Almaty–Konaev highway: How Kazakhstan Plans to Turn Asphalt into a Thriving Green Corridor

Amid growing environmental pressures in Central Asia, the World Bank, in close collaboration with MLA+ and the Kazakh-German University (Deutsch-Kasachische Universität – DKU), has charted an ambitious course for Kazakhstan’s sustainable development. The newly released report outlines a transformative initiative to develop a 50-kilometer pilot greenway along the Almaty–Konaev highway. This green corridor forms a key segment of a planned 170-kilometer ecological artery stretching to the Kapchagai Reservoir. Aligned with the World Bank’s RESILAND CA Program and funded through the PROGREEN Global Partnership, the project aims to reverse land degradation, enhance climate resilience, and inject vitality into both urban and rural landscapes in the region.

This initiative could not come at a more critical time. Kazakhstan is experiencing the cascading effects of desertification, biodiversity loss, and extreme weather, which threaten not only ecosystems but also agriculture, livelihoods, and public health. In this context, the Greenway to Konaev represents a groundbreaking effort to transform a major highway into a thriving green corridor that delivers ecosystem services, boosts tourism, and supports community well-being.

Green Infrastructure with a Human Touch

Designed as a multifunctional green corridor, the Greenway integrates environmental restoration with recreational infrastructure. The corridor, ranging in width from 20 to 80 meters, is planned to include dense, multi-layered vegetation composed of native and drought-resistant species arranged in modular designs. These modules allow for flexibility and scalability, ensuring the plan can be adapted to various physical and social contexts along the highway. Each planting block spans 10 by 20 meters, featuring specific combinations of trees, shrubs, and grasses that not only contribute to biodiversity but also improve air quality, reduce noise, and regulate temperatures.

The project envisions more than just trees and shrubs. It includes bicycle lanes, walking trails, scenic viewpoints, and rest areas strategically positioned to encourage both local use and tourism. Landscaping is tailored to specific locations: ornamental plants and shade trees at bus stops and cafés, low-growing species near road junctions, and grass-covered zones under overhead power lines where trees are prohibited. These features collectively form a living infrastructure that supports aesthetics, safety, and environmental health.

Two landscaping approaches, one based on drought-tolerant species and another supported by a drip irrigation system, will be tested on a demonstration site near Konaev. This 250-meter-long test area will allow planners to evaluate long-term costs, water use, and ecological performance before scaling up across the corridor. The site will also serve as an educational and recreational hub with signage, picnic areas, and an overlook offering views of the Kapchagai Reservoir.

Financing a Greener Future

To bring this ambitious vision to life, the plan outlines a variety of financing options. Public-private partnerships (PPPs) top the list, allowing the state to allocate land while enabling private actors to invest in infrastructure and services, such as cafés, restrooms, or bike rentals, recovering costs through commercial activities. PPPs have already proven effective in other Kazakhstani nature projects, such as the Ayusai and Turgensai visitor centers.

Another strategy involves mobilizing Environment, Social, and Governance (ESG) funding from corporations aiming to meet sustainability targets through sponsorships. Carbon credits represent a promising future source of income as well. While Kazakhstan’s legal framework for afforestation-based offsets is still under development, the plan anticipates changes that could make carbon finance viable for such projects. Finally, the possibility of green bond issuance is gaining traction, thanks to institutional efforts by the Astana International Financial Centre (AIFC) and the Astana International Exchange (AIX), where Kazakhstan has begun to cultivate a green investment ecosystem with support from the World Bank.

The estimated cost of the demonstration site alone is approximately USD 253,000, with comprehensive breakdowns for paving, planting, equipment, labor, and ongoing operations. The detailed financial architecture reflects the seriousness of the planning process and a long-term vision for sustainability.

Implementation with Community and Climate in Mind

Governance will be anchored by the Akimat of Almaty Oblast, supported by a specialized working group and potential nonprofit or autonomous project entities. The action plan provides a six-year roadmap divided into phases: from team formation and site trials to landscape design, stakeholder coordination, planting, and monitoring. One key component is land-use planning, including the reclassification of roadside land as separate plots and negotiations with neighboring landowners for potential corridor expansion through leasing or shared maintenance.

Careful attention has also been given to operations and maintenance. Tree planting follows best practices for soil types, irrigation schedules, and seasonal considerations. Guidelines are laid out for watering, pruning, disease control, and the maintenance of bedding circles and mulch, all essential for long-term plant health. Monitoring plans are detailed, with regular inspections planned throughout spring and fall. The project also includes adaptive management provisions based on annual reviews and data gathered on vegetation health and mortality.

A Public Call for Greener, Healthier Spaces

Residents of Almaty and surrounding regions have signaled their strong support for greener public infrastructure. A citizen survey conducted during the planning process revealed that 94% of respondents consider biodiversity and vegetation variety essential in urban parks. A significant share expressed willingness to pay more for housing near green spaces and cited access to shade, playgrounds, toilets, and picnic areas as key motivators for spending more time outdoors. Among the frequently mentioned problems were poor accessibility to riverbanks, inadequate sanitation facilities, and a lack of safety along walking trails.

By integrating this public feedback, the Greenway to Konaev aligns ecological goals with social aspirations. It promises to enhance urban livability, foster environmental stewardship, and provide a replicable model for sustainable development across Central Asia. As Kazakhstan moves toward a greener and more resilient future, this corridor stands as a flagship initiative, turning infrastructure into an ecosystem and mobility into a path toward regeneration.