The Mazhilis of Kazakhstan’s Parliament has proposed directing compensation payments from large enterprises toward improving soil quality. The initiative was put forward by MP Bakhytzhan Bazarbek during a thematic roundtable discussion.
According to Bazarbek, under the previously adopted “Aquaculture” law, companies compensate for emissions by funding the planting of green spaces. He suggested expanding this mechanism to include investments in soil fertility improvement.
He cited major corporations such as Karachaganak Petroleum Operating B.V., Kazakhmys, KazMunayGas, and Tengizchevroil as examples. Under the Paris Agreement, these enterprises are required to reduce emissions, with one option being the purchase of carbon credits. Currently, part of their payments is used for afforestation, with newly planted forests remaining under state ownership.
Bazarbek proposed a similar approach but directed toward soil restoration through the “Giprozem” system. Nurman Tanatov, Acting Director of the Department of Climate Policy, stated that the agency would consider the proposal.
Earlier, Bazarbek also announced that the Mazhilis is working on a bill that would amend Article 329 of Kazakhstan’s Criminal Code (Atmospheric Pollution) by incorporating certain provisions from the Administrative Code.
