Partners

·       Ministry of Ecology, Geology and Natural Resources of the Republic of Kazakhstan

·       Local governments;

·       Local communities.

Beneficiaries:

· Citizens of the Republic of Kazakhstan

· Government of the Republic of Kazakhstan

Project implementation period:

2021-2025

The idea of reintroducing tigers to Central Asia using the Amur tiger has been discussed for the past ten years. The Government of Kazakhstan supported this intention in 2010.

Supported by UNDP, the "Ile-Balkhash State Nature Reserve" Republican State Institution was created on June 27, 2018, as the basis for the reintroduction of the Caspian tiger, as the territory most favorable for the restoration of populations of the rare predator.

Ulytau is one of the oldest mountain massifs of Saryarka. Ulytau is one of the oldest mountain ranges of Saryarka. It preserves the unique biodiversity of steppe ecosystems, including rare and endangered species such as saiga antelope, marbled polecat, little bustard, houbara bustard, pallas sand grouse, whooper swan. 7.6 thousand ha. of the mountain range is covered by forest. The historical evidence of Ulytau date back to the Palaeolithic and Neolithic eras. In total, there are about 636 monuments on the territory, 282 of which are included in the historical and cultural map of the Ulytau museum fund.

The aim of the Project:

The Project is aimed at creating conditions for reintroduction of extinct population of Caspian tiger, preservation and rational use of natural and historical heritage sites, creation of basis for development of tourism in Ulytau.

Expected results:

Strengthening the potential of the Ile-Balkash Nature Reserve, by creating a targeted permanent forest nursery on the basis of two existing ones to grow planting materials, improving the hydrological conditions of the Ile River, bringing ungulates into historical habitats, and creating the basis for development of ecotourism based on the local community

Creating the basis for a sustainable system of preservation and rational use of natural and historical heritage sites in the Ulytau region to develop tourism. Providing assistance in the establishment of the Ulytau National Park in Karaganda region.

Creating the basis for new jobs for rural residents in the area of services from tourism activities.