During the period from 17 through 24 of May, 2010 the project implementation group of the project GEF/UNDP “Conservation and Sustainable Use of Biodiversity in Kazakhstan Part of Altai-Sayan Ecoregion” conducted a number of trainings for the local communities on alternative livelihoods development and other business projects in the project ensure the involvement of the local population in biodiversity conservation KASE project has developed a small grants program and micro-credit program aimed at funding alternative livelihoods projects.
The experience proved that local communities do not have sufficient capacity for attracting grant funds as well as micro-credits. In general, there is no precise understanding and differentiation between the terms grant and micro-credit.
The organized training provided local people with additional knowledge and skills in business planning and proposal writing, development of new ideas for alternative livelihoods for active people to improve the partnership with KASE project.
The workshops were conducted in five villages of Katon-Karagai and Markakol areas, including  Katon-Karagai, Aksu, Akkainar, Urunhaika, and Maraldy. The participants of the workshops included farmers, entrepreneurs, bee keepers and others. Total number of participants was 147 people.
Akimats of Katon-Karagai, Akkainar and Aksu rural districts of Katon-Karaga area and Toskain and Maraldy rural districts of Kurchum area provided organizational support for the workshops.
The training workshops were conducted by the trainers: Madina Bainietova - Consultant on micro-fiancing nad busies planning (Astana), Gulnara Temirbekova – Consultant on grant proposals (Astana), Zainuldina Shyryn – credit officer of the East Kazakhstan field office of the Agriculture Support Fund (Ust-Kamenogorsk).
The training was conducted through interactive exercises and was divided into three sessions. During the first session the participants were offered a number of business ideas and projects valid for this area.  The participant chose 3 projects that might be most suitable for each rural district. The participants broke into three groups and each group developed a one project with the budgets and risks. During the second session each group presented the project its economic viability. At the last session the participant learnt about the possibilities for funding and implementation of the projects, including KASE small grants program, micro-credits and others..

Akmaral Agazhaeva – Expert on social issues
Meruert Sarsembaayeva – Expert on economic issues