Agreements on co-financing of ecological projects achieved with int’l organizations: N.Ashimov

sp;ASTANA. November 16. KAZINFORM /Muratbek Makulbekov/ "Insignificant part of incoming environmental payments is applied on environmental protection measures", Kazakh Minister of Environment Protection Nurgali Ashimov has said today reporting "On problems of integrated wastes management. Realization of mechanisms of the Kyoto Protocol" at the Governmental Hour in the Majilis (Lower House of the Kazakh Parliament).

According to him, the funds allocated for environmental protection measures amounted to KZT 22.3 bln of 29.9% out of total incoming refunds and fines in 2008. During 9 months of 2009 the funds allocated by the akimats for environmental protection measures amounted to KZT 13.5 bln or merely 17.7% out of the total sum of incoming payments.

N.Ashimov noted that "Zhasyl Damu" center will be established within the State Program "Ecology o Kazakhstan for 2010-2020". The center will co-finance different environmental protection projects, using funds of the National Fund. This will promote attraction of foreign investors. To date preliminary agreement on attraction of funds of the UN Clean Technology Fund, the World Bank, the Global Environment Facility, and the UNDP was achieved.

The Minister noted that the incoming refunds and fines are offered to be directed to the National Fund. From the National Fund the money will be directed to "Zhasyl Damu" center and further - to realization of projects.