Two more Kazakh ecosystems have
been inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List. Along with Kazakhstan, an
application for inclusion of the Altyn Emel National Park and the Barsakelmes
Nature Reserve was submitted by Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan as part of the
transnational nomination “Cold Winter Deserts of Turan.”
Earlier, Altyn Emel and
Barsakelmes received the status of UNESCO biosphere reserves. These desert
areas have some of the world’s extreme fluctuations between maximum and minimum
air temperatures. At the same time, they are a habitat for rare wildlife and
plant species, which clearly demonstrates the evolution and adaptation on the
planet, as noted by scientists.
“We expect that the new
international status of Altyn Emel and Barsakelmes will draw increased attention
to the importance of in-depth scientific research and effective conservation
measures for Kazakhstan’s natural ecosystems. We also hope that this will bolster
its potential for developing sustainable and responsible tourism,” Askar
Abdrakhmanov, Kazakhstan’s Permanent Representative to UNESCO, said.
Kazakhstan’s properties inscribed on UNESCO
lists include six sites on the World Cultural and Natural Heritage List, 13
elements on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of
Humanity, 15 sites on the Network of Biosphere Reserves, three items on the
Memory of the World Register, and 25 dates on the List of UNESCO Observances.
