EU to back rural tourism development in E Kazakhstan

The project is co-financed by the European Union with EUR 350,000. Developed by Slovak NGOs Machaon International and Sosna in co-operation with Kazakh partners - NGOs EcoAltai, TEC and Boomerang, it won the grant competition "Regional development in Kazakhstan" organized by the European Commission. The main aim of the project is to foster the development of sustainable rural tourism in the East Kazakhstan region as a suitable tool for levelling off disparities in regional development, improving the social environment and rural livelihoods, Machaon International informs. The project will be implemented in the Kazakh part of Altai - a remarkable area of high ecological, cultural and historical value. The project area encompasses 3 protected areas declared by WWF as ‘Gift to the Earth' - a designation provided to the most important wilderness areas of the world. There is a process underway to inscribe the Markakol Lake Nature Reserve and Katon Karagai National Park on the UNESCO World Natural Heritage list. This indicates special value and uniqueness of the project area and is an evidence of excellent conditions for tourism and recreation, which are so far under-developed. The project supports sensitive development of information and accommodation facilities, strengthens the identity of one of the richest regions in natural and cultural heritage of Kazakhstan. A balanced mix of tourist attractions, promotional materials, events will be used to facilitate full provision of necessary information for travelling to and within the Kazakh part of Altai and to guarantee better appreciation of this unique heritage by visitors and guests. Inclusion of modern means of promotion of regional tourism such as multimedia, websites, quality booklets, fair presentation, etc. should effectively reach the public outside the region integrating Altai Mountains in Kazakhstan among most interesting destinations in the world worth paying a visit.