1. General information
Location and description of the intervention
City or FUA
Almaty
Region
Asia
Native title of the NBS intervention
Ботаникалық бақты қайта құру
Short description of the intervention
In 2018, the Bulat Utemuratov’s Foundation began reconstruction works at the main Botanical Garden in Almaty at the request of the Institute of Botany and Phytointroduction and with the support of the governor of Almaty city [1, 5, 6]. The goal of the project was the restoration of the botanic garden with preservation of its original green character and the modernization of its infrastructure [2, 5]. Taking into account the special status of the Botanical Garden and the high public interest in the reconstruction project, the Foundation ensured full transparency to the public. Taking public recommendations into considerations, the schematic design of the reconstruction was approved in the autumn of 2018 [6]. The project also aimed to do no harm to the existing flora and fauna of botanical gardens, and apply new technology to provide long service life to the garden [1, 4].

To achieve the project's goals, the water supply system was restored, drip and auto irrigation systems were created. Around 174.3 thousand plants were planted, including more than 1300 trees. Additionally, 50 thousand sq.m of roads and paths were repaired, lighting systems and video surveillance systems were installed, and the garden furniture was renovated [1]. The project also resulted in the development of three new entrance pavilions with an electronic ticketing system. A mobile application with a garden map and a description of the green areas has been developed [5]. Special attention was paid to the accessibility of all zones of the Botanical Garden for low-mobility groups. [1, 4, 5, 6].

Confirming the success of the project, within three months after the reconstruction was completed, over 210 thousand persons visited the Almaty Botanic Garden [6].
Address

Timiryazev St 36Д, Almaty 6050040, Kazakhstan
055990, Almaty
Kazakhstan

Area boundary
POINT (76.917309233699 43.226377564074)
POINT (76.910997247653 43.225988208334)
POINT (76.923955187216 43.215766730623)
POINT (76.918611706965 43.211507275863)
NBS area image
Source of NBS area image
https://utemuratovfund.org/en/news/13
Total area
177000.00m²
NBS area
177000.00m²
Type of area before implementation of the NBS
Timeline of intervention
Start date of the intervention (planning process)
2016
Start date of intervention (implementation process)
2018
End date of the intervention
2020
Present stage of the intervention
Goals of the intervention
-To follow a careful restoration of the botanical garden to preserve its integrity and distinctive green character and to increase the existing vegetation as much as possible;
-To create an accessible, comfortable and safe public space for visitors; provide opportunities for education;
-To showcase achievements of the Kazakhstan scientists in the field of dendrology, botany and phytointroduction and support further research in these field;
-To equip the botanical garden with advanced irrigation, lighting and video surveillance systems for stable development. (1,2,4)
Quantitative targets
- 17,7 hectares public implementation area to be considered
-180 of the original species of Japanese kois to be preserved and conserved
-500 new taxa to be planted
- existing flora and fauna of the botanical garden to be increased
(Ref: 1,4,6)
Monitoring indicators defined
-number of new plants, trees, bushes and flowers planted
-add variety in the plantation of rare species and exclusive new plants, as well as number of protected fauna
- total area of roads renovated
-size area considered for intervention
(Ref: 1, 4, 5)
Habitats and biodiversity conservation: What types of conservation goals are / were defined for the NBS intervention?
Implementation activities
The reconstruction of the botanical garden focused on enhancing water supply, improving accessibility, safety, environmental friendliness, and convenience and to introducing new technologies in the botanical garden and the total cost of the project was 15 million US Dollars [1]. (1).

