Yerzhan Sarsenov
- Yerzhan Sarsenov, Aktau — is the head of the EmpowerNGO public organization, which is engaged in environmental education, public openness and the involvement of citizens in environmental protection. In 2025, the organization launched a project to promote the OGMP 2.0 international standard for reducing methane emissions in the Mangystau region. The team conducted surveys of residents, interviews with experts, training of civil society representatives and prepared an analytical report with recommendations. In August 2026, the results of the study were presented at a meeting of stakeholders dedicated to reducing methane emissions in the oil and gas industry. The recommendations of the organization were also considered in the context of pilot initiatives. The project shows how a small public organization can influence the environmental agenda, draw attention to pollution issues and convey the opinion of residents to companies and decision makers.
