The 29th Conference of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP29) provided a global stage for advancing carbon farming initiatives in Kazakhstan, a country uniquely positioned to drive nature-based climate solutions in the Asian Drylands Belt (ADB). The side event, titled "Carbon Farming in Kazakhstan: Unlocking the Opportunity," was held at the QAZAQSTAN Pavilion in Baku, co-organized by IIASA, the BRICS Competition Law and Policy Centre, the Center for Applied Research TALAP, and the Government of the Republic of Kazakhstan.
Moderated by Alexey Ivanov, Director of the BRICS Competition Law and Policy Centre, the side event convened a distinguished panel of experts, state officials, and industry leaders to explore how carbon farming can contribute to Kazakhstan's socio-economic development while enhancing climate resilience and supporting global decarbonization efforts.
Carbon farming has become a key priority on Kazakhstan's environmental agenda, offering a promising approach of land-based carbon sequestration across the country's vast, underutilized steppes and semi-deserts. By adopting practices such as no-till agriculture, cover crops, and enhanced rock weathering, Kazakhstan could sequester up to 35 million tons of CO2 per year, partially offsetting its carbon emissions. "Kazakhstan's extensive degraded lands present an enormous opportunity for carbon removal," said Michael Obersteiner, Director of the Environmental Change Institute at the University of Oxford and Principal Research Scholar at IIASA.
Obersteiner emphasized the critical role of negative emissions in global climate strategies: "Many think achieving net-zero solves the carbon problem, but to limit warming to two degrees, we need substantial negative emissions after 2050. Carbon farming can play a significant part in that effort, transforming degraded lands into powerful carbon sinks while generating environmental, economic, and social benefits."
The event's objectives aligned closely with Kazakhstan's climate and development strategies, as highlighted by Mansur Oshurbaev, Vice Minister of Ecology and Natural Resources of Kazakhstan, and Murat Temirzhanov, Chairman of the Committee on Land Resources Management. Both emphasized the government's commitment to sustainable land management and carbon neutrality by 2060, echoing the themes outlined by President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev earlier at COP29. "Kazakhstan's 200 million hectares of agricultural land present a unique opportunity for carbon farming practices that reduce emissions and enhance soil health," President Tokayev declared. He invited international stakeholders to explore these opportunities and engage in collaborative projects.
Obersteiner presented findings from the collaborative report Carbon Farming in Kazakhstan: Unlocking the Potential, prepared by IIASA and partner organizations. The report details the opportunities and challenges of implementing carbon farming in Central Asia's largest economy and explores the integration of carbon farming practices into global carbon markets, especially in light of new standards adopted under Article 6.4 of the Paris Agreement. "Kazakhstan's participation in these markets is critical," Obersteiner noted. "Raising carbon prices and establishing robust monitoring and verification systems will be key to attracting investment and ensuring the credibility of carbon farming initiatives."
The discussions underscored the importance of leveraging Kazakhstan's leadership in the Asian Drylands Belt to inspire neighboring countries to adopt similar practices. "By working collaboratively, we can transform this region into a powerhouse for carbon sequestration and climate adaptation," Obersteiner emphasized. The session also highlighted the broader co-benefits of carbon farming, such as job creation, enhance health and social well-being, soil health, and better water management, which are essential for sustaining local farming communities.
Looking ahead, Mongolia will host UNCCD COP17 on desertification in 2026, a critical event that will bring further attention to the challenges faced by dryland regions across Central Asia. The Camea project and its partners are committed to fostering regional collaboration among ADB countries to build on the momentum generated at COP29 and prepare for future opportunities. As climate challenges become increasingly urgent, Kazakhstan's pioneering carbon farming efforts could serve as a blueprint for sustainable development and climate resilience across Central Asia.
