Kazakhstan Proposes Regional Training Center for Central Asian Forestry Experts

At the 13th Session of the Assembly of the Asian Forest Cooperation Organization (AFoCO) in Seoul, Kazakhstan has proposed establishing a regional training center to enhance the qualifications of forestry professionals across Central Asia.

The Kazakh delegation was led by Daniyar Turgambayev, Chairman of the Committee on Forestry and Wildlife under the Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources, The Caspian Post reports via Kazakh media.

The initiative aims to boost professional competencies, share expertise, and strengthen regional cooperation in forest management and conservation.

AFoCO - which unites 16 Asian countries - focuses on protecting, restoring, and ensuring the sustainable use of forest ecosystems. During the session, participants reviewed AFoCO’s Strategic Plan for 2024-2030, approved the 2026 budget, and discussed joint projects to combat climate change and restore degraded ecosystems.

Special attention was given to the Training of Trainers on Forest Fire Suppression (TOTFFS) held in Kazakhstan in August 2025, supported by the Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs of France. The successful program highlighted Kazakhstan’s growing leadership in regional forest management initiatives.

The AFoCO Secretariat expressed full support for Kazakhstan’s proposal, recognizing its potential to make the region more resilient to forest fires, climate risks, and environmental degradation.

Kazakhstan’s active engagement in AFoCO since 2019 continues expanding international partnerships, attract foreign expertise, and support the country’s goal of increasing its forest cover from 13.7 million to 14.5 million hectares by 2030.