Halyk Bank and Almaty Air Initiative Join Forces to Improve Air Quality in Almaty

Halyk Bank, Kazakhstan’s largest financial institution, and the Almaty Air Initiative private foundation have partnered to implement environmental projects aimed at improving air quality in Almaty, Orda.kz reports.

Halyk Bank CEO Umut Shayakhmetova, inDrive CEO, and Almaty Air Initiative co-founder Arsen Tomsky signed a memorandum.

According to Kazhydromet, air pollution in Almaty has worsened significantly over the past five years. From 2020 to 2023, the city’s pollution level was rated as “high,” but by the end of 2024, it had reached the “very high” category.

The foundation's research indicates that the average annual PM2.5 concentration in Almaty in 2024 was 24.08 µg/m³ — 4.8 times higher than the World Health Organization’s recommended levels. PM2.5 refers to fine particulate matter that can penetrate biological barriers and harm human health.

To address the issue, Halyk Bank and the foundation plan to implement a range of measures, including awareness campaigns, research, air quality monitoring, and support for infrastructure improvements. The foundation is also participating in a city administration working group that is drafting new air quality regulations and developing low-emission zones (LEZ).

The partnership reflects the fund's broader mission to turn Almaty into a more livable city by working with residents, businesses, scientists, and government agencies. Halyk Bank has previously supported ESG initiatives, including gasification projects in Almaty and Astana and green financing programs.

Established in 2024, the Almaty Air Initiative has already launched several major projects, including a foresight session with Satbayev University, collaboration with the UK’s Logika Group on low-emission zones, a documentary film, media campaigns, and research efforts.

The foundation is also expanding the city’s air quality monitoring network by installing additional sensors.

Original Author: Maria Kravtsova