Обмен опытом: Центральная Азия делится практиками охраны природы с Западными Балканами

Experience Exchange: Central Asia Shares Nature Conservation Practices with the Western Balkans

Experts from the PF CAMP Alatoo, working in the fields of wildlife conservation, climate change adaptation, and sustainable natural resource management, participated in an experience exchange program between the countries of Central Asia and the Western Balkans. The visit focused on climate risks and the sustainable management of transboundary protected areas.

Climate change and biodiversity loss are becoming increasingly evident in the Western Balkans. However, these threats are still insufficiently addressed in the management of protected areas. Despite the region’s high vulnerability to climate risks — particularly in mountainous ecosystems — there is still a lack of data, adaptation tools, and integration of climate considerations into governance systems. This increases the vulnerability of local natural systems and hinders sustainable development.

As part of the program, participants — including representatives from the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), staff from Albania’s national parks, scientists, and natural resource management experts — discussed current and projected climate risks for transboundary protected areas, assessed how these risks are reflected in management practices, and shared approaches and practical experiences from their respective countries. They also discussed efforts to raise awareness among local communities and authorities about the importance of sustainable natural resource management. The dialogue also addressed aspects of European legislation related to climate resilience and biodiversity conservation.

Specialists from the PF CAMP Alatoo presented Kyrgyzstan’s experience in this field. The Foundation’s director, Murat Zhumashev, spoke about the categories of protected areas operating in the country, including the creation of community-managed micro-reserves Baiboosun and Yntymak, as well as the application of this approach in the state nature reserve Jargylchak.

Discussing legal initiatives related to protected areas, Murat Zhumashev noted that in 2024, amendments were made to Kyrgyzstan’s legal framework to grant protected status to glaciers, ecological corridors, and geoparks. In 2025, work is planned to explore possible legal recognition of Other Effective Area-Based Conservation Measures (OECMs) or the development of guidelines for their establishment.

A key highlight of the program was the visit to Albanian Alps National Park, located in the municipalities of Bajram Curri and Malësi e Madhe.

This exchange of experience contributed to the development of more effective adaptation strategies and strengthened international cooperation in nature conservation under climate change conditions.

The study tour was organized by UNEP with support from the Federal Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation, Nuclear Safety and Consumer Protection of Germany (BMU) as part of the project "Experience Exchange Between Central Asia and the Western Balkans on Climate-Oriented Wildlife Conservation and Ecosystem-Based Adaptation." The project aims to transfer Central Asia’s experience in integrating climate aspects into biodiversity conservation in transboundary protected areas in the Western Balkans region.