Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan Agree on Joint Saiga Conservation Efforts
Uzbekistan
Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan have agreed to work together to conserve and restore the saiga population. A memorandum of understanding was signed on 12 November on the sidelines of the 31st UN Climate Change Conference (COP31) in Antalya, Türkiye. It provides for coordinated conservation measures, scientific exchange and protection of cross-border migration routes.
The document was signed by Aziz Abdukhakimov, chairman of Uzbekistan’s National Committee on Ecology and Climate Change, and Alibek Kuantyrov, Kazakhstan’s Minister of Ecology and Natural Resources. The memorandum aims to support the sustainable recovery of the saiga (Saiga tatarica), a species of major ecological, scientific and conservation importance to the region.
The two countries plan joint monitoring of saiga numbers and migration, the exchange of scientific and technical information and best practices, and collaborative research projects. Strengthening efforts to combat poaching and illegal trade in saiga will be another priority.
The agreement also covers the protection and restoration of the species’ natural habitat. Planned measures include developing transboundary protected areas and migration corridors, as well as restoring natural pastures and water bodies. These steps are intended to improve the conditions needed for the population to move and survive across both sides of the border.
In addition, the countries intend to jointly develop programmes to reintroduce saiga into areas where the species previously lived, conduct field research and monitor population conditions. Training activities for specialists involved in conservation work are also envisaged.
The memorandum strengthens environmental cooperation between the two countries. By combining their scientific and practical expertise, Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan aim to coordinate efforts to protect saiga and contribute to preserving biodiversity in Central Asia. The partnership will support long-term regional conservation work. It will create a basis for regular coordination between relevant agencies and research teams in both countries.
The two countries plan joint monitoring of saiga numbers and migration, the exchange of scientific and technical information and best practices, and collaborative research projects. Strengthening efforts to combat poaching and illegal trade in saiga will be another priority.
The agreement also covers the protection and restoration of the species’ natural habitat. Planned measures include developing transboundary protected areas and migration corridors, as well as restoring natural pastures and water bodies. These steps are intended to improve the conditions needed for the population to move and survive across both sides of the border.
In addition, the countries intend to jointly develop programmes to reintroduce saiga into areas where the species previously lived, conduct field research and monitor population conditions. Training activities for specialists involved in conservation work are also envisaged.
The memorandum strengthens environmental cooperation between the two countries. By combining their scientific and practical expertise, Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan aim to coordinate efforts to protect saiga and contribute to preserving biodiversity in Central Asia. The partnership will support long-term regional conservation work. It will create a basis for regular coordination between relevant agencies and research teams in both countries.
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