The East Kazakhstan area, partially the Pavlodar area, is the only place in Kazakhstan, where unique Pine forests have remained since the Ice Age. Although these Pine forests are specified as ?nature protection areas?, they are under continuous disparage from arson, fires and increasing harvesting. In many respects the situation is complicated by the low level of forest protection and the relative poverty of the local population, due to a lack of sustainable sources of income. According to expert forecasts, in the next 25 years these threats could significantly diminish the Pine forests and could threaten the Pine species altogether.

This project will demonstrate the appropriate ways to conserve and restore Pine forests, by introducing a management system for the Krasnokardon forest area (formerly owned by a Semipalatinsk timber enterprise, but now managed by the State Department of the forest and fauna protection). By encouraging more rational forms of resource use, by improving the livelihoods of the local population, and by involving local people and NGOs in project activities, the conservation of Pine forests in this area will serve as a model for the preservation of other threatened forest areas. During the project implementation, a number of information activities will be undertaken, including training seminars and meetings for the local population, and environmental lectures at schools. Project participants will take part in all protection measures, by working to prevent or prosecute anyone committing arson, by preventing wildfires, by monitoring against illegal harvesting, and by reporting any illness or damage to the trees. These actions will be carried out through co-operation between a public inspection group and the state natural protection bodies. In order to restore already-burnt sites, the local population, students and schoolchildren will be involved in clearing the charred forest floor, replanting Pine seedlings, and monitoring forest regeneration. To attract the attention of NGOs and the local authorities of the East Kazakhstan and Pavlodar areas, and to duplicate the project results, approximately 150 booklets about the project results will be designed and distributed.

The project will strengthen the conservation of Pine forests in the project territory. The sites of the burned down wood will be restored, local authorities and the local population will participate actively in the protection of common resources, economic livelihoods will be enhanced, and the environmental consciousness of the local population will be improved.