First-ever academic programme on financial planning for protected areas launched in the universities of Kazakhstan

May 23, 2025

Two individuals shaking hands while exchanging signed documents at a table, with flags in the background. — Photo: Saken Seifullin Kazakh Agrotechnical Research University/ Danil Akramov

With the support of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Kazakhstan under the BIOFIN initiative, aimed at sustainable financing of protected areas, a new academic course titled “Financial Planning for Protected Areas” has been introduced in three universities of Kazakhstan. The programme will equip future environmental professionals with the knowledge and skills for sustainable natural resource management and biodiversity conservation.

“Protected areas play a critical role in preserving biodiversity. Over the past 15 years, Kazakhstan has seen significant changes in managing these areas. According to new legislative norms, management plans for protected areas are now recognized as financial documents, requiring relevant financial expertise among staff. This includes skills in budget planning, business modelling, mobilizing additional resources, and applying modern monitoring tools. Introducing this course is a key step in strengthening human capital in the field,”

said Daniyar Turgambayev, Chairman of the Forestry and Wildlife Committee of the Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources of the Republic of Kazakhstan.

A man in a suit delivers a speech at a podium, with flags in the background. — Photo: Saken Seifullin Kazakh Agrotechnical Research University/ Danil Akramov

The curriculum was developed and piloted based on current challenges and practical needs in Kazakhstan’s protected areas. It is now being implemented at three pilot institutions: Saken Seifullin Kazakh Agrotechnical Research University (Astana), Kazakh National Agrarian Research University (Almaty), and Toraygyrov University (Pavlodar).

The programme comprises eight academic hours and includes three modules: budget planning, business planning, and basics of grant financing. The programme features 23 video lectures covering results-based management planning, building business models, developing product strategies for protected areas, and drafting funding proposals.

“For over 30 years, UNDP has closely partnered with the Government of Kazakhstan and key international donors and partners. During this time, we have provided targeted expert support to develop and revise legislation related to biodiversity and ecosystem conservation, including the Environmental Code, Water Code, Forest Code, and the Biodiversity Conservation Concept. The launch of this academic programme is a logical continuation of these efforts, aimed at preparing a new generation of qualified professionals capable of managing protected areas and securing sustainable financing,”

said Katarzyna Wawiernia, UNDP Resident Representative in Kazakhstan.

A woman speaks at a podium with various national flags displayed behind her. — Photo: Saken Seifullin Kazakh Agrotechnical Research University/ Danil Akramov

Before its official launch, the course underwent a six-month adaptation process at the Saken Seifullin Kazakh Agrotechnical Research University. Using a Collaborative Action Research approach, UNDP experts conducted feedback cycles involving faculty and students to ensure the course meets real-world challenges and enhances its practical relevance. Jointly, faculty and students explored issues, developed solutions, and proposed improvements to the course.

At the programme launch event, the organizers shared key outcomes from collaboration with universities, highlighted results from training sessions and consultations, and introduced methodological guidelines for integrating the course into academic standards. The new curriculum will help prepare a generation of professionals equipped to develop and implement modern management plans, optimize the use of budget resources, and build sustainable partnerships.

A woman in a white suit speaks at a podium with international flags in the background.

A conference room with attendees seated, focused on a speaker and a presentation screen.

A man in a suit stands at a podium with multiple national flags in the background.

Audience members seated in red chairs, attentively listening at an event.

A diverse audience seated and listening attentively in a lecture hall.

A woman in a blue dress stands at a microphone, addressing a large audience seated behind her.

Photo: Saken Seifullin Kazakh Agrotechnical Research University/ Danil Akramov

It is worth noting that with UNDP’s support, Kazakhstan has established ten new protected areas, including state nature reserves such as Akzhaiyk, Altyn Dala, and Ile-Balkhash, as well as national parks such as Buiratau, Zhetysu Alatau (formerly Zhetysu Alatau), and Tarbagatai. Additionally, the territory of six existing protected areas has been expanded. For the first time, Kazakhstan has created ecological corridors, Kapshagai-Balkhash and Yrgyz-Torgai-Zhylanshyk, covering 2,9 million hectares to protect migration routes of rare species such as the goitered gazelle and saiga antelope.

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