Caring for Nature Has Become a Constitutional Duty for the First Time – The New Constitution Has Entered into Force

Today, the new Constitution of the Republic of Kazakhstan officially entered into force, establishing a fundamentally new level of responsibility for the State, society, and every citizen in protecting the environment.

For the first time in Kazakhstan's history, the Constitution explicitly enshrines every citizen's duty to treat nature and the environment with care. This marks a significant milestone in strengthening environmental responsibility and fostering a new culture of environmental awareness across society.

The Preamble to the Constitution establishes the responsibility of citizens to future generations, which is directly linked to the sustainable use of natural resources. Furthermore, Article 37 of the Constitution explicitly sets out the obligation of citizens to protect nature.

These constitutional provisions now form the foundation of the nationwide environmental initiative "Taza Kazakhstan." As President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has repeatedly emphasized, this initiative is about cultivating a new public culture based on environmental cleanliness, purity of thought, and a strong sense of civic responsibility.

The scale of this environmental initiative since its launch speaks for itself. Across the country, more than 5.2 million trees have been planted, 2.2 million tonnes of waste have been collected, and 3.4 million hectares of land have been cleaned. The initiative has truly become a nationwide movement, with more than 6.5 million people actively participating in environmental campaigns every year.

Real environmental stewardship is reflected in the everyday actions of every individual—by not leaving litter behind, using water responsibly, planting trees, and keeping our neighborhoods and public spaces clean. These simple actions, together with participation in community clean-up events, contribute to cleaner, more comfortable, and more livable cities and villages.

By caring for nature and the environment today, we create healthy living conditions for future generations and ensure the country's sustainable development. The Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources of the Republic of Kazakhstan sincerely calls on all citizens to actively support the "Taza Kazakhstan" initiative and to act responsibly toward the environment. A genuine environmental culture always begins with personal example, while meaningful social change starts when each of us takes our own small step.