MOUNTAINS OF CENTRAL ASIA
MOUNTAINS OF CENTRAL ASIA Supporting biodiversity safeguards SAFEGUARDING BIODIVERSITY in the era of an infrastructure boom in Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, and Uzbekistan IN THE ERA OF INFRASTRUCTURE BOOM
IMPACT Report CEPF-Zoï project, 2021-2022
Contents About the project . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 Infrastructure. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 Protected areas and species. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 CEPF-Zoï Project Activities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 Chatkal Valley. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 Alai Valley. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 Zaravshan Valley. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 Project activities and results in a nutshell. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 Project impacts and prospects . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 Partnerships and networks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 Biodiversity areas and concerns to address. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
WWF Russia serves as CEPF’s regional implementation team for the Mountains of Central Asia Biodiversity Hotspot.
Chatkal, Kyrgyzstan
About the project New roads, logistical hubs, power lines, and oil and gas pipelines are emerging to connect the once remote Central Asia region with markets in China, Russia, Asia and Europe. New roads create better access to tourist destinations and mining sites. These developments create economic prospects, but some of the infrastructure projects are in close proximity to Key Biodiversity Areas (KBAs), posing ecological risks to breeding grounds, migratory species and the preservation of unique forests, animals and plants.
Under a project financed by the Critical Ecosystems Partnership Fund, Zoï Environment Network supported civil society organizations’ efforts to explore and address potential risks to key biodiversity areas and ecological corridors. This work entailed the development of maps, a toolkit, rapid assessments, and the dissemination and application of these products through field work and public events. Zoï consulted mining, road and tourism operators and forest and land users. The work entailed discussions of a network of local and international partners and the strengthening of partnerships. 1
Tar bagatay
su Sary
Mountains of Central Asia
Overview map
Balkhash Lake Alakol Lake Balkhash
Taldykorgan
K a z a k hs t a n
Kyzylorda
M u y u n k u
Khorgos
Chu
ya Dar Syr
m
Almaty
Tashkent
Aydar Lake
Uz b ek i s t a n
i
e
Namangan Ferghana
Naryn
n
S
T
Naryn
i
e
h
S
a
n
Xinjiang Tianshan
n
Aksu
n
Osh
Ch in a
Kashgar
Tajik National Park UNESCO world heritage site, natural
Taj i k i s t a n Pan j
h
kh s Va
Mazar-i Sharif
a
Erkeshtam Pass
Dushanbe Kulob
h
Torugart Pass
Samarkand
Zaravshan
Karakol
Kyr g yzs t an
Ferghana Valley
Khujand
Balykchy Issyk-Kul
Bishkek
Talas
T
Termiz A m u D ar y a
Yining
Kapchagay Res.
Western Tien-Shan
Karshi
Gate
Taraz
Shymkent
khara
Dzu
Ili
au lat A ar Dzungarian ng
Kulma Pass
P a m i r
Key biodiversity area (schematic) Major areas of human presence Ancient Silk Road
Bokhtar Khorog
Important mountain pass to China Khunjerab Pass
National boundary
Kunduz
A f gha ni s t a n
P ak is t an
0
200 km
Map produced by Zoï Environment Network, June 2022
Many modern roads in the region follow the ancient Silk Roads and much of the region’s wilderness lies in the remote mountains where the ridges themselves form many of the national borders. The hotspot includes cultural and natural world heritage sites, national and local protected areas and Key Biodiversity Areas, many of which face one another across political boundaries, raising both the opportunities and challenges for regional cooperation.
