Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan Back Biodiversity Safeguards for Energy Transition
The Kazakhstan Ministry of Energy and the Kyrgyzstan Ministry of Natural Resources have officially supported recommendations from the Rivers without Boundaries environmental coalition and other non–governmental organizations regarding biodiversity conservation in climate policy and renewable energy construction. The proposals were developed following expert discussions at the RES EXPO 2026 Regional Environmental Summit in Astana. The primary objective is to implement comprehensive measures to protect vulnerable terrestrial and freshwater ecosystems within the energy transition strategies of Central Asian nations.
The recommendations advocate for the adoption of Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) mechanisms for all energy development programs to avoid adverse effects on biodiversity and ecosystem processes. Particular emphasis is placed on the protection of aquatic systems, with proposals to minimize the fragmentation of river basins, abandon dam construction on remaining free–flowing rivers, and establish precise standards for ecological water release from reservoirs. Additionally, experts advocate for a prohibition on building renewable energy facilities in protected areas and key biodiversity zones, recommending that priority be given to anthropogenically disturbed lands.
Official responses from the two ministries indicate engagement with these proposals. The Ministry of Energy of the Republic of Kazakhstan reported that the recommendations have been taken into account for future industry development plans. The ministry expressed readiness for constructive cooperation, noting that mandatory environmental impact assessment procedures remain in effect. The Ministry of Natural Resources, Ecology, and Technical Supervision of the Kyrgyz Republic highlighted the practical utility of the proposed measures and the importance of the expert community’s contribution to the regional environmental agenda.
Eugene Simonov, international coordinator of Rivers without Boundaries, stated that the global energy transition should not be achieved through the destruction of wilderness. He noted that hydroelectric power plants and other renewable infrastructure require careful inter–agency planning and independent environmental audits. Simonov suggested that the willingness of state bodies to consider specialist arguments provides a pathway toward a balanced climate policy.
Alexander Kolotov, regional coordinator for the coalition, stated that the ministerial responses demonstrate openness to environmental dialogue. He noted that the task ahead involves transforming these intentions into legislative changes and practical applications for the design of new energy projects. The recommendations were developed by specialists from Rivers without Boundaries, the Center for Biodiversity Research and Conservation, and the Karaganda Regional Ecological Museum following the Biodiversity Conservation as an Equal Element of Central Asian Climate Policy session at RES EXPO 2026.