The Korgalzhyn State Nature Reserve is one of the largest specially protected natural areas in the Republic of Kazakhstan. It was established in April 1968 to conserve the unique steppe and wetland ecosystems of Central Kazakhstan. The reserve covers an area of 543,171 hectares.

The reserve is centered around the unique Tengiz–Korgalzhyn lake system, which includes the saline Lake Tengiz and the freshwater Lake Korgalzhyn. Located at the intersection of the major migratory bird flyways of Eurasia, the area serves as one of the most important breeding, stopover, and resting sites for migratory birds. It is also home to the world’s northernmost breeding colony of Greater Flamingos.

The outstanding conservation value of the reserve has received international recognition. In 1976, the Tengiz–Korgalzhyn lake system was designated as a Wetland of International Importance under the Ramsar Convention. In 2007, the territory was included in the global Important Bird Areas (IBA) network. Later, it was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List as part of the “Saryarka – Steppe and Lakes of Northern Kazakhstan” property and became Kazakhstan’s first UNESCO Biosphere Reserve under the Man and the Biosphere (MAB) Programme.

Today, the Korgalzhyn State Nature Reserve is one of Kazakhstan’s leading centers for nature conservation and scientific research. The reserve is home to 365 bird species, 46 mammal species, 15 fish species, 4 reptile species, 2 amphibian species, and more than 700 insect species. Its flora comprises 443 species of vascular plants, representing approximately one quarter of the flora of the Saryarka (Kazakh Uplands).

Thanks to its exceptional biodiversity, unique natural ecosystems, and internationally recognized conservation status, the Korgalzhyn State Nature Reserve is regarded as one of the most important centers for nature conservation not only in Kazakhstan but throughout Eurasia.

Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/ecogeo/press/news/details/1258427?lang=ru