Alakol-Sasykkol wetlands ecosystem is located in Almaty and East - Kazakhstan areas. Over 20 kinds of birds brought to the Red data book are inhabitants of this area. At the moment the situation is that during spring, summer and autumn period numerous groups of tourists visit Alakol lake. Intensive spontaneous unorganized tourism has led to reduction of migrating birds. In this connection it is necessary to realize activities decreasing anthropogenous influence on the natural resources and biodiversity of the area.

The project allows demonstrating possible ways of preservation and restoration of natural resources, rational use of natural landscapes, decrease loading on environment, thereby creating favorable conditions for the wetlands biodiversity. The project provides also simultaneous improvement of social and economic situation through involvement of the local community into ecological tourism. Alternative ecological routes will be developed alongside the Alakol lake, guest houses will be opened. Carrying out of seminars, training for local community on ecotourism and development of alternative activities instead of irrational ones will allow reaching the target goals.

Project aim:
Reducing local population?s of rural Koktuma region (Almaty region, Alakol district) dependence on unsustainable use of biological resources, by its socio-economic development and reducing the threats to biological diversity from the unorganized tourism in areas around the village through sustainable use of components of biological diversity through environmental tourism.

Project tasks:
- Environmental education and rising awareness to the biodiversity of the region through the organization of ecological tours;
- Informing and demonstration of the ecotourism benefits as a form of sustainable use of components of biological diversity;
- Strengthening the capacity of local communities and improving of coordination of environmental activities

Project results:
- 6 guest houses are officially registered and united into one Community
- Partnership of the community with tour operators will strengthen
- Ecological route is established and approved by the state bodies
- 3 ecological routes are equipped
- Yurt-city is established and decorated
- Mobile guest complex is established on the route
- 300 colored booklets for tourists are published
- 22 informational billboards are established on the route and near to the guest houses
- Informational campaign with support of the local authorities and UNDP GEF Wetlands project is implemented
- 12 people are trained in ecotourism standards and services
- 3 target tourist groups are defined (for mountainous, ornithological and beach rest) and tour products are developed accordingly