Of the 65 million people living within the biodiversity hotspot, most reside in the valleys and cities. Agriculture provides livelihoods for many in the rural areas, but the excessive water withdrawals and inefficiency in this sector created a major socio-ecological problem — the disappearance of the Aral Sea. Agricultural runoff affects water quality. Mining, road expansion and tourism projects pose risks to the spectacular nature and unique biodiversity. 2
Tar bagatay
su Sary
Mountains of Central Asia
Infrastructure
Balkhash
Lake Alakol
Lake Balkhash
K a z a k hs t a n
Kyzylorda
Dzungarian Gate
Ili
Taldykorgan Khorgos
Chu
Yining
Kapchagay Res.
ya Dar Syr
Almaty
Taraz
Bishkek Shymkent
Issyk-Kul
Balykchy
Talas
Karakol
Ch i n a
Kyr g yzs t an Tashkent
JalalAbad
Namangan Aydar Lake
Uz b ek i s t a n
ukhara
Khujand Ferghana
Naryn
Torugart Pass
Osh
Central Asia Regional Economic Cooperation and Belt and Road Initiative corridors
00 A-10 CAS
Samarkand
Erkeshtam
Zaravshan Karshi
Kashgar
h Pan j
kh s Va
Bokhtar
Termiz a
Mazar-i Sharif
Large hydropower development projects Mining and mineral extraction projects in ecologically sensitive areas
Khorog
Important mountain pass to China Khunjerab Pass
Kunduz
A f gha ni s t a n
Planned and new pipelines Tourism development projects
Kulma Pass
Kulob A m u D ar y
Plans for new railways and major roads Planned power transmission lines
Taj i k i s t an
Dushanbe
Aksu
Naryn
Major road
Major railway
National boundary
P ak is t an
0
200 km
Map produced by Zoï Environment Network, October 2021
as this sector is recovering from COVID-19 travel restrictions, and visits by local and overseas tourists massively increase. Accommodation facilities, access roads and infrastructure further encroach on habitats. The pandemic halted or slowed some developments, but tourism, mining and energy projects are quickly rebounding. Unfortunately, many fast-paced and high-level projects limit the involvement of NGOs and the general public.
China’s Belt and Road Initiative, the Central Asia Regional Economic Cooperation (CAREC) programme, international development banks and others have established new roads and mountain passages, and developed major trade and transit links over the past decade with more roads, tunnels, railways, power lines and other infrastructure planned or underway. In addition, tourism infrastructure and the associated impacts on mountain areas are growing 3
Tar bagatay
su Sary
Mountains of Central Asia
Protected areas and species
Balkhash Lake Alakol Lake Balkhash
Taldykorgan
K a z a k hs t a n
Kyzylorda
ya Dar Syr
M u y u n k u
Ili Khorgos
Chu
m
Almaty
Bishkek
Talas
Shymkent
Naryn
Naryn
S
Namangan
Ferghana Valley Ferghana
Uz b ek i s t an
ukhara
T
Osh
i
e
Khujand Kashgar
Zaravshan
h Pan j
kh s Va
Kulob
Termiz A m u D ar y a Mazar-i Sharif
n
Chi n a Aksu
n
Markhor Snow leopard
Taj i k i s t a n
Dushanbe
h
a
Argali
Samarkand
Karshi
Karakol
Balykchy Issyk-Kul
Kyr g yzs t an
Tashkent
Yining
Kapchagay Res.
Taraz
Aydar Lake
t au Ala r a ng Dzu
Protected areas
P a m i r
Wetlands of international importance Ecological network
Bokhtar Khorog
Forests National boundary
Kunduz
Af gha ni s t a n
P ak is t an
0
200 km
Map produced by Zoï Environment Network, October 2021
A limited understanding of Key Biodiversity Areas and ecological networks, along with unclear boundaries and changing regulations and ownership of protected areas, are slowing or halting conservation efforts. Nevertheless, the network of protected areas continues to grow. Conservation projects by local, international and governmental actors have
helped several endangered species — snow leopards, markhor goats and argali sheep — recover, and have reduced human-wildlife conflict and increased benefits for local communities. But many lesser-known species still face risks of extinction, habitat destruction and fragmentation
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Tar bagatay
su Sary
Mountains of Central Asia
CEPF-Zoï Project Activities
Balkhash Lake Alakol Lake Balkhash
M u y u n k u ya Dar Syr
Tashkent
Aydar Lake
Uz b ek i s t a n
Bishkek
Western Tien Shan T i e n
Ferghana
Osh
Balykchy Issyk-Kul
Karakol
Kyr g yzs t an Naryn
T
Naryn
S h a n Central Torugart Pass Kyrgyzstan
Erkeshtam Pass
Zaravshan
Taj i k i s t an Pan j
h
kh s Va
Mazar-i Sharif
Almaty
i
e
h
S
a
n
n Aksu
Ch in a
Alai
Kulob
Termiz a
m
Ferghana Valley
Khujand
Dushanbe
A m u D ar y
Yining
Kapchagay Res.
