1 July 2011
UNDP/GEF Conference Showcases Wetlands Conservation Activities in Central Asia
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At the conference on "Biodiversity Conservation and Sustainable Use of Wetlands Resources," experts discussed their experiences related to: biodiversity conservation; strengthening national legislation on wetlands conservation; methods to improve the network of Protected Areas; and successful conservation and sustainable use of wetlands.

29 June 2011: The UN Development Programme (UNDP) and Global Environment Facility (GEF), through their project on “Integrated Conservation of Globally Significant Wetland Habitat: A Demonstration on Three Sites,” have convened an international scientific and practical conference to showcase successful wetlands conservation activities undertaken in Central Asia.

The conference, which was held on the occasion of the 40th anniversary of the Convention on Wetlands of International Importance (Ramsar Convention), was titled “Biodiversity Conservation and Sustainable Use of Wetlands Resources,” and took place from 11-14 May 2011, in Astana, Kazakhstan.

The conference brought together experts from Belarus, Italy, Kyrgyzstan, the Russian Federation, Ukraine and Uzbekistan, and officials from the Kazakh Ministries of Environmental Protection, Tourism and Sport, and Agriculture. Conference participants exchanged their experiences related to: biodiversity conservation; strengthening national legislation on wetlands conservation; methods to improve the network of Protected Areas; and successful conservation and sustainable use of wetlands. Participants were briefed on the history of Kazakhstan’s accession to the Ramsar Convention in 2007 and the UNDP/GEF project’s contribution in Kazakhstan. They also visited the Teniz-Korgalzhyn Lakes Ramsar Site, the Visitor Center of the Korgalzhyn Reserve, and the Karazhar cordon. [Ramsar Press Release]

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