NABU-trained rangers from Gruppa Bars out in the Tian Shan - photo: NABU/Klemens Karkow
Kyrgyzstan
Nature conservation in the heart of Central Asia
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Lake Issyk-Kul in Kyrgyzstan - photo: NABU
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Kyrgyz yurts by the lake - photo: NABU / Thomas Tennhardt
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Wild horses - photo: NABU / Klemens Karkow
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A Kyrgyz local on a donkey - photo: NABU
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Snow leopard are threatened by habitat loss and poaching. - photo: Andy Fabian
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The participants of the EcoCamp 2024 during a field trip - photo: NABU/ Anna Khaerdinova
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The participants of the EcoCamp 2024 in the yurt - photo: NABU / Anna Khaerdinova
Its variety of habitats, from impressive high mountain landscapes to desert biomes, underpins Kyrgyzstan’s status as a global biodiversity hotspot. An extraordinary wealth of species has emerged in this Central Asian country: Around 20,000 species, including numerous endemic plants and animals, live here on just 0.13 percent of the world's land mass.
However, poaching, illegal trade and habitat loss threaten Kyrgyzstan's valuable ecosystems, as well as the livelihoods of the local population and the survival of many animal species, such as the endangered snow leopard.
This is why NABU has been actively campaigning for the protection of Kyrgyzstan's nature and sustainable livelihoods since the early 1990s. Together with the Kyrgyz government, international partners and local communities, we implement nature conservation projects and support sustainable development.
The focus of our work in Kyrgyzstan:
- Protection and restoration of ecosystems, especially in the mountainous regions of the Tian Shan
- Monitoring and conservation of endangered species, especially the snow leopard
- Prevention of illegal hunting and trade of endangered species
- Implementation of environmental education projects for children, young people and adults
- Establishment and management of protected areas in cooperation with the local population
- Empowerment of civil society
Our achievements
- Establishment of the UNESCO Issyk-Kul Biosphere Reserve (43,000 square kilometres)
- Opening of two NABU branches in Kyrgyzstan: in the capital Bishkek in the north and in the southern city of Osh
- Establishment of two ‘Gruppa Bars’ anti-poaching units: 250 poaching attempts were prevented and 70 weapons confiscated
- Construction of a rehabilitation centre for injured or orphaned wild animals
- Construction of two environmental education centres for children and young people and development of a diverse education programme
- Initiation of the Global Snow Leopard Forum as an international network for the conservation of the snow leopard, with the participation of all 12 states in the species’ range
- Initiation of the Snow Leopard Day, organisation of conferences on snow leopard conservation and awarding of the NABU Snow Leopard Award
Let's save snow leopards from extinction
With your support, we can ensure the survival of the last wild snow leopards.
Our projects in Kyrgyzstan
Protecting snow leopards
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 →
NABU rehab centre protects snow leopards
In the high mountains of Kyrgyzstan, NABU runs a unique rehab centre for snow leopards and other wildlife. Injured animals are treated and prepared for release here. The centre also provides environmental education for local communities. more →
Reintroduction of the goitered gazelle
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 →
Sustainable yak husbandry
NABU realises its project „Sustainable yak husbandry in the Kyrgyz Tien Shan Mountains” as part of the Federal Environment Ministry's Advisory Assistance Programme in Middle and Eastern Europe states, Caucasus and Central Asia. more →
SPOTLIGHT: Conservation stories from the Tian Shan
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Saving snow leopards is her job
Eleven snow leopards were killed in a remote region of Nepal. Tshiring Lhamu Lama refused to stand by and watch any longer and is now protecting the last 90 snow leopards in the area. Her species conservation work is having an impact, and this has been recognized with the NABU Snow Leopard Award. She tells her story here. more →
Asia
Mountains, deserts, rainforests: Asia has an incredible range of ecosystems and species in need of conservation. In Central Asia, NABU has been active on the ground since the 1990s. In Southeast Asia, NABU and its partners focus on protecting and restoring rainforests in Sumatra and Sulawesi. more →
Mountains - Vulnerable giants
Mountains inspire and challenge us. Their biodiverse and fragile ecosystems provide indispensable services to humanity. However, these regions are vulnerable to the impact of the climate crisis and land use. NABU works tirelessly to protect these landscapes. more →