A side event titled “Saiga Antelope: New Challenges” was held in Samarkand, organized by the National Committee of Uzbekistan for Ecology and Climate Change together with the Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources of Kazakhstan. The event took place within the framework of the 20th Conference of the Parties to the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES CoP20) and focused on the conservation and sustainable management of the saiga—one of the key species of the Central Asian steppe ecosystems.
In his welcome speech, Deputy Chairman of the Uzbek National Committee for Ecology and Climate Change, Jusipbek Kazbekov emphasized that the saiga is an ancient and unique species that has come to the brink of extinction due to poaching and illegal trade.
“Uzbekistan is deeply committed to the sustainable management of the Ustyurt population. Our ecosystems are interconnected; our steppes and deserts form a single natural landscape, which means our responsibility is shared. Today, Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan maintain close bilateral cooperation—from monitoring migration routes to patrolling, data exchange, research, and anti-poaching efforts. We see this as a strategic partnership based on common interests and a shared responsibility for nature,” Kazbekov stated.
The event’s program included thematic presentations on the restoration of saiga populations in Uzbekistan, the dynamics of saiga numbers in Kazakhstan, the contribution of international and national NGOs to the conservation of these populations, and plans for managing saigas in Kazakhstan.
The event concluded with a discussion in which participants exchanged experiences, examined current challenges, and identified potential avenues for further cooperation. The discussion highlighted the need to expand joint scientific research, improve monitoring mechanisms, and implement modern approaches to conserve saiga populations in the region.
Photo: gov.kz
