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Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, and Kazakhstan have agreed to jointly protect the nature of the Ustyurt Plateau, a unique ecosystem home to rare animal species. A roadmap extending to 2030 will aid in preserving migration routes and improving monitoring.

Delegations from the three parties to the Ustyurt Memorandum—Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, and Turkmenistan—have signed a roadmap to strengthen nature protection on the Ustyurt Plateau. The Michael Succow Foundation (a charitable foundation for nature conservation) and the Secretariat of the UN Bonn Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals assisted in the document's development.

The roadmap aims to unify the efforts of regional countries and international partners in protecting biodiversity. According to Rustam Murzakhanov, an ecologist and representative of the Succow Foundation, planned energy and infrastructure projects also threaten the ecosystem's preservation.

The roadmap, developed for the period 2025-2030, includes the following key areas of work:

Transboundary conservation of wild animals and their habitats: This involves collaborative efforts to protect species that cross national borders.

Improved monitoring of transboundary populations of rare species: Enhanced surveillance will track the health and movements of endangered animals.

Increased awareness of the Ustyurt Plateau's importance for biodiversity conservation: Educational initiatives will highlight the ecological significance of the region.

Development of ecotourism and reduction of economic development's impact on biodiversity: Sustainable tourism will be promoted while mitigating negative effects from other economic activities.

Joint actions for cheetah reintroduction: This ambitious goal involves collaborative efforts to bring cheetahs back to the region.

Strengthening international conservation partnerships: Building stronger alliances will facilitate broader conservation efforts.

Representatives from the environmental protection agencies of Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, and Turkmenistan are involved in the implementation of the roadmap.

Ecological challenges of the Ustyurt Plateau and solutions

Species Migration Issues: The Ustyurt Plateau is located in the western part of Central Asia, spanning the territories of Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, and Turkmenistan. The region experiences extreme climatic conditions, characterized by hot, arid summers and very cold, windy winters.

Despite its harshness, the area represents a unique ecosystem with relatively untouched nature. It is home to over 700 plant species, approximately 230 bird species, and 60 mammal species, including goitered gazelles, saiga antelopes, kulans, and a unique population of Ustyurt Urial.

The Ustyurt Plateau is a crossroads for the seasonal migration routes of rare animal species. In desert ecosystems, animals traverse vast distances due to extremely sparse vegetation and a near absence of water sources. Migration is fundamental for species survival, reproduction, and population maintenance. This is particularly true for goitered gazelles and kulans, which annually cover hundreds of kilometers, cross state borders, and are in urgent need of transboundary protection.

Water Resource Assessment: The roadmap also provides for an assessment of water resource availability on the Ustyurt Plateau. In the region's arid climate, access to water is a critical factor for the survival of wild animals. A comprehensive assessment of existing water sources has been proposed, along with the potential creation of additional artificial watering holes if necessary. This will enhance the ecosystem's resilience to arid conditions and reduce stress on wildlife.

Capacity Building and Modern Monitoring: Environmental protection personnel and inspectors are planned to receive training on the application of new regulations. According to Rustam Murzakhanov, particular attention will be given to enhancing the qualifications of specialists; at least one capacity-building event for law enforcement agencies is planned in each country within the Ustyurt region. Concurrently, work will commence on implementing modern monitoring technologies, including the use of SMART systems and drones for patrolling protected natural areas.

Currently, five national-level protected areas operate within the Ustyurt Plateau:

Ustyurt State Nature Reserve (Kazakhstan)

Gaplangyr Nature Reserve (Turkmenistan)

Southern Ustyurt National Park (Uzbekistan)

Saigachy Complex Reserve (Uzbekistan)

Barsakelmes State Nature Reserve (Uzbekistan)

Several years ago, coordination among these protected areas began as part of a project by the German Society for International Cooperation, as stated by Rustam Murzakhanov. He noted that the initial work primarily focused on establishing horizontal connections.

ORIENT

Photo: centralasiaclimateportal.org