This reaction is explained by their desire to protect things of long-term interest that are valuable to people. For instance, residents of three Aiyl Aimaks in the Issyk-Kul Oblast took the initiative to create a microreserve in the picturesque gorge of Baibosun. Ordinary citizens were given independent management and control over the forests and pastures, and achieved social, economic, and environmental benefits.
The Baiboosun micro-reserve was established in 2019.
The nature reserve was established to achieve the following objectives:
Before the project, an important and relevant task was set - to develop a general concept and confirm the ecological, scientific, and economic feasibility of the nature reserve.
The snow leopard population has increased: in 2020 and 2021, 4 adult predators and 4 cubs were recorded in the "Baibosun" area.
From 2020 to 2023, the number of ibex (the main prey of snow leopards) increased from 97 to 234 animals. Most of them migrated to "Baibosun" from nearby hunting grounds.
The Government of the Kyrgyz Republic approved the Procedure for the establishment and functioning of locally significant protected areas and micro-reserves developed within the project.
An analysis of the legislative and institutional structure of the Kyrgyz Republic regarding protected areas was conducted and presented to all stakeholders: government structures and development partners.
Livestock breeders have gained new alternative sources of income through the development of value-added mechanisms for eco-products.
Shepherds use rotational grazing (the "Grazing Response Index" method) on pastures (about 17.7 thousand hectares) bordering the protected area to improve the condition of plant biodiversity.
A guide for the application of the "Grazing Response Index" method by territorial state forest management bodies was developed and submitted to the State Forest Agency under the Ministry of Agriculture of the Kyrgyz Republic.
The mobile application "Tabiyat Kenchi" - "Nature's Treasure Trove" has been developed for collecting data on pastures and biodiversity of the protected area managed by local communities.
The project's efforts to engage communities in the management of natural areas, preserving and protecting mountain landscapes, were recognized globally as a flagship multinational initiative at the UN Biodiversity Conference (COP15) held in Montreal, Canada, in December 2022.
