Assessment of Natural Hazards in the Ile-Balkhash Nature Reserve (Kazakhstan)

Abstract

This paper provides a medical–environmental and biogeographical assessment of potential natural hazards in the Ile-Balkhash State Nature Reserve (Republic of Kazakhstan) with consideration of the tourism activities planned there. The exposure factors were analyzed for allergenic and poisonous plants and natural disease foci. The medical–geographical risks are caused by the existence of five natural foci of nosological entities in the reserve, among which tularemia and brucellosis have high morbidity levels in the region. The mammals inhabiting the reserve act as carries of natural-focal diseases, and a large number of poisonous and allergenically active plants grow there. This indicates that the presence of the corresponding risks require regular medical and environmental monitoring. The presented methodological scheme used to assess natural hazards may also be applied to other arid areas and regions.