Kazakhstan
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Empowering Lives, Building Resilience | VOLUME 2
Continued conservation Despite the project’s successes, further resources will be needed for comprehensive management of the wetlands. UNDP has established a Biodiversity Trust Fund, raising more than $3.2 million. Early donations totalling $450,000 were offered by Kazakhstani businesses— Air Astana, and Kazakhmys, the natural resource company. The cooperation fostered during this project is a promising sign that the wetlands will be protected in the future. The UNDP/GEF-led initiative has proven that the environmental and economic health of the wetlands can be interrelated, achievable goals.
HIGHLIGHTS ■
More than 1,626,700 hectares of wetlands have obtained Ramsarprotected status.
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Illegal fishing fell by between 45 percent and 62 percent between 2004 and 2010 in the three project sites.
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Residents from 500 villages have developed eco-friendly business ventures.
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More than $3.2 million was raised for sustainable biodiversity projects.