Environmental Protection Becomes a Constitutional Duty as Kazakhstan’s New Constitution Enters into Force

Environmental Protection Becomes a Constitutional Duty as Kazakhstan’s New Constitution Enters into Force

Today, the new Constitution of the Republic of Kazakhstan officially entered into force, establishing a fundamentally new level of responsibility for the State, society, and every citizen in protecting the environment.

For the first time in Kazakhstan’s history, the Constitution explicitly enshrines every citizen’s duty to care for nature and the environment. This marks a landmark step toward strengthening environmental responsibility and fostering a new culture of sustainability across society.

The Constitution’s preamble affirms the responsibility of the people to future generations, underscoring the importance of the sustainable use of natural resources. Article 37 further establishes the constitutional obligation of every citizen to protect and preserve the natural environment.

These constitutional principles now serve as the foundation of the nationwide Taza Kazakhstan initiative. As President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has repeatedly emphasized, the initiative is aimed at cultivating a new civic culture based on environmental cleanliness, responsible citizenship, and respect for nature.

Since its launch, Taza Kazakhstan has delivered tangible nationwide results. More than 5.2 million trees have been planted, over 2.2 million tonnes of waste have been collected, and approximately 3.4 million hectares of land have been cleaned across the country. The initiative has evolved into a truly nationwide movement, with more than 6.5 million people participating in environmental campaigns each year.

Environmental stewardship begins with everyday actions. Proper waste disposal, responsible water use, tree planting, and maintaining clean neighborhoods and public spaces are simple yet meaningful contributions that collectively improve the quality of life in cities and rural communities alike. These individual efforts, together with community clean-up campaigns, create cleaner, healthier, and more comfortable places to live.

By protecting nature today, we are creating healthier living conditions for future generations and laying the foundation for Kazakhstan’s sustainable development.

The Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources of the Republic of Kazakhstan calls on all citizens to actively support the Taza Kazakhstan initiative and to take personal responsibility for protecting the environment. A genuine environmental culture begins with individual action, while meaningful national change is achieved when everyone contributes their own small step toward a greener future.