LocationsWomen of Ulytau are shaping the future of their region
October 15, 2025
Ulytau is a new region of Kazakhstan and a cradle of Kazakh statehood. It is here, in the very heart of the Saryarka steppes, that the Ulytau mountain range rises - place where the history of the nation began in the 15th century.
Today, the Ulytau Region, rich in history and heritage, is opening a new chapter in its development. In 2021, the Ulytau State National Nature Park , covering almost 60,000 ha, was established here. The park brings together unique natural landscapes, diverse species of flora and fauna, and sites of historical importance, creating for the growth of ecotourism.
The National Park has become not only a symbol of nature conservation, but also a point of growth for the region, paving the way for sustainable tourism and creating new opportunities for local communities.
The territory of Ulytau National Park is 58,912 ha
Despite the rich natural and historical heritage, economy of Ulytau has long relied on the mining industry. Many rural residents are engaged in pasture-based farming - an important activity, but often unsustainable source of income.
In Ulytau village, where most people are employed in the public sector, agriculture or industry, significant changes have taken place in recent years. Ecotourism is emerging as an alternative and sustainable form of livelihood, creating new opportunities for local people to stay and work in their communities.
Ulytau has enormous potential: its pristine nature, deep history, strong cultural identity and hospitablity of people make the region a promising destination for sustainable tourism.
The development of the region is supported by a join United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the Forestry and Wildlife Committe the Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources of the Republic of Kazakhstan. The initiative aims not only to preserve biodiversity and ecosystems, but also to strengthen human potential by providing training, supporting rural entrepreneurship and engaging local communities in sustainable development.
In 2022 and 2024, UNDP with the QazaqGeography organized a series of trainings on business planning and guest service for local community. Participants learned the basic of marketing and mobile video, as well as how to develop guest houses, establish craft workshops, and provide catering and hospitality services.
Since 2022, 109 women have participated in trainings organized by UNDP Kazakhstan to support rural entrepreneurship in the Ulytau region.
A total of 171 local residents took part in the trainings, including 20 women who are eager to contribute to development of the region. The sessions provided practical, hands-on experience and showcased real opportunities for increasing household income, drawing on the successful examples of Saty village in the Almaty region and Korgalzhyn in the Akmola region. As a result, three new business projects were launched – one of which received a grant from the Akimat of Ulytau region to support tourism development.
In a region where industrial employment has traditionally been male-dominated, women are now playing increasingly active role in community life. The project of the UNDP and the Government of Kazakhstan is helping them acquire new skills in hospitality, crafts and sustainable business development.
Through these trainings, participants learn how to open guest houses, offer catering services, organize excursions and promote local products. A survey conducted as a part of the project showed that one in four women would like to start a guest house, while 21 percent are interested in providing catering services or selling homemade goods.
These initiatives not only strengthen the local economy but also create meaningful opportunities for rural women to contribute to the development of their communities.
Yerkenaz Begayeva is an entrepreneur from Ulytau village.
One of the active participants of the trainings was Yerkenaz Begayeva from Ulytau village. A primary school teacher by profession, a few years ago Yerkenaz decided to try her hand at entrepreneurship and opened a small cafe, that now provides additional income for her family.
"I have two hobbies – singing and cooking. It so happened that I decided to start a business thanks to my second hobby, and today I run a small café serving fast food," Yerkenaz says.
Finding a suitable space was nor easy, but she never gave up. Today, two local assistants help her at the café, and when there are large orders – for example, coffee breaks for local seminars or community events, she brings in additional staff.
Yerkenaz’s love for cooking inspired her to open her own cafe.
During trainings Yerkenaz learned how to work effectively with clients, plan orders and manage a service. She believes that supporting rural woman in business is essential, as it helps develop the local economy, create jobs and strengthen community participation in sustainable development.
"I dream of opening an ethno-cafe decorated in the national style, where every guest can experience traditional Kazakh cuisine – preparing in on my way," – Yerkenaz shares.
Yerkenaz dreams of opening an ethno-café that will welcome guests from Kazakhstan and around the world.
The growing ecotourism sector in Ulytau is opening new horizons for local communities, especially women, and contributing to economy of the country. In 2024, 2.8 million tourists visited national parks of Kazakhstan – an increase of 18 percent compared to the previous year.
To ensure that this growth is sustainable, training participants suggested developing guest houses that offer meals, horseback riding and excursions as well as producing locally made souvenirs from felt, clay and other green materials.
Due to such initiatives, a new culture of tourism is emerging in Ulytau – one that combines the traditions of nomadic hospitality with respect for nature and wildlife.
Related
content
content
