Flora and fauna baseline studies along KATS route ^{GRI 304-2}

In 2023 KPO for the first time conducted baseline study of vegetation condition along the KATS export pipeline section located in West-Kazakhstan Oblast.

Fora and vegetation baseline study along the KATS route within WKO boundaries was conducted in the early summer period of 2023 at various type points:

• points near water crossings;
• points on ecosystems;
• points near monitoring stations as part of industrial environmental monitoring;

Total 57 points were surveyed, with plant samples taken to determine the pollutants content. To assess the baseline condition of ecosystems along the KATS route, the assessment of fauna biodiversity was also carried out.

During the study, 326 species of higher plants from 202 genus of 64 families were registered. In terms of the ratio of genus and species, the following families predominated:

• Asteraceae (Compositae) – 31 genus (15.3%), 58 species (17.8%),
• Poaceae (Poaidae, Gramineous) – 25 genus (12.4%), 38 species (11.7%),
• Brassicaceae (Cruciferous) – 14 genus (6.9%), 15 species (4.6%),
• Fabaceae (Legumes) – 11 genus (5.4%), 19 species (5.8%),
• Rosaceae (Rosaceae) – 11 genus (5.4%), 17 species (5.2%),
• Lamiaceae (Lamiaceae) – 11 genus (5.4%), 14 species (4.3%).

Among the plants noted during field study, perennials predominated - 201 species, annuals were in second place (67 species), and shrubs were in third place (20 species). Slightly fewer biennial shrubs were recorded (19 species). Trees – 10 species, subshrubs and dwarf subshrubs – 4 species each, shrubs – 1 species.

In 2023, during the period of baseline study along the KATS route within WKO boundaries, five species of flora were recorded, listed in the Red Data Book of the Republic of Kazakhstan and in the list of endangered species:

• Carnation andrzejowskianus (Dianthus andrzejowski)
• Woodland tulip (Tulipa biebersteiniana)
• Schrenck's tulip (Tulipa shrenkii)
• Fischer's star of Bethlehem (Ornithogalum fischeranum).
• White water lily (Nymphaea alba).

All these key species are the representatives of local flora. Their preservation depends to a greater or lesser extent on the integrity of natural steppe and coastal ecosystems.

In future, during the flora and vegetation monitoring along the KATS pipeline route within WKO boundaries, the Company will make special focus on the state of populations of these species, as the most sensitive component of ecosystems, which will help to determine the degree of impact of KPO activities and other land users on ecosystems. This will help to coordinate further actions of all stakeholders to protect and increase biodiversity in the region.