Navigating environmental policy: a comparative study of plastic waste management in the EU and Kazakhstan (case study of Almaty Zoo)

Saikenova Zhuldyz (2025) Navigating environmental policy: a comparative study of plastic waste management in the EU and Kazakhstan (case study of Almaty Zoo). Külkereskedelmi Kar.

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Absztrakt (kivonat)

Plastic waste management has emerged as a critical environmental challenge globally, requiring innovative policy solutions to mitigate its ecological and social impacts. This study conducts a comparative analysis of plastic waste management strategies in the European Union (EU) and Kazakhstan, with a specific focus on Almaty Zoo as a case study. The research aims to identify key differences in policy frameworks, implementation mechanisms, and practical outcomes between these two regions, offering insights into how Kazakhstan can enhance its waste management systems by drawing lessons from EU practices.The EU has been a leader in environmental governance for a long time, particularly through its Circular Economy Action Plan, which emphasizes recycling, extended producer responsibility (EPR), and strict regulations on single-use plastics. These policies are supported by legislative frameworks, such as the Waste Framework Directive and the Single-Use Plastics Directive, which enforce systematic waste separation, high recycling targets, and penalties for non-compliance. Kazakhstan’s approach to plastic waste management remains in a transitional phase, characterized by fragmented regulations, limited infrastructure, and inconsistent enforcement. While the country has introduced progressive measures, such as the Environmental Code (2021) and the Kazakhstan 2050 Strategy, practical implementation often lags due to financial constraints, administrative inefficiencies, and low public awareness.This study employs a mixed-methods approach to evaluate these disparities. First, a policy analysis compares EU and Kazakhstani legislation, identifying strengths and gaps in regulatory frameworks. Second, qualitative method - the interview with Almaty Zoo representative reveals real-world challenges in waste separation, recycling, and stakeholder engagement. The zoo serves as a microcosm of broader municipal waste management issues, revealing systemic obstacles such as inadequate funding, outdated technology, and behavioral resistance among staff and visitors.Key findings highlight several critical areas for improvement in Kazakhstan:Policy harmonization: Kazakhstan’s regulations lack the specificity and enforcement mechanisms seen in EU directives. Strengthening legal definitions, monitoring systems, and penalties for violations could enhance compliance.Infrastructure investment: The EU’s success relies on advanced recycling facilities and waste-to-energy plants, whereas Kazakhstan’s infrastructure remains underdeveloped. Public-private partnerships and international funding could bridge this gap.Public engagement: EU policies integrate education campaigns and incentives for citizen participation, whereas Kazakhstan’s efforts in this area are sporadic. Behavioral change programs, school curricula, and awareness initiatives could foster long-term sustainability.Circular economy integration: The EU’s circular model prioritizes waste prevention and material reuse, while Kazakhstan’s system remains linear (collection-landfill). Adopting circular principles could reduce landfill dependence and stimulate green innovation.The study concludes with policy recommendations, including phased EPR implementation, enhanced interagency coordination, and pilot projects for community-based recycling. By adapting EU best practices to local conditions, Kazakhstan can develop a more sustainable and efficient plastic waste management system.This research contributes to the growing literature on comparative environmental policy, offering practical insights for emerging economies transitioning toward greener waste management models. Future studies could explore the role of digital technologies (e.g., blockchain for waste tracking) or conduct cost-benefit analyses of recycling infrastructure in Central Asia.

Intézmény

Budapesti Gazdasági Egyetem

Kar

Külkereskedelmi Kar

Tanszék

Nemzetközi Kereskedelem és Logisztika Tanszék

Tudományterület/tudományág

NEM RÉSZLETEZETT

Szak

Nemzetközi tanulmányok (angol)

Mű típusa:	diplomadolgozat (NEM RÉSZLETEZETT)
Kulcsszavak:	Állatkert, Európai Unió, fenntartható fejlődés, fenntarthatóság, hulladékgazdálkodás, Kazahsztán, környezetpolitika, műanyag hulladék, plastic waste management, sustainable development
SWORD Depositor:	User Archive
Felhasználói azonosító szám (ID):	User Archive
Rekord készítés dátuma:	2025. Okt. 27. 14:27
Utolsó módosítás:	2025. Okt. 27. 14:27

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