"The Shu-Ile Mountains — A Space of Global Natural and Cultural Heritage"

   The main goal of the press tour was to draw public attention to the protection of natural and cultural heritage through the demonstration of rare plant species and archaeological monuments.

Participants observed the blooming period of the rare plant Niedzwetzkia semiretschenskia (Zhetysu Niedzwetzkia) in its natural habitat and visited unique archaeological sites in the Shu-Ile Mountains. These sites were presented as potential candidates for inclusion in the expanded territory of the Tanbaly State Historical, Cultural, and Natural Museum-Reserve.

The program featured scientific presentations, a discussion session, and an open debate on the role of media in nature conservation. Speakers at the open session included:

• Vladimir Gennadyevich Epiktetov — researcher of Kazakhstan's flora, leading researcher at the Institute’s dendrology laboratory, and scientific advisor to the project;
• Alexey Yevgenyevich Rogozhinsky — archaeologist, PhD in History, and chief researcher of the Tanbaly Museum-Reserve;
• Alexander Vladimirovich Dubynin — expert in conservation biology and project leader.

The press tour was carried out within the framework of the project “Protecting Key Botanical Areas of the Shu-Ile Mountains: From Expert Assessment to Conservation Measures.”