The Merke Regional Nature Park has been established in Kazakhstan’s southern Zhambyl region. Granted the status of a protected natural area, the park aims to preserve the unique ecosystems of the foothill and mountain zones of the Western Tien Shan.
Covering 86,632 hectares, Merke is home to rare and endemic species, including snow leopards, argali sheep, Indian porcupines, and Turkestan lynxes.
The park also opens avenues for developing ecotourism, environmental education, and inclusive community engagement in sustainable land use. Future plans include infrastructure development, job creation, and the implementation of scientific and educational programs.
Its establishment was made possible through strong collaboration among government bodies, scientific institutions, local communities, and international partners, including the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).
“UNDP supports Kazakhstan’s efforts to expand its protected area system and strengthen environmental policy at the regional level. Merke Park is a strong example of how local initiatives contribute to global biodiversity goals and climate resilience,” said Katarzyna Wawiernia, UNDP Resident Representative in Kazakhstan.
As part of ongoing cooperation between Kazakhstan and the UNDP, ten new specially protected natural areas have already been created nationwide, including the Akzhayik, Altyn-Dala, and Ile-Balkhash nature reserves, as well as the Buyratau, Zhongar Alatau, and Tarbagatai national parks. Additionally, six existing protected areas have been expanded.
For the first time, Kazakhstan has also established the Kapshagay-Balkhash and Yrgyz-Torgay-Zhylanshyk ecological corridors, spanning 2.9 million hectares, to safeguard the migration routes of rare animal species.
