UNEP to protect the habitat of snow leopards
Snow leopards are considered one of the most famous mountain species in Central Asia. Nevertheless, the habitat of these majestic predators is under unprecedented pressure due to changing climatic conditions, as well as other related factors against the background of the general exacerbation of the conflict between man and nature.
According to the UN Environment Program, by 2070, the habitat area of the snow leopard will cut down by two thirds, and in some countries - by 80%.
The temperature growth forces other species, such as goats and yaks, to expand the area of natural grazing, thereby encroaching on the territory of the snow leopard. Glaciers, supporting their vital activity, are also retreating.
Snow leopards, being a typical representative of the fauna of the high rocky mountains of Central, South and South-East Asia. This animal can be met in Afghanistan, Myanmar, Bhutan, China, India, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Mongolia, Nepal, Pakistan, Russia, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan.
In response to the environmental challenge, UNEP began to implement a new program, "the Vanishing treasures", aimed at combating the effects of climate change for species of mountain landscapes in Central Asia and other regions.
The program, funded by Luxembourg, provides for the improvement of resource management approaches for wildlife, creating corridors for the movement of animals and measures to restore the fauna. With regard to the human factor, the project intends to encourage sustainable land management practices. Luxembourg have committed to allocate €9 million for the implementation of project activities.
The United Nations Environment Program (UN Environment, UNEP) is a global environment protection organization that promotes the coherent implementation of the environmental component of sustainable development within the UN system through partnerships for the environment protection to improve the quality of life of the Earth’s population without compromising future generations.