Namangan
Samarkand Karshi
Gate
Khorgos
Chu
Talas
Chatkal
Zarafshan
Dzu Dzungaria
Ili
Taraz
Shymkent
ukhara
Taldykorgan
K a z a k hs t a n
Kyzylorda
au lat A ar Dzungarian ng
Kashgar
Kulma Pass
P a m i r
Bokhtar Khorog
Important mountain pass to China Khunjerab Pass
National boundary
Kunduz
A f gha ni s t a n
P ak is t an
0
200 km
Map produced by Zoï Environment Network, June 2022
Working in cooperation with local civil society organizations and activists, Zoï targeted its activities under the CEPF project on several ecological corridors and KBAs where the existing or planned infrastructure projects pose real and potential risks. In central Kyrgyzstan, the Western Tien-Shan, and the Chatkal and Alai Valleys, Zoï concentrated on areas where mining and road construction disturb endemic species, KBAs and sensitive ecosystems. In Uzbekistan tourism in and nearby mountains is booming, so Zoï focused efforts in the Samarqand and Tashkent tourism destinations.
In Kazakhstan, the Dzhungarian section of the biodiversity hotspot extends to the border with China with few people, high security, and intact ecosystems with wild apple forests. The nearby Khorgos dry port, a major BRI project, connects Kazakhstan and Eurasia with China via railroad, a free economic zone and trade pavilions. Due to restrictions related to the COVID-19 pandemic and border regime, Zoï action in this area was limited to desk research and engagement of Kazakhstan partners in a regional project meeting in Almaty in December 2021 and in regional networks. 5
In this area, Zoï and Kyrgyz partners have held meetings with the local population, protected areas staff and mining companies and have conducted investigations on biodiversity safeguards and risk reduction measures, including the establishment of micro-reserves. In addition to irresponsible mining, irresponsible remediation is becoming an issue in the Chatkal Valley.
Overview map
Mining developments in the Chatkal Valley, Kyrgyzstan R
Pskem
0
P sk em
Mining developments in Kyrgyzstan have been sources of local tensions over environmental and social impacts for many years, and Zoï and Kyrgyz partners have been monitoring the situation in the Chatkal Valley since 2011. An increase in mining activities with little regard for environmental protections and remediation in nearby protected areas and water ecosystems has jeopardized high-value riverine forests and endemic and red-listed species of flowers and trees. Abandoned mines and tailings — legacies of the Soviet era — stand as cautionary tales, warning government and mining companies to follow biodiversity safeguards.
