Katon-Karagay and Akzhaiyk included in the World Network of Biosphere Reserves

ASTANA. KAZINFORM - International status of "Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO" was given to two Kazakhstan nature reserves - State National Park "Katon Karagay" and the biosphere reserve "Akzhaiyk".

This has been reported by the press service of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Kazakhstan following the 26th session of the International Coordinating Committee of the UNESCO "Man and Biosphere" (MAB). "Both protected areas have been included in the World Network of Biosphere Reserves by UNESCO. International experts from UNESCO praised the efforts of the Kazakh Government, the National MAB Committee and the National Commission for UNESCO and ISESCO on developing the nominations", the statement reads. At present there are 4 UNESCO Biosphere Reserves in Kazakhstan. Inclusion of Kazakhstani reserves to the World Network of Biosphere Reserves contributes to conservation of natural resources, as well as economic and touristic development of Kazakhstan. During the session, the Chairman of MAB Kazakhstan National Committee Roman Jashenko was elected for the post of UNESCO MAB Vice president that certifies Kazakhstan's active role in the framework of the organization.