«САМР Алатоо» на COP16: Как сохранить биоразнообразие гор Центральной Азии в условиях изменения климата

СAMP Alatoo at COP16: Preserving Central Asia’s Mountain Biodiversity Amid Climate Change

The СAMP Alatoo PF participated in a side event at the 16th Conference of the Parties to the UN Convention on Biological Diversity (COP16), held in Colombia. The discussions focused on integrating climate adaptation and conservation efforts to sustainably protect vulnerable species in Central Asia’s mountainous regions. The event featured examples of biodiversity preservation and resilience-building for wildlife and local communities in response to climate change, drawn from the regional project “Adaptation of Mammals to Climate Change in Central Asia” (AMIK in CA), which operates in Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, and Tajikistan with support from the International Climate Initiative (IKI) and the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP).

Representatives from the Kyrgyz Ministry of Environment, the Global Snow Leopard and Ecosystem Protection Program, UNEP, and various UNDP projects joined the event in both online and offline formats. Discussions centered on joint efforts to address threats posed by climate change and human pressures on the environment. Participants examined how climate shifts and increasing pressure on natural resources impact biodiversity, the conservation of wild mammals, and how local communities in the region can adapt to these changes.

Salamat Jumabaeva, Project Coordinator at СAMP Alatoo PF, presented the foundation’s experiences in improving pasture and protected area management within the AMIK in CA initiative in Kyrgyzstan. She highlighted that the rise in livestock numbers in Kyrgyzstan has led to significant pasture degradation: “Currently, livestock numbers have reached an all-time high, accelerating resource degradation. In search of better pastures, herders are moving further into higher mountain areas, which intensifies competition between wild and domestic animals and exacerbates human-wildlife conflicts,” Jumabaeva explained.

In response to these challenges, the AMIK in CA project has planned the development of climate-adaptive pasture and protected area management plans, which incorporate ecological corridors aimed at land restoration, habitat improvement for wildlife, and risk reduction for local communities. Additionally, the project has proposed supporting alternative income sources for local populations—such as beekeeping, ecotourism, and agroforestry—to reduce reliance on livestock and alleviate pressure on natural resources.

“The AMIK in CA project is taking essential steps to address climate change, livestock management, and wildlife conservation challenges in the region. By integrating climate-responsive approaches and supporting alternative income sources for local communities, we aim to create lasting positive impacts for both people and nature,” concluded Jumabaeva.

The implementation of comprehensive approaches to pasture and protected area management—including establishing ecological corridors and developing climate-adapted plans—not only contributes to land restoration but also improves conditions for wildlife. Such measures help mitigate climate change impacts by minimizing resource competition between wild and domestic animals.

Participants at the COP16 side event emphasized the importance of involving local communities in adaptation processes to collectively tackle climate instability challenges and ensure sustainable development in Central Asia’s mountainous regions.