In order to preserve the reference areas of grass-grass steppes, miraculously preserved during intensive economic development of the territory, unique forests of the steppe zone of birch, alder, poplar, habitats of red book species of flora and fauna, biological and landscape diversity, for use in nature conservation, ecological and educational, scientific, tourist and recreational purposes of unique natural complexes and objects of the state nature reserve fund, having special ecological, scientific, historical, cultural and recreational value.

The Department of Natural Resources creates specially protected natural territories of local significance, without the seizure of land from users, but with the imposition of certain restrictions.

Currently, there are 7 protected areas (nature reserve) of local significance in the Aktobe region:

1. "Ebita" in the Kargaly district with a total area of 83,770 hectares, established on February 19, 2010.
2. "Kokzhide-Kumzhargan" in Mugalzhar district was established on January 23, 2013. with an area of 43,977 ha.
3. "Orkash" in the Mugalzhar district was established on December 12, 2012. with an area of 33,395 ha.
4. "Martuk" in the Martuk district.with an area of 133,796 hectares, created on December 06, 2017.
5. "Kobda" in the Kobda district of the city.with an area of 34,655 hectares, created on December 06, 2017.
6. "Ozerny" in the Aitekebiysky district.with an area of 154,083 ha, created on July 18, 2019.
7. "Wilsky" in the Aitekebiysky district.with an area of 63,468 ha, created on March 10, July 2020.

Currently, a natural-scientific justification for the creation of a protected area "Kargaly" within the city of Aktobe has been developed. In 2022, a feasibility study will be developed for the creation of a protected area "Kargaly" within the city of Aktobe, in the future, work will be carried out to create a nature reserve.

Irgiz-Turgay State Nature Reserve

On February 14, 2007, the state institution "Irgiz-Turgai State Natural Reserve" was established by the Decree of the Government of the Republic of Kazakhstan No. 109.Currently, there are three state natural reserves in the republic, the largest of them is the Irgiz-Turgai State Natural Reserve. That is, its area is 1,173,511 hectares. Of these, the protected area is 637,091 hectares, the intermediate zone is 536,420 hectares.

here the birds of the year are most favorable for nesting, habitat, and flight. This is a unique wetland habitat included in the Ramsar list, and secondly, an ideal place for breeding and habitat of saigas. In 2008, the Irgiz-Turgai State Natural Reserve was included in the World Natural Heritage List.

"Irgiz-Turgai" region, one of the blessed habitats of the winged, connecting Kazakhstan and Europe and inhabiting Central Asia. An important period of life for birds takes place in this region. Therefore, wetlands in the Irgiz steppes are "important ornithological territories" not only in Kazakhstan, but also in Central Asia. In the center of the desert edge of the steppe there is a zone with a peculiar microclimate, a wetland valley, which is the habitat of hundreds of birds. The fate of the wetland, which is the habitat of many birds, is directly related to the annual spring floods. This wetland region is among the most important ornithological territories and, in accordance with the order of the Ministry of Environmental Protection of the Republic of Kazakhstan No. 273-o, the list of lakes of international importance includes Kyzyl-Kul, Ayyr-Kul, Sholak-Kul, Karm-Kul, Maykol, Kulykol, Aidarkol, Aikol.