The reconstruction efforts resulted in the planting of 174.3 thousand new plants, which included rare species and exclusive varieties. This consisted of over 1 300 new trees of various types such as pine, thuja, cherry, apple, pear, plum, oak, maple, birch, and linden, along with 40 thousand bushes, 130 thousand grasses and plurannual, and 3 thousand roses.
Additionally, the sprinkling and irrigation system underwent restoration, which included the drilling of two new artesian wells with a capacity of 40 cubic meters per hour each, increasing the throughput capacity of two existing wells from 20 to 25 cubic meters per hour, and laying a water intake facility with a volume of 600 cubic meters of water per day from the Kerenkulak river. A 13-kilometre irrigation canal was also renewed, and drip irrigation and auto-irrigation systems were laid. Furthermore, six ponds were restored and re-created (1, 4, 5, 6).

To modernize and make the garden more comfortable and environmentally-friendly, the open zones underwent a significant revision. Three new entrance pavilions with electronic ticketing systems, gift shops, and cafeterias were established. The northern parterre was renewed, featuring a "dry" fountain and a pond with aquatic plants, sakura trees, and flowers planted along the contour. In the submontane part of the garden, the southern parterre was created in place of the waste ground, which now has three ponds, a pergola, and a miscellaneous herbs field. The roads and the pathways throughout the garden were renewed, with a total area exceeding 50 thousand square meters. To ensure visitor safety, 250 new benches, 1,500 bottom lamps, and 130 video surveillance cameras were installed in the parterres and along the roads (4,5,6).

To provide comfortable orientation and facilitate plant study, direction signs and information plates were placed across the park. A mobile application was also made available for Android and iOS devices to serve as an information guide on the plant's collections. To ensure that all areas of the garden were accessible to handicapped groups, wheelchair ramps and tactile paths were constructed (4, 5, 6).
NBS domain and interventions
Ecological domain(s) where the NBS intervention(s) is/are implemented
Blue infrastructure
Lakes/ponds
Parks and urban forests
Botanical gardens
Vegetation Type
Please specify how many trees were planted
Over 1,300 ( 4)
Services
Expected ecosystem services delivered
Provisioning services
Water (surface and ground water for drinking and non-drinking purposes)
Habitat and supporting services
Habitats for species
Cultural services
Recreation
Intellectual interactions (scientific and / or educational)
Scale
Spatial scale
Micro-scale: District/neighbourhood level
Beneficiaries
Governance
Non-government actors
Non-governmental organisation (NGO) / Civil society / Churches
Please specify the roles of the specific government and non-government actor groups involved in the initiative
The project was initiated by the Bulat Utemuratov Foundation at the request of the Institute of Botany and Phytointroduction with the support of the head of a local government of Almaty city (1, 2). A
The concept and the master plan of reconstruction were presented to and discussed with the community at the public hearings in summer 2018. During the implementation, four press tours were held and the construction works were supervised by a public control group. (4)
fter reconstruction, the constructed facilities were transferred to the Institute of Botany and Phytointroduction (4).
Key actors - initiating organization
Key actors - Other stakeholders involved (besides initiating actors)
Local government/municipality
Non-government organisation/civil society
Citizens or community group
Researchers/university
Policy drivers
NBS intervention implemented in response to an Regional Directive/Strategy
No
NBS intervention implemented in response to a national regulations/strategy/plan
Yes
Please specify the national regulations/strategy/plan
As stated in the Law of the Republic of Kazakhstan, dated July 7, 2006 No. 175-III, “On Specially Protected Natural Territories” and “The List of Specially Protected Natural Territories of National Significance”, approved by Government Decree of the Republic of Kazakhstan on July 19, 2005 No. 776, the Institute of Botany and Phytointroduction Main Botanic Garden and its branches, the Zhezkazgan and Iliysky Botanical Gardens, are considered protected areas of national significance. Accordingly, the specified organizations fall under the jurisdiction of the Law of the Republic of Kazakhstan “On Specially Protected Natural Territories”. (7)
NBS intervention implemented in response to a local regulation/strategy/plan
Unknown
Mandatory or voluntary intervention
Mandatory (based on policy)
Intervention is mandatory
Enablers
Presence of specific city-level GI/NBS vision/strategy/plan - mentioned in connection to the project
Yes
Please specify
A master plan was developed for the renovation of the garden. (4)
Presence of specific city-level GI/NBS section/part in a more general plan - mentioned in connection to the project
Unknown
Presence of city network or regional partnerships focused on NBS - mentioned in connection to the project
Unknown
Presence of GI / NBS research project - mentioned in connection to the project
Yes
Please specify
The project was carried out with considerate attitude to the garden plants, preservation and enrichment of the flora in close consultation with dendrologists and scientists of the Institute of Botany and Phytointroduction. (4)
Subsidies/investment for GI / NBS in the city - mentioned in connection to the project
Unknown
Co-finance for NBS
Unknown
Co-financing governance arrangements
Unknown
Was this co-governance arrangement already in place, or was it set up specifically for this NBS?
Financing
What is/was the Cost/Budget (EUR) of the NBS or green infrastructure elements?
Unknown
What are the total amount of expected annual maintenance costs?
Unknown
What is the expected annual maintenance costs of the NBS or GI elements?
Unknown
Please specify cost savings
Unknown
Please specify total cost (EUR)
13,8 million EUR (5)
Source(s) of funding
Non-financial contribution
Yes
Type of non-financial contribution
Who provided the non-financial contribution?
Business models
Which of the involved actors was motivated by this model?
Please specify technological innovation
The technological innovation consisted of “smart” irrigation of plants and introduction of electronic technologies in the park territory. As part of the reconstruction, the irrigation and watering system was restored. Two new artesian wells were drilled with a capacity of 40 cubic meters per hour each, the throughput capability of the two existing wells was increased from 20 to 25 cubic meters per hour. A water intake was built from the Kerenkulak River, flowing on the southern side of Al-Farabi Avenue. (1,2,3,4)
Please specify social innovation
To provide comfortable orientation and facilitate plant study, direction signs and information plates were placed across the park. A mobile application was also made available for Android and iOS devices to serve as an information guide on the plant's collections. (6)
Please specify novelty level of the innovation
The idea of a smart irrigation system is new for the Almaty Botanic Garden. (1,2) but the project took into account the best samples of design of the world botanic gardens (2)
Please specify Replicability/Transferability
There is no indication that the innovation will be replicated to other projects.
Impacts, benefits
Description of environmental benefits
Enhanced restoration of freshwater ecosystems: ponds in the Botanical Garden were abandoned for over 30 years. As a part of reconstruction, the reservoirs were restored and three new ponds with artesian water were built (6)

