Markakol Biosphere Reserve

UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, inscribed 2022, in Kazakhstan. Covering some of the least disturbed ecosystems in the southern Western Altai, Markakol lies 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. These are home to various endemic species, including the rare and endangered snow leopard and the stone marten. Most inhabitants earn their livelihoods from animal husbandry and tourism, though the latter is in decline.