of Central Asia
MOUNTAINS
The mountains of Central Asia harbor genetic resources of the wild relatives of several domesticated plants — tulips, wheat, apples, pears, almonds, walnuts and pistachios — and hosts more than 5000 species of vascular plants, about 1500 of which are endemic. The hotspot holds a variety of animals including Marco Polo sheep (Ovis ammon polii), the Markhor goat (Capra falconeri), Menzbier’s marmot (Marmota menzbieri), Ili pika (Ochotona iliensis), snow leopard (Panthera uncia), and nearly 500 bird species, being an important stronghold for birds of prey.
The Critical Ecosystem Partnership Fund (CEPF) has prepared an ecosystem profile and launched a grant programme for the Mountains of Central Asia, aiming to engage civil society in biodiversity conservation. More information is available at the fund’s global website and its website dedicated to regional activities.
The Critical Ecosystem Partnership Fund (CEPF) has prepared an ecosystem profile and launched a grant programme for the Mountains of Central Asia, aiming to engage civil society in biodiversity conservation. More information is available at the fund’s global website and its website dedicated to regional activities.
Infrastructure
The Mountains of Central Asia biodiversity hotspot lies along the ancient Silk Road and has been home to the great commercial and cultural centers associated with that fabled route. China’s Belt and Road Initiative, Central Asia Regional Economic Cooperation Programme (CAREC), and other mega-projects make the region a target for major investments in infrastructure. Productive agricultural lands, pastures, and forests as well as Key Biodiversity Areas (KBAs) lie in the path of the major economic corridors, and the conservation of nature within may well depend on the greening of infrastructure projects and application of biodiversity safeguards.
Information and Tools
We are pleased to share with you an illustrated toolkit on biodiversity safeguards for infrastructure, analytical and cartographic materials, useful links to international standards, sources, and case studies on the Mountains of Central Asia.
In addition to the national environmental agencies and ministries, local community organizations, public environmental centers, youth groups and nature protection squads jointly with the community of scientists, journalists and activists play a crucial role in the gathering and dissemination of ecological information, public environmental watch and the examination of infrastructure projects.
Many large and small public organizations, societies and networks on climate change, bird protection and wildlife conservation are active in Central Asia. Here we provide a list of selected organizations active on key biodiversity areas and other partners. We welcome you to join the partnerships and expand the network!
Many large and small public organizations, societies and networks on climate change, bird protection and wildlife conservation are active in Central Asia. Here we provide a list of selected organizations active on key biodiversity areas and other partners. We welcome you to join the partnerships and expand the network!
Partners and Networks
Local
National
Regional
International
CONTACT INFORMATION
Email: camountain@gmail.com