Green space and habitat: The project resulted in an increase in green space area as it meant that 17,7 hectares have been conserved and some parts restored with 174 300 new plants, including rare species and exclusive varieties planted in the garden, namely, over 1,300 new trees (various varieties of pine, thuja, cherry, apple, pear, plum trees, oak, maple, birch, linden), 40000 bushes, 130000 grasses and plurannual, 3000 roses. This also increased the species present and supported pollination due to the nature of the trees. (4)

Reduced biodiversity loss: Through a strong collaboration with the Institute of Botany and Phytointroduction there was a consistent and active effort to address biodiversity loss by having a considerate attitude to the garden plants, preservation and enrichment of the flora in close consultation with dendrologists and scientists. (5)
Economic impacts
Description of economic benefits
Economic benefits have not been disclosed.
Description of social and cultural benefits
Fair distribution of social, benefits of the NBS project and Increased visibility and opportunity for marginalised groups or indigenous peoples: For the disabled through the construction of availability of all areas of the botanic garden. Convenient wheelchair ramps were constructed; tactile paths were laid; there are special toilet rooms in the pavilions.(4)
Improved access to urban green space: Over 210 thousand persons visited the Almaty Botanic Garden within three months after the reconstruction were completed (6).
Opportunities for social interaction and recreation: In the difficult summer during the restrictions due to the pandemic, the garden became a way of escaping for Almaty residents, who had the opportunity to spend time here with their families in the open air, in natural environment, in the very center of the busy city.” (6)
Increased support for education: The management of the Botanic Garden plans to conduct an introduction analysis of about 500 new taxa planted as part of the reconstruction in order to identify promising forms, varieties and species for landscaping Almaty and other cities of the country. Researchers will test new trees and shrubs, perennials, and create experimental nursery gardens to develop the technologies for accelerated reproduction. The team plans to create a biotechnological laboratory, carry out molecular genetic studies and certification of our flora, compile annotated lists and guidelines for planting plants, and much more. (4)
Increased perception of safety: 1,500 bottom lamps, as well as 130 video surveillance cameras were installed in the parterres and along the roads to ensure visitors’ safety. (4)

