Lake Balkhash Conservation: Kazakhstan and France are drafting a long-term master plan to protect Lake Balkhash’s ecosystem, with Astana working groups reviewing hydrology, glacier runoff, groundwater, water use and climate-change scenarios. Forest Fire Readiness: The Ecology Ministry says Kazakhstan has built and field-tested a prototype high-mobility firefighting vehicle designed for large-scale forest fires after the 2023 Abai wildfire. Water Security Push: Kazakhstan reports major investment in irrigation and drainage—concreting canals, expanding water-saving irrigation, and using a digital model for irrigation infrastructure—while also noting over 6 billion cubic meters of water sent to the Caspian Sea since the year began. One Health for Central Asia: A new regional One Health secretariat has been set up to coordinate cross-border work on zoonotic diseases, antimicrobial resistance and food safety, hosted by CAREC. Wildlife Reintroduction: Przewalski’s horses have been released from the Hortobágy reserve into Kazakhstan’s Altyn Dala area, with officials citing good health and adaptation after transport. Nuclear Test Ban Reminder: A joint NGO statement ahead of the NPT Review Conference reiterates the environmental and health harm from past nuclear explosive testing and calls for universal compliance with the CTBT’s zero-yield norm.