As a rare and endangered species, Asiatic Poplar (Populus diversifolia) is currently preserved within small protected areas, groves and wooded areas. The Asian poplar, a regionally endemic species, grows only in the northern part of Balkhash Lake. The preserved poplar groves are subjected to destruction primarily by unattended cabins, cattle grazing, wood wreckers, and population growth. At present, the poplar groves are not specifically under the control of any nature protection bodies, so they have no official protective status, and conservation measures have not been undertaken for a long time. As a result, the poplar groves are being destructed and the Asian poplar species could disappear completely.

This project will preserve 5 poplar groves in the northern region of Balkhash Lake, will encourage the local authorities to integrate conservation initiatives into regional plans, and will heighten public awareness of, and participation in, environmental protection. In order to demonstrate the appropriate ways to conserve and restore the poplar woods, restoration activities will take place in the degraded areas of 5 poplar groves, with 2 of the groves preserved entirely as genetic funds. Political lobbing in the region will work to include the long-term conservation and restoration of the poplar groves in the National Action Plan "Improvement of the environment of Karaganda area for 2002-2005.? An informational campaign and broad-based environmental education will be undertaken to speed up this process.

The project corresponds to the GEF priorities of ?biodiversity conservation? and ?climate change.? It also meets national environmental priorities.