UNDP Celebrates 6 Decades with Tree Planting Event
Celebrating Siberian Pine Alley: UNDP's 60th Anniversary in Astana
In the heart of Astana, the Botanical Garden witnessed a unique celebration on April 30. The UN Development Programme (UNDP), in honor of its 60th anniversary, planted an alley of Siberian pine seedlings. This event was a collaboration with the Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources and the Yessil District administration, unfolding as part of the Taza Kazakhstan nationwide campaign.
Kazakh Minister of Ecology and Natural Resources, Yerlan Nyssanbayev, and Katarzyna Wawiernia, UNDP Resident Representative in Kazakhstan, were among the attendees.
Over the past three decades, UNDP has played a significant role in Kazakhstan, implementing over 200 projects worth more than $210 million. The organization has supported various sectors, including environmental restoration, healthcare, poverty eradication, and social development.
The UNDP's efforts in Kazakhstan have resulted in significant achievements. For instance, environmental restoration projects in the Aral Sea and Semipalatinsk nuclear test site, the establishment of ten protected natural areas, and the creation of Kazakhstan's first ecological corridors covering 2.9 million hectares. Moreover, UNDP has supported biodiversity and renewable energy initiatives, shaping strategic national documents, and promoting the rule of law.
Notably, the UNDP has spearheaded the creation of Kazakhstan’s first genetic seed bank for 18 forest-forming tree species, ensuring long-term biodiversity preservation. This genetic bank significantly contributes to environmental sustainability and forest conservation efforts.
In addition to these accomplishments, UNDP has been instrumental in helping Kazakhstan meet international commitments in areas such as human rights, gender equality, disability rights, and biodiversity and climate agendas. The organization continues to support innovative efforts like carbon market development and forest conservation.
As it moves forward, UNDP's 2026-2030 Country Programme will intensify its focus on human capital, social protection of vulnerable groups, economic development, and environmental sustainability. It will also promote the human rights agenda, the rule of law, regional and local development, and climate resilience. The goal is to help Kazakhstan achieve carbon neutrality and social inclusion, aligning with its commitments to global biodiversity and climate agendas.
- The UNDP's 60th anniversary celebration in Astana's Botanical Garden included the planting of Siberian pine seedlings, symbolizing their continued commitment to environmental sustainability.
- In the Taza Kazakhstan campaign, UNDP collaborated with the Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources and the Yessil District administration to promote sustainable living and home-and-garden practices.
- Katarzyna Wawiernia, the UNDP Resident Representative in Kazakhstan, emphasized their dedication to environmental-science and climate-change initiatives during the event held in Astana.
- Aside from planting seedlings, the UNDP has created Kazakhstan’s first genetic seed bank for 18 forest-forming tree species, ensuring long-term biodiversity preservation and contributing to sustainable-living.
- In the coming years, as part of its 2026-2030 Country Programme, the UNDP aims to intensify its efforts in sustainable-living, focusing on human capital, social protection, economic development, and environmental sustainability, with an ultimate goal of achieving carbon neutrality and social inclusion by aligning with global biodiversity and climate agendas.