Increased knowledge of locals about local nature: To provide comfortable orientation and facilitate plant study, direction signs and information plates were placed across the park. A mobile application was also made available for Android and iOS devices to serve as an information guide on the plant's collections.
Type of reported impacts
Indicators
Number of species planted
Size of area (1,2,3,4,5)
Analysis of specific impact categories
Job creation: The NBS created ...
Environmental justice: The implementation of the NBS project resulted in ...
Negative impacts: Did the project cause any problems or concerns?
No information was found regarding negative impacts of the project
COVID-19 pandemic
One of the implementers declared that : "In this difficult summer during the restrictions due to the pandemic, the garden became a way of escaping for Almaty residents, who had the opportunity to spend time here with their families in the open air, in natural environment, in the very center of the busy city.” (4)
Methods of impact monitoring
Evidence for use of assessment
Presence of an assessment, evaluation and/or monitoring process
Yes
Presence of indicators used in reporting
Yes
Presence of monitoring/evaluation reports
No evidence in public records
Availability of a web-based monitoring tool
No evidence in public records
Impact assessment mechanism
Name of any specific impact assessment tools
Unknown
Use of GIS in mapping impacts
No evidence in public records
Citizen involvement
Citizens involvement in assessment/evaluation
Yes
Mode(s) of citizen involvement in evaluation/assessment
Citizens involvement in the analysis of the assessment/evaluation
Yes
Please specify
The Bulat Utemuratov's Foundation partnered with volunteers from among the active citizens in the public control group that will periodically check the progress of reconstruction; it is also planned to engage the Public Council at the Akimat of Almaty city. (2)
Follow-up to the evaluation / assessment
Unknown
References
List of references
1. Bulat Utemuratov Foundation. (No date). Botanical Garden Reconstruction. Available at: https://utemuratovfund.org/en/projects/-19#news (Accessed: February 27, 2023)
2. Bulat Utemuratov Foundation. (2019). Main Botanic Garden of Almaty Will Be Closed for 4 Months. Available at: https://utemuratovfund.org/en/news/22 (Accessed: February 27, 2023)
3. Bulat Utemuratov Foundation. (2019). Director of the Foundation Told about Botanic Garden Reconstruction Stages. Available at: https://utemuratovfund.org/en/news/13 (Accessed: February 27, 2023)
4. Bulat Utemuratov Foundation. (2020). The Bulat Utemuratov's Foundation summarized the results of the Almaty Botanic Garden Reconstruction Project. Available at: https://utemuratovfund.org/en/news/50 (Accessed: February 27, 2023)
5. Bulat Utemuratov Foundation. (2020). Almaty Botanical Garden Reconstruction is within Reach of Completion. Available at: https://utemuratovfund.org/en/news/46 (Accessed: February 27, 2023)
6. Bulat Utemuratov. (2020). Botanical Garden of Almaty: How the park reconstruction of 15 million dollars looks like. Available at: https://bulatutemuratov.com/articles/botanical-garden-of-almaty-how-the-park-reconstruction-of-15-million-dollars-looks-like/ (Accessed: February 27, 2023)
7. The Main Botanical Garden, About the institute, available at https://www.botsad.kz/en/page/about (accessed 10-04-2023)
Comments and notes
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