10 km
Map produced by Zoï Environment Network, October 2021
Uzbekistan
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su Kok
Nanay
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e
a
Ak-Tash Besharal
Besh-Aral
Burchmulla
Aktash Kurulush Kurulush
Naiza Unkurtash
Chetkisay
Ters
Chapchama
Kyzyltash
Mineral resources Antimony
Tin
Small deposit
Copper
Tungsten-Molybdenum
Medium deposit
Gold
Wollastonite
Large deposit
Lead
Gold placer
Industrial placer mining Artisanal gold mining Mining facility
Angren
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A
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Protected areas Boundary
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Toialmysh
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Karator
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Chaarat
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Avletim Kashka-Suu
Kara-Tube
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Kyzyl-Tokoy
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G av
Bozymchak
Ala-Buka Ak-Korgon
Solomo
Kyzyl-Tokoy Ak-Bashat
Kerben
Zarkent Atana
KoshAlmarut
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Kasan-Say Reservoir
Bayastan
Tash-Ko
Baimak Salman
Sumsar
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Minteke
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Shamal
Yangikurgan Ayry-Tam Uchqorghan
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Chartak
Overview map
Alai valley, Kyrgyzstan lch a
Sopu-Korgon
A
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Kichi-Karakol
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Taldok Pass 3615
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Kyzyl-Art Pass 7128
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China
Tajikistan
10 km
Karakol
Map produced by Zoï Environment Network, October 2021
Forest
Cropland
Important mountain pass
Permanent snow and ice Major road
National boundary
The isolated high-mountain Alai Valley in southern Kyrgyzstan hosts important habitats for endemic plants and for the snow leopard, but has no protected areas. As the area faces growing pressures from transit, and potentially from the development of new mining, roads and gas pipeline to China, volunteers among the local population are organizing efforts
to protect these habitats. In addition, a GEF project to establish new protected areas with recognition of KBA sites is under preparation. Zoï and Kyrgyz partners have conducted local awareness-raising events and situation update visits, and have contributed to the initial planning of protected areas and other forms of conservation for local KBAs.
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G o u b t u n t a
Overview map
Zaravshan Valley, Uzbekistan Dahbet
Qorovultepa Reservoir
Bulungur anal ryk C Aka
Jomboy
Tujat arta r
Can .
Samarqand
Zarafshan National Park
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Toyloq Darg om Can al
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1728
Tu r k e
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Tajikistan Jumabozor 0
10 km Panjakent
Map produced by Zoï Environment Network, May 2022
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Forest
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Road National boundary
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Cropland
a
Railway
Urban area
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Urgut
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The newly created Amankutan national park in the Zaravshan mountains near Samarqand also needs careful planning for tourism and conservation. The Chatkal biosphere nature reserve near Tashkent, part of the Western Tien Shan world heritage designation under UNESCO, for now is successful in balancing the growing demand from tourism against conservation. Zoï and Uzbek partners have conducted awareness events for local authorities and protected areas staff and a youth campaign with tree planting, and have engaged tourism and education actors.
The ancient city of Samarqand — a prime tourism destination in Uzbekistan — is located next to a well-established protected area along the Zaravhan (also called Zarafshan) River. Once a strict nature reserve — with a high protection status — this area was recently designated a national park. The relaxed protection status means that the area is now open to more tourism pressures and to some economic development. With more frequent access and fewer protections, the park is vulnerable to illegal activities — grazing, tree cutting, hunting, and the removal of gravel — and NGOs, local activists and environmental authorities are trying to maintain the necessary level of conservation under the new designation.
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Project activities andand results in a nutshell Project activities results in a nutshell А
Mapping the links and challenges between biodiversity, KBAs and infrastructure development
Designing and disseminating information in local languages
Field visits, public awareness, mass media campaigns and investigations
Local community engagement, lectures and meetings
Biodiversity safeguards toolkit and micro website
Youth and women engagement in conservation activities
...
