Kazakhstani farmers may gain a new source of income by entering the global carbon market. The monetization of sustainable agricultural practices, including soil carbon sequestration, became a key topic of the IV Interregional Environmental Forum Dala Carbon Forum 2026, held in the Akmola Region with the participation of the regional head, Marat Akhmetzhanov.

Forum participants discussed the potential for integrating more than 200 million hectares of Kazakhstan’s land into the international carbon trading system. It was noted that global markets are already prepared to invest in projects related to carbon sequestration, including the use of No-Till technologies. However, for the full launch of this mechanism in Kazakhstan, it is necessary to establish a transparent regulatory framework, as well as implement monitoring, reporting, and verification (MRV) systems.

The practical significance of this agenda is especially high for agricultural regions, where land degradation affects production sustainability. Marat Akhmetzhanov emphasized the region’s readiness to become a pilot platform for implementing climate projects based on farming enterprises.

“We are open to innovation, understanding that the future lies in new technologies. However, to fully participate in environmental projects, it is necessary to develop clear mechanisms for both farmers and investors,” the regional head noted.

Vice Minister of Ecology and Natural Resources Mansur Oshurbayev highlighted that natural ecosystems are becoming an important investment resource, and the development of voluntary carbon markets opens access to green finance. A key priority is to create conditions for issuing carbon offsets recognized at the international level.

According to the forum organizer, Chairperson of the ECOJER Association Council, Lazzat Ramazanova, a crucial condition is a transparent system for attracting international capital, clear market regulations, and the removal of administrative barriers.

During the forum, practical issues related to farmers’ participation in carbon projects were also discussed, including methods for measuring accumulated carbon, access to international verification for small farms, securing initial financing, and training specialists in digital monitoring.

Special attention was given to international rules for carbon credit trading and registration mechanisms, which will ensure the competitiveness of Kazakhstan’s carbon units in global markets.

As a result of Dala Carbon Forum 2026, a package of recommendations was developed for the Government of the Republic of Kazakhstan. Participants concluded that with the rapid development of the institutional framework, carbon offsets could become a new sustainable export niche for Kazakhstan.

It is worth noting that farmers in the Akmola Region began participating in carbon certification programs last year. This allows them to generate additional income through carbon sequestration on their land. Large agricultural enterprises, including those in the Tselinograd and Astrakhan districts, have actively joined the initiative. The total land area involved in the program has reached 100,000 hectares.

Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/aqmola-tourism/press/news/details/1189926?lang=kk