ASTANA —Under the powerful slogan – No to vandalism! – the youth wing Zhastar Rukhy (Youth spirit) of the Amanat party has embarked on a significant nationwide initiative to safeguard Kazakhstan’s historical, cultural, and natural treasures from acts of vandalism, according to their Instagram post on Oct. 20.
Over 50 Zhastar Rukhy members began their efforts at the Zhumbaktas Rock and various Burabay State National Natural Park locations. Photo credit: Zhastar Ruhy’s Instagram page
President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev underscored the importance of revering one’s homeland and country during the recent National Qurultai. However, more reports have surfaced in recent times regarding acts of vandalism, particularly within nature reserves, national parks, and sacred sites. In response to this growing concern, the youth wing of the Amanat party initiated a campaign to protect the nation’s heritage from acts of vandalism.
The campaign includes cleaning and restoring monuments and their surroundings across the country while delving into Kazakhstan’s history, traditions, and customs. Over 50 Zhastar Rukhy members began their efforts at the Zhumbaktas Rock and various Burabay State National Natural Park locations. This iconic rock formation holds historical significance and represents an intangible cultural heritage. The endeavor is being carried out with the support and guidance of specialists from the National Park and the Regional Center for Preserving Cultural Heritage.
Akerke Iskanderova, Deputy Chairman of the youth wing of the Amanat party, emphasized that this initiative is a testament to civic responsibility and a tangible contribution to the protection of national treasures.
“Such monuments represent the heritage of all Kazakh citizens, shaping our national identity. It is no coincidence that the President emphasized that true patriots protect their country’s nature. This is the patriotism we aim to cultivate and promote in our society. This positive campaign unites our people around shared values, and we, as citizens of Kazakhstan, consider it crucial to support the President’s vision and invite concerned citizens, public organizations, and anyone who values our cultural and natural heritage to join us, especially as Republic Day approaches,” she said.
Zhastar Rukhy activists, experts, and social activists will soon visit national parks nationwide, including the Akkainar petroglyphic complex, the Tamgaly-Tas tract, and other sites. Photo credit: Zhastar Ruhy’s Instagram page
Iskanderova added that such actions are essential for cultivating environmental consciousness in society. Last year, per Tokayev’s directive, the Amanat party launched the TazaLake (Clean Lake) ecological education project at its 22nd congress. This project led to nearly a thousand environmental activities involving over 80,000 participants nationwide.
Zhastar Rukhy activist Zhasulan Rakhimov highlighted that the fight against vandalism could only succeed through collective efforts.
“It is often surprising to witness the behavior of some individuals in these locations. People come to relax, but this does not give them the right to behave irresponsibly and harm the environment. They should feel ashamed of their actions and face legal consequences, including significant fines. We must maintain the cherished lands of our forebears,” he said.
Preserving nature for future generations is a central tenet of Amanat’s election program. The program mandates ongoing party oversight of the quality of environmental measures. The campaign to protect historical and cultural landmarks from vandalism will extend to other regions. Zhastar Rukhy activists, experts, and social activists will soon visit national parks nationwide, including the Akkainar petroglyphic complex, the Tamgaly-Tas tract, and other sites.
The campaign embodies the spirit of unity, responsibility, and patriotism, forging a path toward a cleaner, more environmentally conscious Kazakhstan.
