Following AFoCO’s joint exhibition, ‘Green Life Must Go On,’ with NEPA, and IKEA-Korea in November 2022, NEPA has taken yet another step forward in environmental sustainability by making a monetary contribution for AFoCO “Let’s Forest – Plantree”, to establish forests to combat the desertification in Kazakhstan. Consequently, AFoCO partnered with the Republican State Enterprise (RSE) on the right of economic management, “Zhasyl Aimak,” and the Committee of Forestry and Wildlife of the Republic of Kazakhstan to create a picturesque green suburban area in Astana.
RSE “Zhasyl Aimak,” an advocate for landscape and recreational planting in Astana’s suburban regions, successfully undertook a landscape and recreational planting project within Section 65 of Kyzylzhar Forestry, Tselinograd district, Akmola region, Republic of Kazakhstan. Over the course of June 13 and 14, 2023, guided by RSE “Zhasyl Aimak” specialists and with the active participation of the forestry institution’s head, deputy, a mechanic, and employees, 2,000 two-year-old pine (Pinus sylvestris) seedlings were planted across a 1.0-hectare site.
To ensure seedlings’ sustained growth and survival, a comprehensive maintenance plan was implemented after completing the initial tree planting activity. A thorough maintenance plan—comprising three-fold watering with growth stimulants “Lignohumate” and “Ammophos,” soil cultivation in aisles and edges, and continuous soil loosening around the seedlings—was implemented. The plan, spanning July and August, emphasizes the sustainability of the Let’s Forest – Plantree initiative, with seedling survival rates to be assessed in autumn 2023, following Kazakhstan’s Forest Legislation.
With a focus on the Let’s Forest – Plantree initiative and the results of the joint tree-planting activity, AFoCO, NEPA, and Kazakhstan have demonstrated how collaboration plays a crucial role in promoting environmental sustainability. The seeds planted by these organizations represent a beacon of hope for a better tomorrow, inspiring individuals and other organizations to join hands in creating a greener, more sustainable world.
Contributed by Mr. Niyaz Zholbarys, Fellowship Official from Kazakhstan & Ms. YoungJu HAN, Project Management Coordinator
