Khoja Akhmet Yassawi International Kazakh-Turkish University

Policy on Identifying Monitoring and Protecting Species on the IUCN Red List and National Conservation Lists within the University’s Area of Influence 

Policy created: 2025 y.

Policy revised: 2026 y.

Turkistan, 2025

1 Purpose and commitments

The University commits to identifying, monitoring and protecting species on the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List and national conservation lists that may be affected by its activities. Priorities are preventing mortality and unauthorised removal of protected organisms, conserving habitats and reducing threats. This policy supports SDG 15, particularly Target 15.5, together with education and partnerships for biodiversity conservation.

2 Scope and area of influence

The policy applies to staff, students, researchers and contractors undertaking University activities on campuses, in the botanical garden, at teaching and research sites and off campus. The area of influence is determined for each activity through its potential direct, indirect and cumulative impacts, including noise, lighting, runoff, pollution and habitat alteration. No fixed radius is used. Measures at external sites are agreed with rights holders and conservation authorities or site administrations; this policy does not confer public regulatory powers on the University.

3 Sources and conservation priorities

Sources include current IUCN Red List assessments, the Red Data Book of Kazakhstan, current national lists of rare and endangered species and other applicable conservation lists. Priority is given to CR, EN and VU species and all species protected under Kazakhstan law, regardless of global status. Proportionate precautionary measures apply to NT, DD and unevaluated species where risks exist. IUCN categories describe extinction risk and do not in themselves establish legal protection in Kazakhstan. Global assessments and national protection status are recorded separately.

4 Identification and baseline surveys

Before activities that may affect species or their habitats, competent specialists review scientific publications, official lists, botanical garden records and information from conservation organisations, and carry out necessary field surveys. Timing and methods reflect seasonality, flowering, breeding and migration. A failure to detect a species during one survey is not treated as proof of absence. Where data are insufficient, surveys are repeated or restrictions apply until risks are clarified. Non-destructive methods are preferred; specimen collection requires a lawful basis and all necessary permits.

5 Species register and data quality

Responsible specialists maintain a single observation register recording scientific names and synonyms, location and date, observer, identification evidence, abundance or occurrence measures, habitat condition and threats. Records include the source, assessment date and date of checking IUCN status, the basis of national protection, survey method and effort, actions and responsible officer. Unconfirmed identifications are flagged. Wild populations and collection specimens are recorded separately; presence in a collection is not evidence of occurrence in the wild.

6 Regular monitoring

A monitoring plan for priority species specifies observation sites, comparable methods, seasonal timing and responsible personnel. Condition is checked at least annually in a suitable season, and more frequently at sensitive sites as determined by a specialist. Additional surveys take place before, during and after potentially significant activities and following incidents. Analysis covers occurrence or abundance, reproduction, habitat condition and threats, accounting for differences in survey effort. Conservation status is checked annually and before project decisions.

7 Impact prevention and protection

Planning follows the sequence of avoiding impacts, minimising them and restoring affected sites. Specialists determine protection boundaries, seasonal restrictions and work conditions for plant locations, breeding sites and refuges. Where needed, facility locations, mowing and pruning schedules, lighting, pesticide use and access are changed. Unauthorised collection, capture or killing of organisms and damage to nests or habitats are prohibited. Compensation does not replace mandatory prohibitions or permits; relocation or reintroduction requires scientific justification, risk assessment and necessary authorisations.

8 Discoveries and incidents

If a potentially protected species or signs of harm are found, the operator immediately suspends activities affecting it in the relevant area, prevents further impacts and informs the work supervisor and responsible conservation specialist. The location is recorded without removing organisms or causing unnecessary disturbance. The specialist verifies identification and risk, determines protective measures and assesses whether competent authorities must be notified. Work may resume only following a documented decision by the responsible manager, taking account of specialist advice and necessary permits. Incident causes and corrective actions are recorded.

9 Responsibilities and cooperation

Management appoints responsible personnel and provides resources. The Sustainable Development Research Centre coordinates the register and annual reporting; the botanical garden and relevant scientists provide identification and scientific support. Project managers, facilities units and contractors incorporate requirements into plans and contracts and arrange briefings. Students participate under specialist supervision. The University cooperates with nature reserves, national parks, competent authorities and local communities within agreed responsibilities.

10 Data and performance assessment

Precise locations of sensitive species and other information that could increase the risk of illegal collection are disclosed only to authorised specialists and authorities where justified. A public annual report provides aggregated information on surveyed sites and effort, confirmed priority species, completion of planned surveys, identified threats, incidents and the effectiveness of measures. Measurable targets and deadlines are approved after the baseline assessment; declining abundance or deteriorating habitat triggers investigation and management adjustment. Missing baseline data are not presented as verified positive results.

11 Entry into force and review

The policy takes effect upon approval and is made publicly available. A baseline register and monitoring plan are established within the first year after approval and updated annually thereafter. The policy is reviewed at least every three years and following significant changes in legislation, species status, sites or impacts. It complements the University’s general policy on terrestrial ecosystem conservation.

Prepared by:
Director of the Research Center for Sustainable Development

T. E. Gaipov                                                                            Signature : ___________________     

                                                                                                 Date : 01. 09. 2025 y

12 Legal and international foundations

Legislation applies in its current version to the extent relevant to the site and activity. Mandatory national requirements take precedence. International instruments and methodologies are used according to their legal character; state obligations are not presented as independent University powers.

12.1 Legislation of the Republic of Kazakhstan

Environmental Code of Kazakhstan No. 400-VI of 2 January 2021 — prevention of environmental harm and impact assessment where required by law. [1]

Law of Kazakhstan No. 183-VII of 2 January 2023 on Flora — conservation, protection, restoration and use of plant life. [2]

Law of Kazakhstan No. 593 of 9 July 2004 on the Protection, Reproduction and Use of Wildlife — protection of animals and their habitats. [3]

Law of Kazakhstan No. 175 of 7 July 2006 on Specially Protected Natural Areas — the Red Data Book and protection regimes at relevant sites. [4]

Government Resolution No. 1034 of 31 October 2006 approving the lists of rare and endangered plant and animal species — verification of national protection status against current lists. [5]

Cabinet of Ministers Resolution No. 918 of 19 August 1994 approving the Convention on Biological Diversity. [6]

12.2 International provisions and scientific references

Convention on Biological Diversity (1992), Articles 7, 8, 9 and 14 — identification and monitoring, in situ and ex situ conservation, and assessment and minimisation of adverse impacts. [7]

Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (Decision 15/4, 2022), Target 4 — halting human-induced extinction and conserving and recovering species, particularly threatened species. [8]

The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species and its Categories and Criteria — a scientific basis for assessing extinction risk. CR means Critically Endangered, EN Endangered and VU Vulnerable; these are collectively threatened categories. NT means Near Threatened and DD Data Deficient. Internal conclusions do not replace official assessments. [9]

UN General Assembly Resolution A/RES/70/1 of 25 September 2015 — the 2030 Agenda, particularly Target 15.5 on biodiversity conservation and preventing the extinction of threatened species. [10]

Current lists, site protection regimes and permit requirements are checked before activities begin. This policy establishes procedures and does not assert the presence of any particular protected species without verified observations.