Karatau Biosphere Reserve

UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, inscribed 2017, in Kazakhstan. Karatau is located in the central part of the Karatau ridge, a branch of the north-western Tien Shan, one of the world’s largest mountain ranges. With a total area of 151,800 ha, the reserve is an extremely important natural complex for the conservation of West Tien Shan biodiversity. By the number of its endemic species, Karatau ranks first among Central Asian regions. The regional economy is mostly based on cattle rearing, agriculture, ecotourism and recreational tourism.