Mountains of Central Asia
Supporting biodiversity safeguards in the era of the infrastructure boom in Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, and Uzbekistan
Why
Central Asia is undergoing a rapid transformation due to the current infrastructure boom. New roads, railways, logistical hubs, power stations and powerlines as well as oil-and-gas pipelines are emerging to connect the once remote region with new markets. Key transport links between China, Russia and Europe are going through the Mountains of Central Asia. New roads also connect different parts of countries with tourism and mining sites and logistical hubs. These developments create economic prospects and jobs, but some of the planned or in-progress infrastructure projects are in close proximity to Key Biodiversity Areas (KBAs), posing ecological risk to breeding grounds, migratory species or preservation of the unique forests, animals and plants.
Approach and activities
Under a project financed by the Critical Ecosystems Partnership Fund (CEPF), Zoï Environment Network is supporting civil society organizations’ efforts to explore and address potential risks to key biodiversity areas in the mountain areas of the Western Tien Shan and Dzungaria. This is done through the development of maps, toolkit, and rapid assessments, and their subsequent dissemination and application through field work and public events. These efforts are enriched and supported by the extensive knowledge of local civil society organizations. Business actors such as mining, road, energy or tourism operators, forest and land users, and hunting associations are involved and consulted. A network of local and international partners is being discussed and designed as the project goes on. Establishing thematic partnership links with The Belt and Road Initiative International Green Development Coalition (BRIGC) contributes to improved awareness of environmental standards applied by China and their consideration in the context of Central Asia.
Expected results
The toolkit, maps, and related materials developed and launched in 2021 consist of synthesis maps, an illustrated explainer, and country-specific information on environmental and biodiversity safeguards which could be applied to infrastructure. Civil society organizations develop their own networking websites and online maps, publish reports, photo and video blogs, and exchange experience on available options, “hotspots” and success stories on the application of the biodiversity safeguards.
A series of training and networking events which, due to the COVID restrictions, include an online format and to the extent possible in-person participation, will be held throughout 2021 and 2022 to engage with the foremost leaders among civil society organizations involved in monitoring of biodiversity safeguards in the planned and under-construction infrastructure projects. Greater impact is achieved through cooperation and links with relevant international conventions and processes.
A series of training and networking events which, due to the COVID restrictions, include an online format and to the extent possible in-person participation, will be held throughout 2021 and 2022 to engage with the foremost leaders among civil society organizations involved in monitoring of biodiversity safeguards in the planned and under-construction infrastructure projects. Greater impact is achieved through cooperation and links with relevant international conventions and processes.
Main threats to and drivers of the decline of unique and endangered flora and fauna species in the Mountains of Central Asia
Climate change affects snow,
glaciers and species habitats
glaciers and species habitats
Reduction in food supply: decrease in the number of prey species and quality of pastures
Retaliatory killings for
the attacks on livestock
the attacks on livestock
High pressure on forests and pastures
Poaching
Unchecked infrastructure development
How can the nature protection be improved?
Expanding the network
of protected areas
of protected areas
Minimizing barriers
for migratory species
for migratory species
Mapping and designating
key biodiversity areas
key biodiversity areas
Improving the technical capabilities and skills of nature conservation staff and outposts
Coordination of nature protection maps and plans with local development and business plans
What can companies do to preserve nature?
Conducting environmental
impact assessments (EIA)
impact assessments (EIA)
Implementing practical solutions to reduce environmental impacts
Informing field staff about rare and vulnerable species of animals and plants
Sponsoring local projects on nature protection, biodiversity offsetting
Preventing damage to protected areas
Sharing environmental
information, improving transparency
information, improving transparency
What role can civil society organizations and citizens play?
Public nature protection teams
Contribution to science monitoring of species, SMART patrolling
Organization and participation in public hearings on environmental matters
Festivals, exhibitions and community actions to raise awareness
Planting forests, establishing local nature conservation sites
Informing companies and governmental agencies in cases of environmental violations
Global significance of Central Asia’s biodiversity
Wild fruit-and-nut forests
Numerous endemic species, wild crop relatives
Rich genetic resources
Flagship animals
Endangered relict endemic species
Broad vertical range of
species and ecosystems
in the mountainous areas
species and ecosystems
in the mountainous areas
Types of large-scale infrastructure in Central Asia
Mass tourism
Mining
Transport and roads
Power engineering
Oil and gas industry
Logistical hubs and ports
Technologies and methods for wildlife monitoring, including prey species and habitats
Remote observations,
field surveys
field surveys
Camera traps,
GPS collars
GPS collars
Documenting traces,
DNA markers
DNA markers
Data and logs from park rangers and local residents on species observation, photo evidence
SMART patrolling,
SLIM monitoring
SLIM monitoring
Science reports, data, statistics
GIS and maps
Regional and global data
Reports on poaching and environmental crimes
Reports on the situation inside and outside of the protected areas
Western Tien Shan Biodiversity Cooperation
Forest monitoring and conservation
Eco-tourism, botanical
and zoological surveys
and zoological surveys
Endangered species
and protected areas
and protected areas
Snow leopard and other
large mammal conservation
large mammal conservation
Citizen monitoring
of mining industry
of mining industry
Infrastructure and Key Biodiversity Areas (KBA):
From the KBA identification to status recognition and targeted conservation actions
From the KBA identification to status recognition and targeted conservation actions
Water reservoir acts a habitat for rare and migratory birds
Scientists and environmentalists
conduct surveys
conduct surveys
Information is provided
to the global data hubs
to the global data hubs
Local protected area status and other conservation measures are applied at a site
Public interest and recognition increase, field work and surveys continue
Key biodiversity area (KBA)
status is assigned based
on the international criteria
status is assigned based
on the international criteria
