Covering the least disturbed ecosystems in the southern part of Western Altai, Markakol is close to the border with China. It encompasses unique and characteristic mid-mountain taiga and high-mountain alpine landscapes of the temperate steppe ecoregion of Eurasia, home to various endemic species, including the rare and endangered snow leopard and the stone marten. Most of the biosphere reserve’s 2,000 inhabitants earn their livelihood from animal husbandry and tourism, though the latter is in decline.

Education for Sustainable Development in Markakol Biosphere Reserve, KazakhstanMarkakol Biosphere Reserve

Markakol Biosphere Reserve, KazakhstanFarkhat Kabdykairov

Matabay Forest in Markakol Biosphere Reserve, KazakhstanSergey Starikov