ALMATY, Aug 22 (NNN-KNA) – Kazakhstan officially established the Merke Nature Park, in the Zhambyl region, to enhance biodiversity conservation and support climate resilience, with assistance from the UN Development Programme (UNDP), the agency said, yesterday.
Spanning more than 86,000 hectares in the Western Tianshan Mountains, the park is home to rare and endemic species. A recent wildlife survey recorded eight snow leopards, 120 argali sheep, 20 Indian gazelles and 22 Central Asian lynxes within its territory, according to the UNDP.
Beyond ecosystem protection, the park will foster ecotourism, environmental education and sustainable land use. Its plans include developing key infrastructure, creating employment opportunities, promoting scientific research and working with local communities, to ensure long-term stewardship of the park’s natural resources.
The establishment of the park represents an important step toward the effective management of natural resources and the preservation of ecosystems, said Daniyar Turgambayev, chairman of the Committee for Forestry and Wildlife under the Kazakh Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources.
“Merke Nature Park sets an example of how local action underpins global biodiversity goals and climate resilience,” said UNDP Resident Representative in Kazakhstan, Katarzyna Wawiernia.
As part of a broader cooperation, Kazakhstan and the UNDP have established 10 new protected areas, while six existing reserves have been expanded. Kazakhstan has also established two new ecological corridors, for the first time, to safeguard the migration routes of rare wildlife, covering a combined area of 2.9 million hectares.– NNN-KNA
