AHK Kazakhstan 2

The initial situation

In Kazakhstan, high waste quantities, improper disposal and an inadequate infrastructure for recycling and waste recycling pose enormous challenges for the environmental sector. There is a high investment requirement for the establishment of a sustainable waste management system. At the same time, an intensive exchange of experience and international partnerships offer the opportunity to guide Kazakhstan into a more resource-efficient direction in the long term and make the country a pioneer for sustainable development in Central Asia.

The preceding project "Waste and Circular Economy in Kazakhstan" has already established extensive networks with local experts, government authorities and environmental organisations that have profound knowledge of specific challenges and opportunities in Kazakhstan's environmental sector. These valuable relationships were intensified and developed further.

The approach

The project focused on the exchange of knowledge and experience with Kazakh stakeholders in order to establish sustainable and long-term framework conditions and to intensify cooperation between Kazakhstan and Germany in the waste management sector. It adopted a comprehensive approach, combining education, digitalisation, networking, political support and investment.

The objectives and measures

In order to benefit from the previous investments in the long term, the technical expansion of the existing IT platform was accelerated. The platform, which was developed as part of the preceding project, is already making an important contribution to networking and the exchange of expertise and experience between Kazakhstan and Germany. It acts as a central point of contact for information transfer. The new project aims to increase the user-friendliness of the platform.

In addition, a one-week eco educational tour with company visits in Germany was carried out. A Kazakh delegation gained insights into sustainable waste management practices exactly tailored to their specific needs and requirements. The practical application examples were supplemented by an advanced training course that provides additional theoretical knowledge.

Regular meetings of the working group members and participants of the delegation trip also intensified cooperation and facilitate the development and implementation of projects and measures. Furthermore, specific recommendations for action to improve waste management were developed. 

In collaboration with Karaganda Technical University, a small biogas plant was purchased and put into operation. This demonstrates the advantages of this technology to Kazakh stakeholders and at the same time strengthens the training of Kazakh specialists in the field of biogas utilisation.