Khoja Akhmet Yassawi International Kazakh-Turkish University

Policy on Conservation Restoration and Sustainable Use of Terrestrial Ecosystems Associated with the University

Policy created: 2025 y.

Policy revised: 2026 y.

Turkistan, 2025–2026

          Policy on Conservation Restoration and Sustainable Use of Terrestrial  Ecosystems Associated with the University

            1 Purpose and commitments

The university commits to conserving, restoring and sustainably using terrestrial ecosystems and biodiversity associated with its activities. Priorities are preventing habitat degradation, protecting native and rare species, conserving soils and restoring degraded sites. This policy contributes to SDG 15, as well as SDGs 4, 12 and 13.

            2 Scope

The policy covers campuses, the botanical garden, green spaces, teaching and research sites managed by the university, and off-campus field research, excursions, volunteering and joint conservation projects. At external sites, the university acts only within the authority, permits and agreements established with rights holders and conservation organisations. Requirements apply to staff, students, visitors and contractors within the scope of their activities for the university.

            3 Biodiversity records and protection

Responsible units maintain and annually update records of plant collections, major habitats, rare and protected species, and identified threats. Data on sensitive species are published without disclosing information that could increase the risk of collection or capture. Unauthorised tree felling, plant collection, animal capture, nest damage and pollution are prohibited. Specimen collection and other interventions are permitted only with the necessary authorisations and scientific justification.

            4 Restoration and sustainable landscaping

Restoration plans for degraded sites include a baseline assessment, activities, responsible officers and outcome indicators. Preference is given to native species and planting material suited to site conditions; other species may be used following ecological risk assessment. Restoration considers natural regeneration, soil erosion prevention and habitat connectivity. Planting survival is recorded after 12 and 24 months, together with maintenance needs; tree planting must not replace the conservation of natural grasslands or other valuable ecosystems.

            5 Prevention of environmental harm

Biodiversity impacts are assessed before construction, refurbishment, clearance or land-use changes; statutory procedures are followed where required by law. The sequence is to avoid impacts, minimise them and restore affected areas; compensation for residual impacts is considered only where permissible and scientifically justified. Management includes identifying and controlling invasive alien species, reducing pesticide use, water-efficient irrigation, fire prevention and safe waste management.

            6 Botanical collections and research

The botanical garden and relevant units document the provenance of collections, conserve rare plants and research propagation and restoration methods. Ex situ plant conservation complements protection of natural habitats. Transfer of planting material, species introduction and reintroduction to the wild take account of phytosanitary requirements, ecological risk and necessary approvals.

            7 Education and community engagement

The university organises training, excursions, citizen science and volunteering for students, staff, school pupils and local residents. Joint activities with nature reserves, national parks and community organisations are agreed with their administrations and comply with site protection regimes. Participants receive instructions; litter collection and planting avoid habitat damage and disturbance to animals. Planning considers local expertise and community interests.

            8 Responsibilities and implementation

Management ensures implementation and determines resources. The Sustainable Development Research Centre coordinates the annual assessment; the botanical garden and research units provide expertise; facilities units and contractors comply with requirements during grounds maintenance and construction. Damage and violations are reported to the responsible unit, which arranges assessment, corrective action and, where necessary, referral to competent authorities.

            9 Monitoring publication and review

Annual assessment covers the area of protected and restoration sites, the condition of priority species and collections, planting survival, invasive species occurrences and external community participation. Measurable targets, deadlines and responsible officers are approved after baseline values have been established; results inform management adjustments and are published in a summary report. The policy takes effect upon approval, is made publicly available and is reviewed at least every three years or following significant changes in legislation or ecological conditions.

            10 Legal and international foundations

Binding requirements apply in their current versions to the extent applicable to the site and activity. Kazakhstan’s international obligations are considered through applicable provisions; global targets guide university activities and are not presented as independent legal obligations of the university.

            10.1 Legislation of Kazakhstan

Environmental Code of the Republic of Kazakhstan, No. 400-VI of 2 January 2021 — prevention of environmental harm, impact assessment, waste management and environmental restoration. [1]

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

Law of the Republic of Kazakhstan No. 175 of 7 July 2006 on Specially Protected Natural Areas — compliance with established protection regimes when working at relevant sites. [3]

Law of the Republic of Kazakhstan No. 593 of 9 July 2004 on the Protection, Reproduction and Use of Wildlife — protection of animals and their habitats. [4]

Resolution of the Cabinet of Ministers of the Republic of Kazakhstan No. 918 of 19 August 1994 approving the Convention on Biological Diversity and organising implementation of its obligations. [5]

            10.2 International provisions and reference principles

Convention on Biological Diversity (1992), Articles 8, 9 and 10 — in situ conservation, ex situ conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity components. The university takes these principles into account in research and operational activities. [6]

Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (Conference of the Parties Decision 15/4, 2022) — guidance on ecosystem restoration, area conservation and reducing threats from invasive alien species. Global numerical targets are not treated as mandatory campus standards. [7]

UN General Assembly Resolution A/RES/70/1 of 25 September 2015 — the 2030 Agenda. Principal references are Targets 15.1, 15.3, 15.5, 15.8 and 15.9 on terrestrial ecosystems, land restoration, species protection, invasive species and integrating biodiversity into planning. [8]

            10.3 Application of the foundations

Applicable binding requirements and site protection regimes take precedence. Responsible units check permit requirements before activities begin and verify the currency of references when the policy is reviewed.