A natural wonder close to home

In 2014, the Ak Zhaik Nature Reserve, located in Atyrau Oblast, was designated a Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO. These special reserves act to promote management, research and education in ecosystem conservation.  This area is one of the largest migration zones on Earth, stretching from Siberia to Eastern Africa, with more than 240 bird species travelling this particular route. Learn more about the UNESCO Biosphere Program here. To find out more about the Ak Zhaik UNESCO designation, click here.  Also, the original nomination document presented to UNESCO by the Government of Kazakhstan is available to the public. Click here to view the English version of the document.

If you are interested in visiting the Ak Zhaik Biosphere Reserve, local travel agency Planeta.kz is available to organize guided group tours for a minimum of 10 people. For more information call +7(7122)30-4747. (They do speak English)

Please Note: The main migration occurs in March and September.