Baku, Azerbaijan – 12 November 2024 – The Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) and the Republic of Kazakhstan signed a landmark agreement today to launch Phase 1 of the Climate Resilient Water Resources Development Project. The signing ceremony, held during COP29, was attended by Kazakhstan's President H.E. Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, with the agreement formalized by H.E. Mr. Nurlan Baibazarov, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Economy of Kazakhstan (IsDB Governor), and IsDB President H.E. Dr. Muhammad Al Jasser.

The $1.32 billion initiative, backed by $1.15 billion in IsDB funding, aims to propel Kazakhstan's water infrastructure while strengthening its resilience to climate change.

The comprehensive project encompasses several major infrastructure developments and capacity-building initiatives. At its core, the project will establish 11 strategic reservoirs designed for seasonal water storage and flood control, while simultaneously rehabilitating 3,400 kilometers of irrigation networks across the country. The initiative will also focus on enhancing river flows across 100 kilometers, significantly improving water distribution and accessibility. To ensure long-term sustainability, the project includes an extensive training program for 1,100 staff members in advanced water management techniques, along with providing climate-smart agricultural training to 100,000 community members.

"This project demonstrates the powerful synergy between IsDB and Kazakhstan, focusing on long-term climate resilience, food security, and sustainable economic growth for the people of Kazakhstan. By 2032, this project will result in 350,000 hectares of sustainably irrigated land for crop production, an average of 20% yield increase for key crops, and a 25% reduction in water loss in the irrigation system," said H.E. Dr. Muhammad Al Jasser, IsDB President.

As the first phase of a comprehensive water security program, this initiative underscores Kazakhstan's commitment to environmental sustainability and IsDB's dedication to innovative development solutions. The project will enhance agricultural productivity, secure water resources for vulnerable communities, and strengthen the nation's ability to adapt to climate change.