The Republic of Kazakhstan has committed to implementing targets and integrating the principles of global UN Conventions (Rio-de-Janeiro, 1992) and the declaration of the Millennium Summit (New York, 2000) and the World Summit on Sustainable Development (Johannesburg, 2002).
Kazakhstan ratified the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) in May 1995 and the Kyoto Protocol (KP) to the Framework Convention (hereinafter – ‘Kyoto Protocol’ or ‘KP’) in March 2009. On September 17, 2009 Kazakhstan became an official Party to the KP. Thus, having acceded to the international effort to combat climate change, Kazakhstan has launched its intensive efforts to comply with the UNFCCC and KP requirements at the national level.
As an Annex I country to the KP, Kazakhstan has announced its decision to be bound by minimum quantified commitments to reduce GHG emissions (15% by 2020 and 25% by 2050 relative to the 1990 baseline). This requires the Government to develop and adopt long term policy documents guiding the national economy to the path of low-carbon development.
Within the framework of the project of Ministry of Environment Protection and UNDP “Strengthening the Capacity in the Field of Sustainable Development through Integration of Climate Change Issues into Strategic Planning in the Republic of Kazakhstan” support is provided to the Government of the Republic of Kazakhstan in the integration of the measures focused on prevention of the global climate change into strategic planning. support is provided to the Government of the Republic of Kazakhstan in the integration of the measures focused on prevention of the global climate change into strategic planning.
Since 2009 the Concept of Transition to Low-Carbon Development (LCD) till 2050 is being developed in the Republic of Kazakhstan. The need for performance of this work is first of all dictated by the international obligations of the country as a participant of KP and UNFCCC to decrease the greenhouse gas emissions by 15% to 2020. It was agreed to use the term “LCD Plan” in the process of document harmonization by the resolution of the session of the Interagency working group on development of the LCD Strategy (Astana, 24.05.11).
Based on the outcomes of the LCD Plan, detailed recommendations were developed in 2011 on energy efficiency improvement and development of renewable energy sources (RES) in different branches of economy, and assistance was provided in finalization of the Concept of Transition of the Republic of Kazakhstan to Low-Carbon Development till 2050, the interrelations between the performed research programs focused on prevention of the climate change were determined and enhanced. The arrangements have also been focused on increasing the capacity and awareness of the governmental organizations, NGOs and business-sector. Further activity on the project in 2012 will be focused on supporting finalization and promotion of the LCD plan, development of NAMA (Nationally Appropriate Mitigation Actions) document, detection of the opportunities for Kazakhstan’s participation in the international financing and assistance in submission of NAMA for financing in accordance with decisions of the 17th Conference of Parties to the UNFCCC. Also activity on raising awareness of the governmental agencies, scientific, public and business associations on the issues of the GHG emissions reduction will continue.
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