Kazakh Scientist Reappointed to International Advisory Committee on UNESCO Biosphere Reserves

Paris, 23 February 2024 – Professor Roman Jashenko, Chairman of the National Committee of the Republic of Kazakhstan for the UNESCO’s Man and the Biosphere programme, Director-General of the Institute of Zoology of the Ministry of Science and Higher Education of the Republic of Kazakhstan, took part in the 30^th session of the International Advisory Committee (IAC) for UNESCO Biosphere Reserves, which was held from February 19 to 22, 2024, at the organization’s headquarters in Paris.

Ms Audrey Azoulay, Director-General of UNESCO, first appointed the renowned Kazakh scientist as a member of this prestigious expert body in December 2019 and recently extended his mandate for the next four years, confirming his high authority in the international community of professionals in the field of the biodiversity conservation on our planet.

The IAC for Biosphere Reserves consists of 12 members and is the main scientific and technical body advising UNESCO Director-General and the International Coordinating Council (ICC) of the Man and the Biosphere programme, formed by Member States of the Organization, on matters related to the World Network of Biosphere Reserves.

Biosphere reserves are territories selected for testing and demonstrating approaches to integrated sustainable resource management in combination with the conservation of biological diversity. UNESCO Member States can nominate their protected natural areas and sites to the World Network. Decisions on their inclusion are made by the MAB-ICC based on recommendations from the IAC experts. Currently, Kazakhstan’s national network of UNESCO biosphere reserves includes 15 sites, which is the largest number in Central Asia.