Locations
The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Kazakhstan, together with the Forestry and Wildlife Committee of the Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources of the Republic of Kazakhstan (FWC MENR RK), has handed over two special heavy trucks to the Ulytau National Park and the Ile-Balkhash Nature Reserve. The handover of the vehicles took place as part of a joint project between UNDP and the Government of Kazakhstan, which aims to create the conditions for the reintroduction of the Turan tiger and to support the conservation of the natural, historical and cultural sites of Ulytau Mountains. The modern trucks have a high cross that will enable the organisations to carry out biotechnical measures such as restoration work in specially protected natural areas (SPNAs).
"The provision of equipment to the specially protected natural areas is part of UNDP’s broader efforts to conserve biodiversity and restore ecosystems. These efforts include initiatives to develop a network of protected areas in Kazakhstan, increase human capacity in the environment sector, restore forests, and support local communities in remote regions of the country. The implementation of these measures will help Kazakhstan to fulfil its international commitments in the area of biodiversity conservation and climate change and contribute to the country's development,”said Katarzyna Wawiernia, UNDP Resident Representative in Kazakhstan.
Chairperson of the Committee of Forestry and Wildlife Daniyar Turgambayev emphasized that the government and UNDP continue to cooperate in the field of ecosystem conservation and key species of wildlife by developing a network of protected areas, including strengthening their technical potential.
"Recently, extensive work has been carried out across two pilot protected areas, covering a total of more than 470,000 hectares, aimed at preserving key biodiversity and ecosystems. Over the past three years, the project has focused on developing a management plan for Ulytau National Park and laying the groundwork for job creation in rural areas through ecotourism development. Efforts are also underway for the reintroduction of the Turan tiger in the Ile-Balkhash Nature Reserve, including the restoration of floodplain forests and the replenishment of wild hoofed animal populations. The provision of modern transportation equipment for protected areas plays a crucial role in supporting these and other regional development initiatives,"said Daniyar Turgambayev.
UNDP and the Government of Kazakhstan project has been ongoing since 2021 and covers the Almaty and Ulytau regions. Currently, tourist trails are being established in pilot protected areas, training on the basics of ecotourism is being conducted for rural entrepreneurs, and efforts are underway to restore floodplain tugai forests along the Ile River, in the Southern Balkhash region, and the foothills of Ulytau. The project has provided fire-fighting equipment to combat fires and other natural disasters, as well as implemented a SMART patrol system. With the support of UNDP, 100 kulans have been transported to the Ile-Balkhash Nature Reserve last year.
