QazaqGaz Exploration and Production LLP has started implementing a major environmental project in Zhambyl region, fulfilling obligations for compensatory planting of forest stands in accordance with Article 51 of the Forest Code of the Republic of Kazakhstan. According to Tolebek Temirkhanov, head of the company's advanced development department, the project covers seven districts of the region with a total area of 366 hectares, where more than 1 million seedlings (1,013,000) will be planted.
Among the species are narrow—leaved loch, elm, poplar, black saxaul and cultivated apple tree. The plantings carried out as part of the development of the Airakty and Anabai fields are planned to be completed by the spring of next year. After that, the company will provide three years of care for the young plants to ensure their survival and sustainable development. The project is being implemented in close cooperation with local environmental authorities. According to Serik Boranbayev, Deputy director of the Zhambyl Institution for the Protection of Forests and Wildlife, 96,000 small-leaved elm seedlings on an area of 58 hectares are planted on only one of the sites in the Zhambyl district, on the territory of the state forest fund.
Next year, QazaqGaz Exploration and Production plans to start developing design estimates for similar work at the Barkhannaya field. The area of future plantings will be 100 hectares.
