Премия имени Жаныл Кожомуратовой в сфере сохранения дикой природы

The Zhanyl Kozhomuratova Award in Wildlife Conservation

We are delighted to announce the recipient of the 2026 annual Zhanyl Kozhomuratova Award in the "Wildlife Conservation" category. The milestone 10th award in the history of the prize, presented in the "Active Partner" nomination, goes to Zholdoshbek Kyrbashev, Deputy Director for Science at the Naryn State Nature Reserve.

The "CAMP Alatoo" PF established the award in 2022 to honor the memory of public figure Zhanyl Avaskanovna Kozhomuratova (July 21, 1959 – March 11, 2017), who made an invaluable contribution to the formation, development, and core values of "CAMP Alatoo" PF. The award is presented annually in two categories — "Active Partner" and "Best Project Proposal" — across the Foundation's five main pillars of activity. Between 2022 and 2025, nine of the organization's partners have been honored with this prize.

The collaboration between "CAMP Alatoo" PF and Zholdoshbek Kyrbashev began in 2024 through the regional project "Central Asian Mammals Climate Adaptation" (CAMCA). Thanks to his active support and professionalism, critical infrastructure improvements were carried out on the territory of the Naryn Reserve. A ranger post was installed in one of the sectors to strengthen security and patrolling. According to the reserve's plans, the cabin will serve as a hub for scientific research, providing a workspace for scientists and a base for field expeditions. Furthermore, observation platforms were installed within the "Ak Ilbirs" ecological corridor, which connects the Naryn State Nature Reserve with the "Khan-Tengri" and "Sarychat-Eertash" natural areas. From these platforms, protected area staff will monitor wildlife movements, including the snow leopard and the brown bear, as well as track the seasonal migration routes of argali and ibex.

Zholdoshbek Kyrbashev has been studying wildlife behavior since 2008. He is a graduate of the Faculty of Natural Resource Management at the K. Tynystanov Issyk-Kul State University. His academic background includes postgraduate studies, and he is the author of a monograph and numerous scientific articles focusing on wild ungulates and the Tien Shan brown bear. "I am incredibly proud to receive this award and highly appreciate this recognition of my work by "CAMP Alatoo" PF. Wildlife conservation projects, initiatives, and the strengthening of the scientific base play a vital role in ensuring safe environments for animals, boosting their populations, and protecting species listed in the Red Data Book of the Kyrgyz Republic," Zholdoshbek Kyrbashev said.

"CAMP Alatoo" PF extends its warmest congratulations to Zholdoshbek Kyrbashev on this well-deserved award and expresses its deepest gratitude for his reliable partnership, outstanding professionalism, and shared contribution to preserving mountain ecosystems.