Prime Minister Olzhas Bektenov, during his working trip to Abay Region, inspected the implementation of the Head of State Kassym-Jomart Tokayev’s instructions on introducing modern digital technologies in forest protection and conservation, using the example of the State Forest Natural Reserve “Semey Ormany”, El.kz reports citingprimeminister.kz.
On the territory of the reserve, the Prime Minister familiarized himself with the results of the pilot implementation of an early detection system for forest and steppe fires based on artificial intelligence. The technology allows fires to be detected at long distances and in any weather conditions.
In the presence of Prime Minister Olzhas Bektenov, Minister of Ecology and Natural Resources Yerlan Nysanbayev, Minister for Emergency Situations Chingis Arinov, and Akim of Abay Region Berik Uali, exercises simulating a forest fire were conducted. Specialists of the reserve, together with firefighters, demonstrated the effectiveness of digital technologies and the interaction algorithm of fire-fighting services.
Deputy Minister of Ecology and Natural Resources Nurlan Kurmalayev reported that complexes for 24/7 video monitoring using modern thermal imaging and optical cameras automatically detect signs of fire at early stages. Upon detecting a fire or smoke, the system instantly transmits a signal to the Operational Control Center, allowing rapid localization and elimination of the ignition source. The Operational Control Center is equipped with a video wall for real-time display of images from the cameras and a stationary radio station. Similar centers have been opened in all 10 branches of “Semey Ormany”, located in 7 districts of Abay Region. The early fire detection system has undergone more than 100 test runs. Work is underway to improve it, including integration with six meteorological complexes and a lightning detection station that can detect dry lightning strikes.
In accordance with the President’s instructions, the early fire detection technology is being scaled up across the country in stages. General Director of the Digital Business Division of JSC “Kazakhtelecom” Bakhtiyar Kozhakhmetov reported on the two-stage implementation of the system in five forest enterprises of Akmola Region, two reserves near Astana, as well as in Karkaraly and Bayanaul Nature Parks. Work is nearing completion in the Ile-Alatau and Sayram-Ugam National Parks and the Kolsai Lakes State Nature Park. The third stage will cover 10 forest enterprises of East Kazakhstan Region and the Katon-Karagay National Park. Thus, in July this year, it is planned to complete coverage of the most fire-prone territories of 24 nature parks and reserves of Kazakhstan, with all systems to be put into commercial operation in September.
“In accordance with the instructions of the Head of State, we are introducing fundamentally new standards for protecting the forest fund. Systemic measures are being implemented aimed not only at forest restoration, but also at preventing emergencies. One of the key areas defined by the President is digitalization. Last year, an early fire detection system with 37 modern cameras covering 510 thousand hectares was implemented in the reserve. It is important to remember that technology must be supported by direct patrolling. Therefore, the work of the forest guard during the fire-dangerous period must be regular and cover all risk zones. The work being carried out fully corresponds to the tasks of the Head of State’s nationwide initiative ‘Taza Kazakhstan’, which is aimed at preserving natural resources and increasing the ecological culture of citizens,” Olzhas Bektenov emphasized.
The Prime Minister instructed to accelerate the work and ensure high-quality implementation of digital technologies.
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During the visit to the Krasnokordonskoye Forestry, Olzhas Bektenov familiarized himself with the work being carried out under the President’s instructions to strengthen the material and technical base of the “Semey Ormany” forest enterprises.
General Director of the State Forest Natural Reserve “Semey Ormany” Kazbek Ametov reported that the reserve’s fleet has been 100% updated with modern equipment over the past two years. The problem of wear and tear, which stood at 85% in 2023, has been fully resolved. Last year alone, 39 new fire engines, 26 small forest fire complexes, and 10 tractors with mounted equipment were purchased through leasing. For prompt detection and elimination of possible fires, there are currently 30 forest fire stations, three helicopters of the Republican State Enterprise “Kazavialesookhrana”, 82 fire trucks, 49 small forest patrol complexes, 187 tractors (70 of which are for fire suppression), 49 patrol vehicles, and other equipment.
Overall, the Government is implementing a large-scale program to modernize fire-fighting equipment across Kazakhstan on the President’s instructions. For these purposes, 21.5 billion tenge was allocated from the republican and local budgets in 2024–2025, resulting in the provision of new equipment to forest enterprises nationwide reaching 87%. Forest enterprises have purchased 92 fire engines, 118 small forest patrol complexes, 244 tractors, 240 patrol vehicles, and more than 3,000 units of other equipment and tools. Through leasing, 35 billion tenge has been allocated for the purchase of 1,057 units of fire-fighting equipment, with full delivery across the country planned by the end of May this year.