability of high-quality drinking water.
“Our direct duty is to ensure the population's access to drinking water and take comprehensive measures to preserve it for future generations,” the head of state said.
The authorized state bodies were given a number of instructions aimed at ensuring water security as the most important area of national security.
By the Kazakhstanskaya Pravda
