He noted that residents of nearby settlements annually appeal to the authorities with a request to change the status of the reserve.
“Local residents do not engage in agriculture; their existence depends on forest resources. Construction in the territory of the reserve is prohibited, yet private baths, holiday homes, and various entertainment facilities have appeared there. There are cases where plots of land have been transferred into private ownership. Organized violations remain unaddressed. Despite existing prohibitions, some are engaged in fish farming, others use trees for firewood, and also gather berries. People are demanding to change the status of the reserve and transform it into a natural park,” added Aibek Altynbekov.
During the meeting, the creation of a commission to review the status of the reserve with the aim of transforming it into a national park was also mentioned.
A deputy expressed dissatisfaction with the sluggishness of the authorized bodies in addressing the pressing issues of the local population living near the reserve.
