Kazakhstan is stepping up efforts to protect its water resources by expanding environmental volunteering and encouraging responsible water consumption across the country.

The Ministry of Water Resources and Irrigation has signed a memorandum of cooperation with the National Volunteer Network to develop volunteer initiatives focused on protecting rivers, lakes and other water bodies, Qazinform News Agency reports.

The agreement was signed by Deputy Minister of Water Resources and Irrigation Talgat Momyshev and National Volunteer Network Executive Director Tatyana Mironyuk.

Under the memorandum, the parties will work together on environmental projects, promote responsible water use and strengthen public awareness of the importance of conserving water resources.

The cooperation will focus particularly on expanding volunteer activities across Kazakhstan's regions. Planned initiatives include environmental clean-up campaigns, educational seminars, training sessions and the exchange of best practices.

The agreement also envisages organizational and informational support for joint projects aimed at increasing public participation in water conservation efforts.

Momyshev said that the ministry had previously initiated the country's first volunteer movement dedicated to the water sector, called Bolashaktyn Kainary.

The initiative brought together students from the Kazakh National University of Water Management and Irrigation in Taraz. Its members have already participated in the Moldir Bulak environmental campaign, organised as part of President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev's nationwide Taza Qazaqstan initiative.

The volunteers also plan to promote water-saving practices and encourage greater environmental awareness among the population.

Momyshev said the new memorandum would build on the ministry's ongoing efforts to expand environmental volunteering and involve more citizens in protecting Kazakhstan's water resources.