10
10
demand-driven visual information products and
10
maps
Networking and information exchange between civil society organizations strengthened, new CSOs established
meetings and roundtables with civil society organizations, businesses and conservation institutions
Activities covered infrastructure development projects with investment volume totalling USD 200+ million
10
200 1000+
people and representatives directly informed and involved people reached via mass media
100 000 ha
of the KBAs and ecological corridors covered and better conservation promoted
Project impacts and prospects Project impacts and prospects
Mapping, investigations, analysis and information products
i
Visually appealing and clear information for sound decisionmaking and behavioural changes
More attention to neglected and little-known issues, better conservation approaches and regulations
Links to international safeguards and networks
Greater consideration of the international regulations and safeguards in local practice
i i
Bringing international knowledge to local hands, making information more accessible
CEPF-Zoï project implementation engaged civil society organizations and civil activists and equipped them with new knowledge and information on biodiversity safeguards and conservation approaches in infrastructure projects, including roads, pipelines, tourism development and mining in Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan. In Kazakhstan, the project team conducted desk work and maintained links with local partners and mass media. Project activities covered large, medium and smaller infrastructure projects at the planning, construction or implementation stages. The total volume of investments of these projects exceeds USD 200 million and affects 100 000 ha of KBAs and eco-corridors. Engagement
of local mass media helped in knowledge dissemination and in linking project activities to the International Year of Sustainable Mountain Development 2022, and attracted interest from decision makers, journalists and the public. As result of the project, at least 20 civil society organizations and community groups were trained in using safeguard tools and better prepared for environmental impact assessments and investigations. Networks and partnerships for promoting safeguards were strengthened in the course of project implementation through interactions and experience exchange.
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Partnerships and Partnerships andnetworks networks Species-focused groups (snow leopard, CAMI)
Community of CSOs and activists
International development banks
Community of scientists
Politicians and officials
i 100
0
Business associations
Nature user associations
Western Tien Shan World Heritage Sites
In the course of project implementation the Zoï team cooperated with, consulted and involved the following organizations and networks: Osh Aarhus Centre; Eco-MiR; Eco Tartyp; BIOM; Archa; CAMP Alato; MoveGreen; CAMI; CAREC; Living Asia; Internews, Kogart.kg; Jalalabad medic-centre; jamoats of south-central Kyrgyzstan and mahallas of western Uzbekistan; Kyrgyzstan’s road, tourism and mining, forest and land user associations; Uzbekistan’s tourism association and academy; national academies of sciences; Belt and Road Initiative International Green Development Coalition (BRIGC); environmental safeguard teams of the international development banks, nature reserves and national parks — Chatkal, Zarafshan, Zaamin, Hissor, Amankutan, Padysh Ata, Saymaluu Tash, Kan Achuu, Besh Aral, Sary Chalek, Alatay, Dashman; and national and local environmental authorities.
Chinese actors (BRIGC)
Contributors: Kanybek Isabaev, Gamal Soronkulov, Alexandra Povarich, Dina Adilova, Alexandra Zaslavskaya, Yaroslav Tartykov, Vlad Ushakov, Ruslan Valitov, Rasul Ryskulov, Aigerim Abduzhaparova, Firuza Illarionova, Viktor Novikov, Otto Simonett, Marianne Gemin, Nickolai Denisov, Geoff Hughes, Matthias Beilstein, Adilet Usupbaev, Dmitry Milko, Azamat Temirkulov, Aitkul Burkhanov, Elvira Jamankulova, Savirbek Tomaev, Natalia Marmazinskaya, Karina Bekmirzaeva, Anastasia Saidmahmudova, Saidrasul Sanginov, Roman Kashkarov, Jahongir Talipov, Bobur Makhmudov, Oleg Kashkarov, Khalilulla Sherimbetov, Gulshad Shagiaxmedova, Tura Kholikov, Abdurashid Sadykov, Nilufar Abdunazarova, Jasur Dustov, Sanjar Imomov, Suna Park, Alina Abdurazakova, Aziz Akayev, Gavhar Deusheva, Sherkul Khavsikhdyo, Durbek Farmonov, Sherali Iskandarov, Anastasia Pavlenko, Alexander Troitsky, Elena Baronina, Alisa Ziyaeva, Ruslan Khairnurov, Galina Troitskaya, Uktam Egamov, Nuriddin Abdullaev, Maria Gritsina, Alexander Grigoryants, Frank Ludwig, Oysha Yusubalieva, Doston Muminzhanov, Natalia Shivaldova, Kuralay Karibayeva, Bulat Yessekin, Rauf Sabitov, Oksana Tarnetskaya, Hongqiao Liu, Beibei Gu, Lizza Protas and the CEPF Central Asia community. Special thanks to Daniel Rothberg, CEPF Grant Director, for all the guidance and support.
