Minister of Ecology and Natural Resources of the Republic of Kazakhstan E. Nysanbayev held a meeting with Saudi Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, member of the Council of Ministers and Climate Envoy Adel bin Ahmed Al-Jubeir on the sidelines of the Sixteenth session of the United Nations Conference of the Parties to Combat Desertification (COP16).
During the meeting, E.Nysanbayev noted that land degradation and drought pose a threat to social stability, food security and economic well-being of both Kazakhstan and the entire Central Asian region.
About 60% of the Central Asian population is directly dependent on agriculture as the main source of income, so droughts pose a serious threat. The consequences of such phenomena include the loss of agricultural production, the threat to security and a decrease in the quality of life, and the growth of economic and social tensions.
The Minister of Ecology of Kazakhstan also dwelled in more detail on large-scale events held by Kazakhstan, such as planting trees on the drained bottom of the Aral Sea, adopting a Concept for the transition to a green economy and approving a Strategy to achieve carbon neutrality until 2060, implementing norms on adaptation to climate change in the regions of the country within the framework of the Environmental Code, etc. In the implementation of the commitments of the Paris Agreement, 2 billion trees will be planted in the country by 2027, of which 839 thousand seedlings have been planted. This large-scale project is designed to strengthen environmental sustainability and restore the balance of ecosystems.
As E.Nysanbayev noted, Kazakhstan is ready to share its experience and strengthen cooperation with international partners.
The Saudi Minister of State for Foreign Affairs also noted that climate issues in Saudi Arabia are very relevant. He elaborated on the most pressing issues related to the environment, climate change and land degradation, carbon capture and storage, and also discussed the topics raised at the conference.
Following the meeting, the Parties noted that only through joint actions we will be able to preserve our ecosystems and ensure a sustainable future for all.

Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/ecogeo/press/news/details/895906