Kyrgyzstan Takes the Lead in Global Snow Leopard Conservation Efforts

On June 5-6, the Kyrgyz resort city of Cholpon-Ata is hosting the 9th Steering Committee Meeting of the Global Snow Leopard and Ecosystem Protection Program (GSLEP). The meeting brings together environment ministers from all 12 snow leopard range countries, Afghanistan, Bhutan, China, India, Nepal, Mongolia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Pakistan, Russia, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan, along with representatives from conservation organizations and international financial institutions. Their goal is to advance conservation and climate action efforts in Asia’s high mountain regions through GSLEP, an intergovernmental alliance founded in Bishkek in 2013. The snow leopard, classified as endangered, serves as a potent symbol of the ecological and cultural importance of Asia’s mountainous landscapes. Kyrgyzstan has long been at the forefront of international conservation efforts. At the 79th session of the UN General Assembly, the country spearheaded a resolution, supported by other range nations, designating October 23 as International Snow Leopard Day. The GSLEP Steering Committee convened in Cholpon-Ata to assess ongoing conservation initiatives and define future priorities to protect snow leopards and mountain ecosystems. [caption id="attachment_32684" align="aligncenter" width="1280"] Image: mnr.gov.kg[/caption] In his opening remarks, Kyrgyzstan’s Minister of Natural Resources, Ecology, and Technical Supervision, Meder Mashiev, said: “For us, the snow leopard is not just a species, it is part of our culture and identity. Its preservation is our common responsibility.” Mashiev highlighted the country's recent achievements in conservation, including the initiation of a national snow leopard census, the adoption of SMART monitoring tools, the creation of new protected areas, and the establishment of the Ak Ilbirs (Snow Leopard) Ecological Corridor, an approximately one million-hectare expanse in the northeastern Issyk-Kul region. This corridor connects the Khan-Tengri State Nature Park, the Sarychat-Eertash Nature Reserve, and the Naryn Nature Reserve, providing secure habitats for snow leopards and other endangered species while promoting sustainable resource management. In December 2023, President Sadyr Japarov signed a decree formally recognizing the snow leopard as a national symbol of Kyrgyzstan. In a welcome address to participants, President Japarov highlighted Kyrgyzstan’s pivotal role as a mountainous nation (over 90% of its territory consists of highlands) in safeguarding high-altitude ecosystems. He stressed that mountains are not only repositories of natural wealth but also engines for economic growth through green investments. However, he cautioned that these regions face growing threats from overgrazing, forest degradation, and climate change, especially in snow leopard habitats. President Japarov also called for strengthening GSLEP’s institutional capacity and expanding cross-border conservation initiatives with the support of global environmental funds.

Kyrgyzstan Establishes Ecological Corridor to Protect Snow Leopards and Biodiversity

Kyrgyzstan has created the Ak Ilbirs (Snow Leopard) Ecological Corridor in the northeastern Issyk-Kul region, a major step in safeguarding rare wildlife and preserving the country’s rich biodiversity. The corridor encompasses over 792,000 hectares, linking several protected areas: the Khan-Tengri State Nature Park, the Sarychat-Eertash Nature Reserve, and the Naryn Nature Reserve. It is designed to serve as a safe habitat for the snow leopard and other endangered species, while promoting the sustainable management of natural resources. [caption id="attachment_30972" align="aligncenter" width="794"] Image: mnr.gov.kg[/caption] Key Objectives The Ak Ilbirs Ecological Corridor aims to: Conserve wild animal populations, including the endangered snow leopard Protect diverse ecosystems and their biological richness Safeguard rare and threatened plant and animal species To preserve the integrity of the corridor, strict prohibitions have been introduced. These include a ban on the introduction of non-native species, the use of pesticides, radioactive waste disposal, and any other activities that could harm the ecosystem. At the same time, the corridor supports legal and environmentally responsible activities, such as scientific research, reforestation, forest management, and population regulation of certain wildlife species. National and Global Significance The initiative marks a significant advancement in Kyrgyzstan’s environmental policy. Notably, the corridor strengthens efforts to protect the snow leopard, a species regarded as an indicator of the stability and health of mountainous ecosystems. In December 2023, President Sadyr Japarov signed a decree recognizing the snow leopard as a national symbol of the Kyrgyz Republic. The species is classified as rare or endangered across 12 countries. Kyrgyzstan has also played a leading role in international snow leopard conservation. At the 79th session of the UN General Assembly, the country introduced the resolution establishing October 23 as International Snow Leopard Day, backed by other range states including Bhutan, China, India, Nepal, Mongolia, Kazakhstan, Pakistan, Russia, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan. According to the Population Assessment of the World’s Snow Leopards, conducted between 2020 and 2024 under the Global Snow Leopard and Ecosystem Protection Program (GSLEP), Kyrgyzstan is estimated to have an average snow leopard population of 285.