In addition to the project meetings and events, the Zoï team contributed to the following conferences and processes to share project experience and results: Western Tien Shan world heritage site network and meetings; the International Year of Mountain Sustainable Development 2022; CBD and Espoo Convention sessions; the Economic and Environmental Forum sessions of the OSCE. 12
Biodiversity areas concerns to address Biodiversity areasand and concerns to address
Chatkal and Alai Valleys, Naryn River, central Kyrgyzstan
Transport, roads
Mining projects
Zaravshan River and mountains nearby Samarqand
Gravel extraction
Deforestation
Western Tien-Shan, Dzhungaria, Ile Alatau, Issyk Kul Lake region, Charvak, Tashkent region
Roads expansion, regional economic corridors
The Mountains of Central Asia biodiversity hotspot includes a mosaic of diverse environments: fuit and nut forests, juniper woodlands and alpine meadows, turquoise lakes, white-water rivers and high- and low altitude deserts. These environments, which serve as pastures, sources of minerals and tourist attractions, face the range of pressures shown in the infographic. Zoï jointly with local partners identified risks and suggested solutions, the success
Energy projects
Construction nearby protected area and KBAs
Construction nearby protected area and KBAs
Tourism projects
of which depends on political will, responsible behaviour and adherence to the required and recommended safeguards by business actors. Civil society organizations, activists, local communities and mass media also have a role to play in observing, communicating, informing and influencing the infrastructure projects. Zoï will continue field and awareness activities, mapping and networking to support successful implementation.
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Mountains of Central Asia biodiversity hotspot Mongolia Kazakhstan
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Kyrgyzstan
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Ta j i k i s t a n
Afghanistan
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China
Pamir
Pakistan
The Mountains of Central Asia biodiversity hotspot harbors around 5 000 species of plants, including 1 500 endemics. This is an ancestral home to apricots, plums, cherries, apples, pears, almonds, and tulips. In addition to the high variety of plants, there are 500 species of birds, 140 species of mammals, and 60 species of reptiles. This region lies along the ancient Silk Roads and has been home to the great commercial and cultural centers associated with that fabled route. It covers parts of 7 countries, including almost all of Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan. Today, the Mountains of Central Asia are experiencing a boom in infrastructure, a growth in connectivity and an increase in accessibility to wild nature. Additional pressures on mountain biodiversity come from climate change, pollution and habitat fragmentation.
CEPF The Critical Ecosystem Partnership Fund (CEPF) created in 2000 empowers people in developing and transitional countries to protect the world’s biodiversity hotspots — some of the most biologically rich yet threatened ecosystems — that are vital to humanity. The fund is a joint program of l’Agence Française de Développement (AFD), Conservation International (CI), the European Union (EU), the Global Environment Facility (GEF), the Government of Japan and the World Bank (WB). CEPF provides grants to civil society organizations — nongovernmental, private sector and academic institutions around the globe to deliver innovative solutions on biodiversity conservation. CEPF started its grant program for Central Asia in 2019–2020, jointly with WWF Russia acting as RIT — Regional Implementation Team, and by summer 2022 distributed 60 small and large grants.
Zoï Environment Network Zoï Environment Network is a Swiss non-profit organization established in 2009, based in Geneva, and provides environmental information services for governments, international organizations and civil society organizations. In 2016-2017 under guidance from CEPF, Zoï conducted situation mapping and stakeholder consultations, and prepared an Ecosystem Profile for the Mountains of Central Asia. Zoï communication products and analyses are widely known and disseminated, and are used by policymakers, development organizations and the general public.