Forum dedicated to snow leopard protection to take place in Kyrgyzstan

Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers Edil Baisalov met with the Director of Science of the Snow Leopard Trust Koustubh Sharmaand representatives of the Secretariat of the Global Snow Leopard and Ecosystem Protection Program (GSLEP).

According to the Cabinet of Ministers, the meeting was held in preparation for the IX meeting of the Management Committee of the Global Snow Leopard and Ecosystem Protection Program, which will take place in Issyk-Kul region on June 5-6, 2025. The event will be attended by representatives of 12 countries where snow leopards live, international organizations, donor agencies, as well as leading experts in the field of nature conservation, climatology and sustainable development.

During the talks, Baisalov emphasized the key role of the upcoming meeting in preserving the snow leopard and its ecosystems, and noted the importance of international cooperation. He expressed gratitude to the Snow Leopard Trust for supporting Kyrgyzstan’s research on the population of snow leopards. Kyrgyzstan is currently recognized as the country with the highest density of snow leopard habitat.

The parties discussed the main issues on the agenda of the upcoming meeting, including the development of a “green” economy, cross-border cooperation, combating illegal wildlife trade and the development of ecotourism. Particular attention will be paid to climate resilience and biodiversity conservation.

Koustubh Sharma congratulated Kyrgyzstan on the adoption of the resolution of the 78th session of the UN General Assembly, which proclaimed October 23 as the International Snow Leopard Day.