Naurzum natural reserve has the status of worldwide heritage. Among 687 species, inhabiting Naurzum Natural Reserve, 12 plant species and 37 animal species are in Red Book. But there is number of problems which are leading to negative influence on area?s biodiversity. First of all it is habitat destruction mostly due to illegal logging, cattle overgrazing on bugger zones and fires. Local people are not aware of biodiversity economic value and of benefits of biodiversity conservation and eco-tourism development.

Project aim:
Demonstrate possibilities of biodiversity conservation of Naurzum Natural Reserve and nearby territories through development of eco-tourism and enhancement of environmental awareness among local population.

Project tasks:
- Decrease anthropogenic press in 2 settlements (Karamendy and Karakuduk) adjacent to the Nature Reserve by putting in order eco-tourism
- Raise awareness of the local community in the focused settlements, and their involvement into ecological tourism
- Increase local community?s members scale of living and demonstrate them possibilities of income from ecotourism

Project results:
Main important progress, reached by the project staff, is turning uncontrolled tourism in buffer zone of Naurzum into manageable one. About 7240 ha of reserve?s buffer zone is now covered with manageable sustainable ecotourism and trained local community?s members play important role it its development.

Within the project there were produced special signs (informational, warning, prohibitory ones) for tourists and local population with information on actions, legal in this area and other necessary information.

A program on environmental public education with covering about 2000 young and adult people successfully realized in closest to reserve settlements. Environmental culture of this people changes and improves; they now have understanding of conservation area?s mission, importance and understand their role in these territories? conservation. Quantity of nature protection supporters increased much and local people try to live in accordance with environmental principles, getting both ? healthy environment and income from right and legal economical activity.

For example, local population made several guest houses for ecotourists, learn to provide high-level service for tourists, give competent information of Naurzum?s environment and issues etc.