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An organization in Almaty, Kazakhstan, which operates a noncommercial fund to promote environmental education and conservation and runs a parallel commercial adventure travel operation, has requested information leading to a solid plan for conservation in Almaty region (Almaty was until recently the capital of Kazakhstan).The Minister of Natural Resources and Conservation of the Environment has asked this organization for advice on new ways of solving problems in achieving "balance and cooperation between ecotourism and conservation of the environment". They must present their draft plan to the Minister in late April, and several days later they will be discussing the plan with President Nazarbayev.
The organization has had exposure in the US with how government, non-profit and commercial sectors can work together on restoring and conserving the environment. They understand that, with strong interest expressed by the Kazakh government, now is the time to act. But they lack _methods, standards and experience. What has to be done, what to start from, whom to contact for assistance and advice? How to develop spheres of responsibility? Who can teach us?_
They have heard of international standards in land conservation, but do not know who could advise them and the Kazakh government. They have properly identified the disagreements between government agencies and old Soviet ways of (in)action as hindrances to progress with NGOs and the ecotourism business sectors.
Can you supply information on what they should be reading to better inform themselves and which international NGOs or agencies they should contact for ideas or on-site assistance? I explained that NGOs generally do not hire themselves out as consultants but that their plan might fit in with current projects. They need input to devise a respectable plan and, later, will need the assistance of a consultant, partner or similar.
This Kazakh group is in a position to do a lot of good, as they are work on the cusp between government, commercial and NGO interests. To assist them, I will collect any information that readers may send to me, forward it to them for their further use, and to make calls in the West on their behalf too.
Susan Wobst
[email protected]
Last updated: March 2000
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