Central Asian countries have signed a declaration on the conservation of the snow leopard and mountain ecosystems

On the sidelines of the 8th Assembly of the Global Environment Facility in Samarkand, Central Asian countries reaffirmed their commitment to developing a joint regional initiative under GEF-9 for the conservation of the snow leopard and other transboundary wildlife species, as well as for the sustainable management of mountain landscapes.

The event brought together representatives from Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, the Global Environment Facility, UNDP, international organizations, and development partners to discuss a new generation of environmental investments under the GEF-9 cycle.

Speaking at the event, Akyl Toktobaev, Minister of Natural Resources, Ecology, and Technical Supervision, emphasized that Kyrgyzstan remains a leader in advancing the international agenda for the conservation of the snow leopard and its mountain ecosystems, serving as one of the initiators and active participants in the Global Snow Leopard and Ecosystem Programme (GSLEP).

Kyrgyzstan underscored its commitment to developing ecological corridors, expanding the network of specially protected natural areas, implementing modern wildlife monitoring technologies, and engaging local communities in the conservation of the region’s unique natural heritage.

A key outcome of the event was the signing of a joint expression of interest by Central Asian countries to develop a regional GEF-9 vision for biodiversity conservation and enhancing the resilience of mountain ecosystems.

Translated with DeepL.com (free version)