25th session of ICC MAB in Paris, 2013

The main task of the Kazakh delegation in the 25th session of the Coordinating Council of MAB, which took place in Paris at UNESCO Headquarters from May 26 to June 1, 2013, was to promote the potential of Kazakhstan protected area system as UNESCO national biosphere reserve network at the international level. Within the framework of this subject the National MAB Committee with the support of the Permanent Delegation of the Republic of Kazakhstan in UNESCO organized a photo exhibition "Potential biosphere reserves in Kazakhstan" at UNESCO Headquarters during the 25th session of the MAB-ICC. The exhibition consisted of 20 photographic works, printed in large format (50x70 cm) and placed on mobile stands in the lobby at the entrance to conference hall.

The design was developed aside as well as 500 printed copies of the exhibition catalog, which were handed out to all visitors for free. In addition, within the framework of the 25th session of the MAB-ICC and the photo exhibition, Kazakhstan held an official reception for the heads of diplomatic missions and members of national delegations, where the materials of the photo exhibition were displayed on the screen. 

During the reception welcoming statements were given by Deputy UNESCO Director-General Ms. Kolanji , Acting Director of MAB Dr. Schaaf and the newly appointed Director of the MAB, Mr. Han Qunli, and also members of the Kazakhstan delegation (chairman National MAB Committee Dr. R. Jashenko and a member of the committee Ms. E. Maltseva) with brief information about the development of the MAB program in the Republic of Kazakhstan and the national system of protected nature areas. Very important initiative of the National Committee was the proposal to establish an international center for the Regional UNESCO-MAB Biodiversity and Climate Change in the Republic of Kazakhstan. This has been discussed by members of the MAB Kazakhstan delegation during a MAB session with the Acting Director of MAB Dr. Thomas Schaaf, who supported the initiative and suggested to initiate a regional project of MAB theme as a first step.