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B I O D I V E R S I T Y : D E L I V E R I N G R E S U LT S I N E U R O P E A N D T H E C I S
scientific departments at the two protected areas, which are conducting research into micropropagation of important varieties and maintaining gene banks of wild and cultivated fruit diversity. Diverting people from destructive use of wild fruit forests is also essential for ensuring their
long-term conservation. Working with the local communities, the project team has promoted traditional beekeeping as a possible alternative, providing a honey processing facility, market studies and training for bee keepers. Support has also been provided for ecological tourism and for improving the efficiency and sustainability of traditional farming practices.
Project facts Duration: 2005-2012. GEF grant: $3.0 million. Cofinancing: $19.59 million. For further information, contact Ms Kuralay Karibayeva (Project Manager): kuralay.karibayeva@undp.org Project web sites: www.undp.kz ; www.minagri.kz; www.fhc.kz
“The project helped us to realise the importance of working to preserve the genetic diversity of wild fruit forests. We are grateful for its help in creating ZhongarAlatau National Park, which gives us the opportunity to improve the protection of valuable wild fruit forests, our national heritage.” S AYAT I G E M B A E V , DEPUT Y GENERAL DIREC TOR O F Z H O N G A R A L ATA U N AT I O N A L PA R K .
Seminar on conservation management in Zhongar-Alatau Park. PHOTO: LINA VALDSHMIT