The NABU Snow Leopard Award recognises people and organisations that have made an extraordinary contribution to the protection of the endangered big cat. In 2025, Tshiring Lhamu Lama from Nepal has received the award for her unwavering commitment to the protection of snow leopards and their habitat.
The widely diverse habitat types of Central Asia – ranging from ice-capped high mountains to hot sandy deserts – harbour a great number of unique species. The Tian Shan, or Heavenly Mountains, with their highly specialised fauna and flora are a global hotspot of biodiversity. NABU has been active on the ground since the 1990s to protect these threatened natural paradises. Beside species conservation projects targeting the likes of the snow leopard, saiga antelope, or striped hyena, the establishment of protected areas and the promotion of ecotourism have been cornerstones of NABU’s work in Central Asia. In this way, nature conservation also benefits local people.
With four terrestrial biodiversity hotspots and the coral triangle as the epicentre of marine biodiversity, Southeast Asia is one of the most megadiverse regions in the world. Due to rapid economic development and steady population growth towards one billion people in the region, Southeast Asia's biodiversity faces multiple threats. At the same time, the region is particularly vulnerable to climate change and natural disasters. Since 2008, NABU is actively working on behalf of people and nature in the region. In Indonesia, NABU and its partners focus on protecting and restoring large rainforests in Sumatra, as well as coastal ecosystems like mangroves and coral reefs in Sulawesi. These are not only globally relevant climate change mitigation and adaptation measures, but also help to sustain and improve the livelihoods of local communities directly depending on these ecosystems.
Click the locations in below map to find out where and how NABU is active in Asia.
Snow leopards are among the most endangered big cats on earth. Only 4,000 to 6,400 animals now live in the wild. NABU has been committed to the survival of snow leopards in Kyrgyzstan since 1999 and has extended its commitment to Tajikistan, Pakistan and Nepal. more →
In Nepal's Nar Phu Valley, conflicts often arise between snow leopards and people. While livestock owners fear for their livelihoods, snow leopards suffer under revenge killings. A project searches for ways to foster a peaceful coexistence between the species. more →
Hutan Harapan, "forest of hope", is a tropical lowland forest in Sumatra, Indonesia, and one of our most precious conservation and restoration programmes. The forest is one of the last refuges for endangered species and provides countless ecosystem services. more →
Our mangrove project is taking root! In the province of Gorontalo, 22,000 hectares of mangroves are now protected and sustainably managed. A win for climate action and for the little collared kingfisher – a kingfisher that lives in mangrove forests. more →
The marine biodiversity of the Coral Triangle is threatened by overfishing and habitat degradation. We support coastal communities of the Banggai Islands to secure their livelihoods through sustainable fishing practices in line with the Marine Protected Area. more →
The goitered gazelle inhabits Asian steppes and semi-deserts from the Arabian Peninsula to northern China. The little gazelle was once at home in Kyrgyzstan too, but has become locally extinct. NABU is supporting a project to reintroduce this species. more →
Saiga antelopes are part of the steppe, just as bison are part of the prairie. Yet this rare animal only survives in five areas in Asia. NABU is helping to preserve the saiga in Kazakhstan with projects for community-based conservation and environmental education. more →
All over the world biodiversity is at risk, and with it people's quality of life. Nature conservation must transcend borders. Together with international partners, NABU is active in these regions: Europe, Africa, Central Asia, South East Asia and the Caucasus. more →
