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Kazakhstan, one of the biggest and greenest countries in the world, has announced plans to expand its national parks.
This move is expected to add around 20,000 square kilometres of protected land by 2035, bringing the total to approximately 332,000 square kilometres – bigger than in either Poland or Italy.
Believed to be where the apple originated, Kazakhstan is also famed for its massive steppe landscapes, vibrant red Charyn Canyon, dramatic Altai Mountains and the Kaindy Lake, with its submerged forest.
The Central Asian country is also known for its nomadic culture, especially eagle hunting, and is dubbed the “land of the wanderers”.
However, it is still relatively under-visited, especially by adventure and nature travellers, which is expected to change with the addition of new green spaces.
Why is Kazakhstan expanding its national parks?
Kazakhstanhas invested heavily in restoring ecological balance and promoting sustainable tourism in the last few years.
As such, the initiative to expand national parks is part of a wider biodiversity strategy titled, “The Concept for the Conservation and Sustainable Use of Biological Diversity for 2026-2035”.
The plan aims to conserve the country’s unique landscapes, from windy dunes of the Aral Karakum desert to the snow-capped Tian Shan peaks and Karkaraly forests.
This includes growing forest coverage, with around 8,000 square kilometres of woodland due to be planted or restored, as well as the expansion of existing reserves.
It will also boost Kazakhstan’s remarkable biodiversity and wildlife. Currently, the country has more than 6,000 plant species and about 230 animal species. Several of these, like the Bukhara deer, snow leopard and goitered gazelle are at risk of extinction.
This could mean significant tourism advancement as well, opening up new avenues for wildlife and birdwatching, along with forest hiking.
Similarly, ecosystems such as the Aral Sea basin could be restored, which could help promote sustainable ecotourism as well. The country is already planting saxaul in the dried Aral Sea bed, to prevent more damage.
These plans will also mean better infrastructure for tourists, such as visitor centres, more glamping sites and hiking and walking trails, along with more navigation signs especially in the Ile-Alatau and Kolsai Lakes regions.
There will be an increased focus on horseback riding and remote eco-villages, with more tourist guides being trained for these experiences as well.
Kazakhstan is also reintroducing a number of wildlife species such as tigers, kulans and Przewalski’s horses to help restore natural habitats.