OREANDA-NEWS. On 24 April 2008 was announced, that the first donor support amounted 100,000 USD was granted to the Biodiversity Conservation Fund of Kazakhstan by "Air Astana" national carrier last week. The allocated funds are aimed at the realization of projects on conservation of biological diversity and nature ecosystems of Kazakhstan.

The Biodiversity Conservation Fund of Kazakhstan is the harbinger environmental trust fund in Kazakhstan and the CIS as well. The Fund was established in 2007 within UNDP/GEF/Government of the RK Wetlands Project. UNDP is to assist in attraction of knowledge and the international experience. The GEF support in the amount of 1,5 million US dollars is to be allocated given that the co-financing form the Kazakhstani counterparts contributes 4,5 million US dollars (in the ratio 1:3).

The intention of financial support was stated by the President of JSC "Air Astana" Mr. Peter Foster during the International Conference "Partnership of the government, business and non-governmental organizations in sustainable development of Kazakhstan: new challenges -new approaches", held in November 2007 in Astana. UNDP office in Kazakhstan strongly endorses this initiative as an revolutionizing one on the playing field of corporate social responsibility of the country.

Besides, the agreement on the broadcasting of environmental video clips on the board of national carrier aircrafts in near future was reached between the UNDP and Air Astana to enshrine the public environmental responsibility within Kazakh society.

The Biodiversity Conservation Fund of Kazakhstan expresses sincere gratitude to the management of JSC ғAir Astana” for financial support and deep comprehension of importance of conservation and restoration of the rich and various nature of Kazakhstan.