Minister of Natural Resources, Ecology, and Technical Supervision Meder Mashiev emphasized that the snow leopard symbolizes strength, independence, and vulnerability, and needs protection. “We must learn to move forward with respect for nature, which our future depends on, just as the leopard carefully chooses its path along the slope,” he noted.
According to Mashiev, the International Snow Leopard Day unites 12 countries, including Kyrgyzstan, where the program for the conservation of this species was launched for the first time. This day holds special significance for the country, as it is where cooperation for its preservation began.
“This strategy takes into account our local realities and global challenges aimed at environmental protection goals at the national level. Preserving nature is an important component of a sustainable economy and social stability. We are starting a dialogue with the financial sector to create conditions for investments in projects aimed at nature conservation,” the minister added.
He also noted that in 2024, a UN resolution concerning the protection of the snow leopard will be adopted, which will be a significant contribution of Kyrgyzstan to the protection of mountain ecosystems.
Today, business is not a donor but acts as a partner in nature conservation, where the snow leopard becomes a symbol, and its protection is already part of global programs.
Meder Mashiev
In concluding his speech, he quoted Chinghiz Aitmatov: “Courage lies not in taking from nature without giving anything in return, but in living in harmony with it and demonstrating our reasonableness. We must show not only rationality but also foresight and the will for joint action.”
Alexandra Solovyova, a UN representative, noted that the fate of the snow leopard is closely linked to the sustainable development of mountain communities and the conservation of biodiversity. She called Kyrgyzstan a leader in the global agenda for the protection of this animal, and its recognition as a national symbol reflects the country's deep respect for nature.
For the UN Development Program, it is a great honor to be a reliable partner of Kyrgyzstan on this path for many years.
Alexandra Solovyova
Solovyova added that UNDP continues to actively work on increasing the number of specially protected natural areas, which have reached over 7 percent in Kyrgyzstan. An ecological corridor of over 60,000 hectares has been created in the Western Tien Shan, connecting three protected areas and providing habitat for leopards and their food base.
She called for cooperation from the banking and private sectors, noting that the forum has become a unique platform for uniting the efforts of the state, business, and civil organizations.
