Специалисты Кыргызстана и Казахстана обменялись опытом в области сохранения биоразнообразия

Kyrgyz and Kazakh Experts Exchange Experience in Biodiversity Conservation

As part of the UNEP regional project “Improving the Conservation of Key Migratory Mammal Species in Central Asia through Climate-Informed Management and Decision-Making” (CAMCA), specialists from Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan held a dialogue and shared their experiences. The "СAMР Alatoo" Public Foundation, serving as the CAMCA project implementer in Kyrgyzstan, organized a workshop and a field tour in the pilot areas of Ton and Jeti-Oguz districts of Issyk-Kul region.

The events were attended by project partners, including members of the Association for the Conservation of Biodiversity of Kazakhstan (ACBK), the "Ilbirs" Foundation, representatives of the Department of Biodiversity Conservation and Protected Areas under the Ministry of Natural Resources, Ecology, and Technical Supervision of the Kyrgyz Republic, the "Khan-Tengiri" State Nature Park, the "Zhargylchak" Reserve, the "Baiboosun" Micro-Reserve, and pilot local communities.

The seminar primarily focused on discussing joint actions for project implementation, sharing knowledge and experience in biodiversity conservation, and developing innovative ideas for wildlife protection. The meeting facilitated an open dialogue among representatives of government agencies, nature parks, public organizations, and local activists, fostering cooperation, strengthening ecosystem resilience, sustainable resource management, climate adaptation, and improving nature conservation practices in the region.

Participants received up-to-date information on the status and work of the protected areas in Issyk-Kul, conservation measures in Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan, as well as new digital tools for monitoring protected areas and pastures, including livestock grazing planning. These insights were reinforced through practical exercises, such as simulation games like "Snow Leopard Habitat Conservation" and "Pasture Grazing Planning," which helped participants gain a deeper understanding and solidify the knowledge acquired.

The ACBK showed particular interest in the community-based management of natural areas in Kyrgyzstan. The Kazakh partners were especially drawn to the management model of the "Baiboosun" Micro-Reserve in the Ton district, which has been applied in the "Zhargylchak" Reserve, created with the support of the "Ala Too Bugu" Foundation. During the meeting, the activists of "Baiboosun" and "Zhargylchak" shared their approaches and management practices with the visitors.

“We want to learn how the ‘Baiboosun’ Micro-Reserve and the ‘Zhargylchak’ Reserve operate, as modern protected area management methods are still largely based on Soviet-era approaches,” noted Artem Khrokov from ACBK. In addition, the Kazakh partners examined the legal aspects of involving local communities in the management and planning of protected areas in Kyrgyzstan, which also became an essential part of the experience exchange.

As part of the practical activities, participants took part in field trips, where they were shown successful projects on tourism development, alternative income sources, and methods of pasture monitoring. The cultural program included visits to the natural landmarks of Issyk-Kul, such as canyons and other unique landscapes.

These events marked an important step in developing regional cooperation and strengthening efforts to conserve biodiversity in Central Asia. Participants expressed hope for further joint initiatives and continued exchange of experiences in this field.