The Green Movement Center was established in Zhambyl in 1989 as one of the first environmental non-governmental organizations in Kazakstan. The Center works together with Socio-Ecological Union in Moscow, U.S.-based environmental clearinghouse ISAR, Soros Foundation, Ecology Action, and Zhambyl's sister city Fresno, CA. Since 1991, Green Movement Center has been publishing an independent environmental newspaper "Oasis." In 1992, members of the Center participated in the Global Forum on Environmental Issues in Rio, Brazil.