The document summarizes efforts to increase stakeholder awareness of wetland conservation in three regions of Kazakhstan through environmental education programs. Wetlands in the Ural River delta, Teniz-Korgalzhyn lakes, and Alakol-Sassykkol lakes provide habitat for migratory birds but face threats from unsustainable use. To address this, the project developed ecology curricula for schools and organized teacher training, student activities, and public campaigns. It also helped establish nature centers near protected areas to attract visitors and raise awareness. Surveys found that the programs significantly increased awareness levels among decision-makers and local communities about the importance of wetland conservation in all three regions.

1. GEF/UNDP/ RoK Government Project ‘ Integrated Conservation of Priority Globally Significant Migratory Bird Wetland Habitat: A Demonstration on Three Sites’ Talgat Kerteshev , National Project Manager Astana , 2011

2. Biodiversity and PAs Indicators Ural river delta Tengiz-Korgalzhyn Alakol- Sassykkol Higher plants Fish Birds 204 76 103 166 17 112 249 17 107 PA status Akzhaiyk Reservat Korgalzhyn Reserve Alakol Reserve Area of globally significant wetlands , 000 ha 2 80 . 0 1 602 . 6 9 14. 7 PAs , 000 ha 111.5 543.2 65.2 % PA coverage 39.8 (0% - 2004) 33.9 (16.2% - 2004) 7.1 (1.4% - 2004)

3. Outcome 3. Increased stakeholder awareness and support The Ural river delta , Teniz-Korgalzhyn and Alakol-Sassykkol lakes are some of the globally significant wetlands . The key reasons of human impact on the wetlands biodiversity include unsustainable and inefficient use of biological and water resources , inefficient economic activities and uncontrolled tourism . The above human impacts result in the destabilized ecologic system of the wetlands . Some other reasons of the environmental disruptions include poor or insufficient ecological knowledge , culture and education . We believe that one of the ways to address the issue is to increase and to enhance ecological education among various target groups.

4. Outcome 3. Increased stakeholder awareness and support Ecological education is a process and an outcome of gaining systematic expertise, knowledge and skills in the area of environmental impacts , environmental status and implications of environmental changes ( as per V.Snakin ). Ecoeducation activities are the forms and methods of activities aimed to advocate for and to cover issues related to the conservation and sound use of biological resources , with a view to develop public ecological culture .

7. Outcome 3. Increased stakeholder awareness and support The programmes are supported by the following methodological guides : 1. Collection of practical education methods for Korgalzhyn region schools , Time M., Lyuft L., Gen S. , Astana , 2006. 2. Discover the Amazing World of Birds , 2008. 3. Methodological Guidelines for Teachers and Schoolchildren, The Water World of Kazakhstan and The Flora of Wetlands in Kazakhstan , 2010.

8. Outcome 3. Increased stakeholder awareness and support

15. Outcome 3. Increased stakeholder awareness and support

17. Outcome 3. Increased stakeholder awareness and support Visit Center of the Korgalzhyn Reserve : 1. Visit Center Concept design 2. Preparation of architectural design and design and estimate documentation 3. Coordination of construction works and decoration ( main room , steppe room, wetlands room, child room , movie theatre ). 4. Organization of the Visit Center’s presentation ( opening ceremony ) inviting various entities ( embassies, ministries, akimats, schools, etc. )

18. Outcome 3. Increased stakeholder awareness and support Nature Museum of the Alakol Reserve : 1. Museum Concept design 2. Preparation of architectural design and design and estimate documentation 3. Together with the Reserve administration establishment of the Nature Museum ( wetlands room, fauna room, Biologist’s room , Auezov’s room ) .

19. Outcome 3. Increased stakeholder awareness and support LOGFRAME 11. Level of awareness of the main key stakeholders: 1. Teniz-Korgalzhyn lakes: 2004 2011 a) Decision makers 70% 85% b) Local communities 50% 80% 2. Alakol-Sassykkol lakes: a) Decision makers 50% 80% b) Local communities 25% 60% 3. Ural river delta: a) Decision makers 20% 80% b) Local communities 10% 50%

20. CONCLUSION The young generation ( schoolchildren and students ) is an important target group for further ecoeducation development . If the key basics of the ecoeducation are built up while they are children , in the future we will have positive effects in shaping their responsibility and ability to maintain the natural biological balance. We believe that there is a need to implement new approaches to teaching Ecology discipline and to set an optimal number of hours in the schools of Kazakhstan and in doing so to give due regard to the importance of field practical training both for schoolchildren and biology students. Outcome 3. Increased stakeholder awareness and support

21. Thank you !