Challenges of conservation in the Tien-Shan mountains
Baiboosun![]()
Nature Reserve Kyrgyzstan
Nature Reserve Kyrgyzstan
Challenges of conservation in the Tien-Shan mountains
︎ Managing wildlife and wild lands
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Economic growth is driving infrastructure and development in a way that may have massive impacts on the environment
Threats to the ecosystem
Apart from poaching, unregulated livestock grazing and human-wildlife conflict, here are some other challenges faced when managing conservation projects:
Poor enforcement due to remote landscapes
The impact of illegal trade of endangered animals cannot be measured precisely, due in large part to its clandestine nature, but illegal trade and illicit demand of exotic animal products exists at national and international levels. Weak wildlife law enforcement is a chronic problem across the Tien-Shan mountain range, including low levels of prosecution even when offenders are apprehended.
Lack of awareness and outreach
There is a significant lack of awareness and understanding of the value of the natural habitat, and also the local and regional consequences of the ongoing degradation of ecosystems. This is true at all levels of society, from local people to leaders of governments, and from the private sector to the general public.
Apart from poaching, unregulated livestock grazing and human-wildlife conflict, here are some other challenges faced when managing conservation projects:
Poor enforcement due to remote landscapes
The impact of illegal trade of endangered animals cannot be measured precisely, due in large part to its clandestine nature, but illegal trade and illicit demand of exotic animal products exists at national and international levels. Weak wildlife law enforcement is a chronic problem across the Tien-Shan mountain range, including low levels of prosecution even when offenders are apprehended.
Lack of awareness and outreach
There is a significant lack of awareness and understanding of the value of the natural habitat, and also the local and regional consequences of the ongoing degradation of ecosystems. This is true at all levels of society, from local people to leaders of governments, and from the private sector to the general public.
In the case of the snow leopard; the elusiveness of the cat, the remoteness of its habitat, and the marginalization of the communities who share that habitat, contribute to the challenge of giving snow leopard conservation the attention and resources that are urgently required to ensure that the large landscapes they need are protected.
︎ Increasing grazing pressure
Unregulated livestock grazing allows livestock to roam at higher altitudes and create competition for resources with local wildlife
Potential solutions
There are several concerns regarding the future of snow leopard ecosystems, and the links between climate change and societal development are complex. However, there are solutions that can contribute to mitigation and adaptation strategies.
There are several concerns regarding the future of snow leopard ecosystems, and the links between climate change and societal development are complex. However, there are solutions that can contribute to mitigation and adaptation strategies.
Eco tourism activities that are managed by local conservation reserves can also prove beneficial for local livelihoods, creating new streams of income, and can reduce reliance on traditional activities which may help mitigate human-wildlife conflicts. Responsible tourism relating to nature conservation should focus on four key principles: minimizing the impact, promoting awareness and respect, seeking conservation benefits, and providing opportunities for financial benefits at the local level.
Ensuring that both women and men benefit from alternative livelihood measures is necessary to gain the support of the entire community, as well as the promotion of gender equality in environmental governance.
Some other activities include improving the infrastructure of corrals to protect livestock from snow leopard attacks, finding solutions to improve grazing management in order to limit livestock pressure on wildlife, and livestock insurance to compensate for losses from depredation.
At Baiboosun nature reserve, we believe that conservation strategies involving people are key. The involvement of local communities is vital for these activities. To gain the support of the community, solutions need to be designed and implemented in cooperation with relevant community groups, taking into account their needs.
References:
United Nations Environment Programme and GRID- Arendal (2020). Getting Climate-Smart with the Snow Leopard in Central Asia: A Species and Climate Change Brief for the Vanishing Treasures Programme. Nairobi: United Nations Environment Programme.
Snow Leopard Working Secretariat. Global Snow Leopard and Ecosystem Protection Program Bishkek, Kyrgyz Republic.
︎ Grazing pressure at high altitudes
Unregulated livestock grazing allows livestock to roam at higher altitudes and create competition for resources with local wildlife
Potential solutions
There are several concerns regarding the future of snow leopard ecosystems, and the links between climate change and societal development are complex. However, there are solutions that can contribute to mitigation and adaptation strategies.