A forum titled "Business, Ecology, and Sports – Ak-Irbis 2025" is taking place in Bishkek, dedicated to the International Snow Leopard Day. This year, the holiday is being celebrated for the first time at the initiative of the Kyrgyz Republic. The forum has become a platform for interaction among the business community, sports organizations, and ecological initiatives, united by the goal of protecting the snow leopard and the high-altitude ecosystems of Kyrgyzstan. The event is organized by the Ministry of Natural Resources and GSLEP with the support of UNDP.
This event is held within the framework of the United Nations General Assembly resolution (A/RES/79/143), which proclaimed October 23 as International Snow Leopard Day. This decision marks a significant step, affirming the contribution of Kyrgyzstan and other snow leopard habitats to the conservation of mountain ecosystems and symbolizes global solidarity in nature protection.
During the opening of the forum, the Minister of Natural Resources, Ecology, and Technical Supervision of the Kyrgyz Republic, Meder Mashiev, welcomed participants, international partners, and business representatives. He emphasized the growing role of Kyrgyzstan in global nature conservation initiatives and the country's commitment to uniting efforts for its protection.
The Minister highlighted that the snow leopard is not only a rare predator but also a symbol of strength, independence, and vulnerability that requires protection. He noted that just as the leopard carefully chooses its path along the slopes, humanity must move forward with respect for nature, which is essential for our future.
Meder Mashiev also pointed out that the Global Snow Leopard and Ecosystem Protection Program (GSLEP) originated in Kyrgyzstan, uniting 12 range countries—from the Himalayas to the Pamirs and Tian Shan. In 2023, by decree of the President of the Kyrgyz Republic, Sadyr Japarov, the snow leopard was granted the status of a national symbol of the country, underscoring the close connection between nature, identity, and statehood.
In his speech, the Minister presented the updated National Strategy and Action Plan for Biodiversity Conservation, which integrates nature conservation into sustainable development policy, budget plans, and priority sectors. He noted that nature conservation is the foundation for a sustainable economy, social stability, and attractiveness for investment.
The forum also served as a platform for discussing "green investments" among government institutions, businesses, and financial institutions. The Minister emphasized that businesses should act not only as sponsors but also as partners in nature conservation and ensuring sustainable growth.
He also reminded that the protection of the snow leopard is included in several national programs related to sustainable tourism, pasture management, and climate change adaptation. The snow leopard is viewed as a flagship species symbolizing the health of high-altitude ecosystems.
In concluding his speech, the Minister quoted the words of Chinghiz Aitmatov: "Courage today is not about taking as much as possible from nature without giving anything in return, but about living in full harmony with nature, proving our reasonableness in practice."
He expressed gratitude to the UN Development Program in the Kyrgyz Republic, as well as UNEP and GSLEP for their support in organizing the forum and their ongoing assistance in nature conservation. The Minister noted: "Your presence speaks of solidarity and concern for the fate of our mountain ecosystems, glaciers, and one of the most amazing creatures on the planet—the snow leopard. Only by uniting the efforts of the state, organizations, and citizens can we preserve our high-altitude ecosystems and protect the great guardian of our peaks for future generations."
