Ecology Minister Requests Additional Forestry Budget Funding

Minister Yerlan Nysanbayev addressed the issue during a government meeting on April 15, Orda.kz reports.

He stated that the total budget allocation for equipping forestry services between 2023 and 2027 stands at 68 billion tenge.

Meanwhile, the Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources forecasts a hot summer with elevated fire risk.

Due to the budget deficit, funding from the republican budget has been reduced from 8.7 billion to 3.1 billion tenge (only for the installation of EDSs (early detection systems - Ed.) in the Semey Ormany reserve). The Ministry proposed equipping forest protection institutions at the expense of the recycling fee. In accordance with your (Prime Minister - Ed.) instruction, 35 billion tenge has been allocated for leasing to equip forestry enterprises,
Nysanbayev said. 

He added that since the beginning of the year, 136 small forest fire complexes and 60 tractors worth 3.7 billion tenge have already been delivered to the ministry.

Another 166 fire trucks, 27 fire complexes, and 15 tractors worth 11.3 billion tenge are expected by the end of June.

In 2025, regional Akimats allocated 6.3 billion tenge from local budgets and an additional 20 billion through leasing programs. Authorities plan to purchase 186 fire trucks, 186 fire-fighting units, and 247 tractors by year-end — totaling 26.3 billion tenge.

Still, resources fall short in key areas. The Ministry lacks funding for aerial forest patrols, which require 10,453 flight hours annually to cover high-risk zones.

Unfortunately, the funding allocated from the republican budget is insufficient. Respected Olzhas Abaevich, I ask for your assistance in resolving this important issue. An additional 11 billion tenge is required,
Nysanbayev concluded. 

Original Author: Ilya Astakhov