Halyk Forest: 7,500 Trees Planted in Astana’s Green Belt

In the run-up to Kazakhstan’s Forest Workers’ Day, celebrated annually on the third Sunday of October, the Halyk Charitable Foundation led by Timur Kulibayev launched a large-scale environmental initiative on October 18. Volunteers planted 7,500 apple tree saplings across 3 hectares in Astana’s green belt. This project became part of an ambitious five-year program aimed at restoring and expanding forest areas across Kazakhstan.

"Halyk Ormany" is a joint environmental program of the Halyk Charitable Foundation and the Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources of the Republic of Kazakhstan. The project was born from a simple idea: to improve air quality, make cities greener, and make the steppe more livable. To date, the Foundation has planted more than 600 saplings in Ile-Alatau National Park and about 800,000 seedlings in "Semey Ormany," areas heavily affected by forest fires. The ecological impact of the project will be noticeable in just a few years — the trees will improve air quality, increase groundwater reserves, protect soil from erosion, and contribute to creating a comfortable urban environment for residents of the capital.

The morning began with organizational hustle. Participants of the event, including students and teachers from Astana IT University and Miras International School, gathered at 8:30 a.m. Before the planting began, volunteers received branded gear — bright green hoodies and caps with the Halyk Foundation logo. The green outfit became not only a symbol of unity but also had a practical function: the warm hoodies protected against the cold wind and the caps shielded volunteers from the bright sun.

In the speeches, it was noted that this project is not just about planting trees but investing in the future of the country. Organizers also reminded that the green belt of Astana was established during the construction of the capital on the initiative of the first president. Residents have already noticed that the strong winds have become significantly weaker. Today, participants continue this important work.

Participants were divided into groups, and each received a designated area for planting. Siberian apple saplings had been prepared and distributed in advance. The green belt of the capital is planted with “working” tree species — Siberian apple, golden currant, and ash-leaved maple, which best adapt to the region’s climate and help reduce wind. Volunteers received instructions on planting techniques: how to dig a hole of the right depth, place the roots, tamp the soil, and water the sapling.

Students worked side by side with their teachers; experienced gardeners assisted beginners. Some dug holes, some carefully placed the saplings, others watered and compacted the soil. The process resembled a well-coordinated mechanism, where everyone knew their role and carried it out with dedication.

Sergey Lopatuk, a teacher at Miras International School, arrived with a group of 50 students: “We were all very happy to support this initiative. This is ecology, this is Astana’s green belt, so that our capital always has clean fresh air and fewer winds. I have already planted more than 50 trees myself, and each one is a contribution to the future of our children.”

Nurkhozha Yersayin, a historian and Turkologist, emphasized the importance of the project for the country: “Such projects make a huge contribution to the development of Kazakhstan, especially in terms of ecology. As you know, the global trend today is the green movement. I am glad that this movement is being implemented in such a wonderful way in our country. Young people get the opportunity to contribute and help. And besides, Astana will now have less wind — that is also great news.”

Maqulbek Karakat, a first-year student at Astana IT University, shared his impressions: “We gathered here at half past eight, and now we are planting trees. I planted trees back in my school years, and it is very interesting and beneficial for nature. I believe that the whole of Kazakhstan should support this initiative because every tree gives us new air, and this is very important. We all support this project.”

Zere Sagynbay, a graduate of the Kazakh Agro-Technical University named after Seifullin and now a loan manager at Halyk Bank, highlighted the unifying nature of the event: “This is our small contribution to Astana and its development. This event truly inspires me, and I am very happy to take part in it. Such events are necessary because they unite and bring people together. They simply unite all of us.”

Rakhila Tileu, an eco-journalist from @infotabigat.kz, emphasized the project's importance: “Kazakh wisdom rightly says: ‘Cut one tree — plant ten.’ Trees purify the air and help increase groundwater reserves. If you plant fruit trees, you will enjoy their fruits. There are many benefits. We are glad that the Halyk Foundation has taken on this initiative, allocating one billion tenge over five years for planting spruces, pines, and apple trees in three regions. Of course, our editorial team is ready to support this initiative.”

In just a few hours of hard work, volunteers planted all 7,500 saplings. For many participants, the event became meaningful. Some tried gardening for the first time, some recalled childhood and school clean-up days, and for others, this day coincided with a personal celebration and will be remembered forever. The “Halyk Ormany” project will continue for five years, and its scale will only grow. In the coming years, more than 4 million trees will be planted in the Abai Region, Ile-Alatau National Park, and Astana’s green belt. In the next three years alone, 242,900 saplings will be planted across 101.95 hectares. One billion tenge has been allocated for the project. The Halyk Charitable Foundation led by Timur Kulibayev has demonstrated that large businesses can and should take on social and environmental responsibility.