Conservation of biodiversity depends on trust eco-funds - A. Asylbekov (VIDEO)
"We have many factors that adversely affect the development of biodiversity. For example, irrational use and depletion of natural resources, degradation of ecosystems and the disappearance of some species of flora and fauna, inadequate ecological culture of the population. It should be noted that the world community recognized that the most effective mechanism for preserving biodiversity and natural ecosystems, as well as a source of repayment of the existing financing gap, is the creation of trust ecological funds", A. Asylbekov said.
According to him, today in Kazakhstan there are many funds that are aimed at solving environmental problems, on the development of biodiversity, on the creation of new alternative methods for preserving the environment. But the corporate Fund "The Biodiversity Conservation Fund of Kazakhstan" is the only fund in Kazakhstan that has the right to issue grants in the sphere of biodiversity.
"The Fund was created as a result of careful study and analysis of the best international experience in accordance with generally recognized international norms and standards. The supervision of the UNDP and the Global Environment Facility, the largest sponsor of environmental funds, makes it possible to attract the knowledge, skills and experience of international experts. Also, the Ecoforum was established, uniting more than 80 environmental NGOs of the Republic. We work in close contact with the Committee of Forestry and Fauna of the Ministry of Agriculture of the Republic of Kazakhstan", A. Asylbekov said.
As he noted, the purpose of the fund is to promote sustainable development of regions and the country through the collection of funds and financing of environmental projects with emphasis on ensuring the sustainability of the project results. The main objectives of the fund are to search for projects aimed at fostering a careful attitude to nature, popularizing effective protection measures, analyzing the situation of biodiversity, attracting tourists to the specially protected natural areas, advertising companies that have invested in the preservation of nature.
"The Fund has vast experience in implementing grant projects in the field of biodiversity conservation, reducing land degradation and adaptation measures in the face of climate change. 44 grants were awarded for subprojects on sustainable forest management, creation of alternative sources of income generation, creation of infrastructure and development of local capacity. To implement these subprojects, 2,236,000 dollars were allocated. Also, 207,000 dollars were allocated for the implementation of resource-saving technologies in the water sector and agriculture", A. Asylbekov said.
He also noted that measures were taken to preserve the saiga population, biodiversity in general, by restoring dams that allow accumulating water in one place. These dams function and collect enough water and serve as a place for saiga watering.
According to him, the festival "Flamingo" is held annually, which allows drawing attention to the problems of the unique biodiversity of the Korgalzhyn district.
"In conclusion, I would like to say that consolidation of the funds received from various donors will allow the Fund to finance projects that are significant both for the country as a whole and for a specific region, city, village, and thus a multiplier effect will be on the state of the environment in general, and on the economic and social spheres", A. Asylbekov concluded.
Kairat Zhandybayev
