In Kazakhstan, 300 million tenge has been allocated for the restoration of the forest fund. These funds are intended for the planting of 3 million Scots pine seedlings. At the same time, employees of the state reserve "Semey Ormany" were previously suspected of organising illegal logging and selling timber.
HOW THEY PLAN TO RESTORE THE FORESTS
According to the published project information, the planting of seedlings with an open root system was envisaged under an agreement with JSC "Samruk-Kazyna", which is providing financial support in the amount of 300 million tenge.
The initiative is aimed at restoring the forest fund, increasing the area of forest plantations and preserving natural ecosystems. The specific planting sites and timelines for the work are not specified in the statement.
CONTEXT
While Kazakhstan is allocating 300 million tenge for forest restoration, employees of the reserve "Semey Ormany", which is subordinate to the Ministry of Ecology, are suspected of organising illegal logging and selling timber.
In September 2026, the National Security Committee (NSC), together with the Prosecutor General's Office, suppressed the alleged illegal activity of reserve officials. According to the investigation, employees provided access to the most valuable forest areas in exchange for bribes. During searches, accounting documents, records on the distribution of forest quarters and money were seized. The investigation is being conducted under Part 3 of Article 366 of the Criminal Code of the Republic of Kazakhstan ("Receiving a bribe").
The reserve itself continues to recover from the 2023 fire, when the flames covered about 60,000 hectares and 14 forestry employees died. According to the forestry committee's assessment, it will take about 60 years to restore the forest to its previous state.
In July 2026, another large fire occurred in the reserve. According to NASA FIRMS data, the fire covered about 1,676 hectares, although initially 370 hectares was reported.
