Cultural
Tien Shan occidental
Photo : Panpanchik (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Located in western Kazakhstan, this site encompasses a significant portion of the Tien Shan mountain range, one of the world's major mountain systems. The region represents an outstanding example of temperate montane ecosystems, characterized by diverse landscapes ranging from steppe valleys to alpine meadows and coniferous forests. The area is notable for its exceptional biodiversity, harboring numerous endemic plant and animal species adapted to its varied elevations and climatic conditions. The Tien Shan occidental demonstrates the complex interplay between geological processes and ecological development in Central Asia's mountainous terrain. Its cultural significance is intertwined with the historical presence of pastoral and settled communities who have inhabited and utilized these landscapes over centuries. The site's inscription recognizes both its natural value as a biodiversity hotspot and its importance as a cultural landscape shaped by long-standing human activities.