OREANDA-NEWS. On 29 May 2008 was announced, that the Forestry and Hunting Committee of the Ministry of Agriculture approved a new structure of Ile-Alatau National Natural Park with the new Division of Scientific Research Activities and Mountain Agrobiodiversity (MABD). The specialized MABD management structure was proposed by GoK and GEF/UNDP Project ғIn situ Conservation of KazakhstanҒs Mountain Agrobiodiversity”.

The total area of mountain wild fruit forests is reaching 10.5 thousand ha i.e. 17% of the forested areas of Ile-Alatau National Park. It is the territory that represents the natural storage of MABD genetic fund having the national and global significance.

According to the project experts, the special MABD management structure of Ile-Alatau National Park will enable to improve the efficiency of conservation, research and practical implementation of the measures in the field of conservation.

The project implementation unit provides assistance to the National Park in developing the Management Plan, an important strategic document to manage the specially protected natural area; establishing the visit center; holding the annual environmental campaign ғMarch for Parks”. The Project has elaborated the Concept of Environmental Tourism and Recreation Development for Ile-Alatau National Park, procured the fire protection and other specialized equipment.

The goal of the project jointly implemented by the Government of Kazakhstan, Global Environment Facility and UN Development Program ғIn situ Conservation of KazakhstanҒs Mountain Agrobiodiversity” is to enable the conservation in situ, restoration and sustainable use of nationally and globally significant agrobiodiversity of Jungar and Zailiysky Alatau. The main focus is placed on wild apple Malus siversii and common apricot Armeniaca vulgaris along with the other wild crop relatives being part of the mountain wild fruit forest ecosystems.