International setting: Tokayev discusses destiny at United Nations conference, asserting that geography should not dictate a nation's future.
President Tokayev Announces Construction Moratorium in Almaty
In a significant move towards environmental protection and sustainable urban development, President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev announced a moratorium on construction in Almaty, Kazakhstan[1][3]. This decision aims to halt the uncontrolled urban development that has been causing environmental concerns, particularly in areas like the foothills of Almaty[1].
During a meeting with Almaty's Mayor, Darhan Satybaldy, President Tokayev emphasized the need to stop ongoing and new construction projects that could worsen environmental degradation[1]. This includes preventing developers from carrying out spot developments that are not in line with environmental standards and urban planning regulations[3].
The construction moratorium applies to spot development, with exceptions for social infrastructure and tourism cluster objects outlined in the General Plan[2]. However, details about the General Plan and the specific social infrastructure and tourism objects exempted from the construction moratorium were not provided[2].
The polycentric development of Almaty is another key aspect of this initiative, aiming to reduce the load on central districts, evenly distribute urban infrastructure, and create a comfortable environment[2]. A focus is placed on developing an effective transport network that connects districts and improves public transport accessibility[2].
The city's economic indicators show a positive trend, with a 11% increase in the short-term economic indicator and a 25.4% rise in investments in fixed capital in the first half of 2025[2]. These figures, reported by Darhan Satybaldy, suggest that the city's economic growth is not being hindered by the construction moratorium.
Tokayev's environmental agenda in Kazakhstan extends beyond Almaty, with the creation of the Ministry of Ecology, Geology, and Natural Resources in 2019[2]. The ministry oversees environmental protection and resource management. Other initiatives include addressing air pollution in Almaty by pushing for the transition of thermal power plants to cleaner energy sources[2] and enacting laws aligned with regional cooperation on pollution control, such as Kazakhstan's adherence to the Caspian Sea Framework Convention[2].
It is unclear when the construction moratorium will be implemented or what changes will be made to the General Plan[2]. Previously, a Mazhilis deputy, Sergei Ponamarev, criticized the construction of a 40-story RAMS building in Almaty[3].
This news was reported by CMN.KZ following the meeting between President Tokayev and Almaty's Mayor Darhan Satybaldy[1]. The moratorium and construction bans in Almaty are concrete steps within Tokayev's ongoing commitment to environmental protection and sustainable urban development[1][3][4].
[1] CMN.KZ. (2025). President Tokayev announces construction moratorium in Almaty. [Online]. Available: https://www.cmn.kz/en/news/president-tokayev-announces-construction-moratorium-in-almaty/
[2] Kazakhstan 2050. (2025). President Tokayev's environmental agenda in Kazakhstan. [Online]. Available: https://kazakhstan2050.kz/en/president-tokayevs-environmental-agenda-in-kazakhstan/
[3] The Astana Times. (2025). President Tokayev announces construction moratorium in Almaty. [Online]. Available: https://astanatimes.com/2025/07/president-tokayev-announces-construction-moratorium-in-almaty/
[4] The Almaty Times. (2025). President Tokayev's speech on environmental protection and urban development. [Online]. Available: https://almatytimes.com/2025/07/president-tokayevs-speech-on-environmental-protection-and-urban-development/
- The construction moratorium announced by President Tokayev is a significant step in his ongoing commitment to environmental protection and sustainable urban development, falling under the broader categories of policy-and-legislation and general-news.
- This move towards halting uncontrolled urban development in Almaty, Kazakhstan, will see a focus on adherence to environmental standards and urban planning regulations, which are key aspects of politics and the related policy-and-legislation.
