On 5 April, Magzum Mirzagaliyev, Chairman of the Management Board of KazMunayGas (KMG), Nurlybek Nalibayev, Akim of Kyzylorda Region, and Nurken Sharbiyev, Vice Minister of Ecology and Natural Resources, took part in the planting of saxaul seedlings on the dried bottom of the Aral Sea.
This project is to support the environmental initiative of the Head of State Kassym-Jomart Tokayev to landscape the country.
“Saxaul is rightfully considered one of the symbols of Kazakhstan. From ancient times, this plant is a symbol of capability to overcome obstacles and revival. We are actively involved in landscaping the regions of our geographic footprint. KMG entered into commitment to plant more than 4 million saxaul seedlings on 15,000 hectares of the Aral Sea shallow bottom. By so doing, our company is contributing to the green economy and the preservation of nature for future generations and is demonstrating its commitment to the principles of sustainable development,” Magzum Mirzagaliyev said.
Such large-scale planting of saxaul seedlings will help to keep out dust and salt, blowing every year because of the Aral Sea drying, this will slow down desertification and preserve the region’s flora and fauna.
In this way, KazMunayGas is not only contributing to the economic development of the country, but supports social and environmental projects.
Saxaul is unique because of its property to make up a barchan, drifting up to four tonnes of sand. In their seventh year, saxaul plantations covering an area of 15,000 hectares will be able to keep more than 15,000 tonnes of salt, dust and sand.
The planting of saxaul will also be a benefit to the region’s livestock farming, as the grass grows and develops better in the saxaul groves, providing a good feeding for cattle.
The project sponsor is the Republican Forest Selection and Seed Centre of the Forestry and Wildlife Committee of the Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources of the Republic of Kazakhstan.
It should be noted that KazMunayGas Group regularly plants trees throughout the country. Just in 2023, KMG planted around 40,000 trees and shrubs.
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