ECO-ARAL is working to support the development of ecotourism, management of protected areas and wildlife protection in the Aral Sea region.
During March 1-2, 2022, project experts held meetings with representatives of the Department of Tourism, the Department of Natural Resources and Regulation of Natural Resources of Mangistau province Administration, the Chamber of Entrepreneurs of Mangistau province, Mangistau Territorial Inspection of Forestry and Wildlife, Ustyurt State Reserve and the Regional Environmental Council “ECOJER”.
During the meetings the experts discussed the issues of transboundary cooperation in the field of ecological tourism, management of protected areas and wildlife protection between the stakeholders of the Mangistau province and the Republic of Karakalpakstan (Uzbekistan). In particular, meetings’ participants touched upon the issues of capacity building of employees from touristic sphere through training and exchange of experience, introduction of smart methods of monitoring and protection of wildlife on the territories of Ustyurt plateau of the two countries, organization of round tables and workshops to exchange experience, implementation of specific projects to address existing problems in the above-mentioned sectors. The participants of the meetings expressed their intentions for further cooperation.