Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan Discuss New Challenges in Saiga Antelope Conservation

Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — A parallel event titled “Saiga Antelope: New Challenges” was held in Samarkand, organized by Uzbekistan’s National Committee for Ecology and Climate Change in collaboration with Kazakhstan’s Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources.

The side event took place within the framework of the 20th Conference of the Parties to the CITES Convention (CoP20) and focused on the conservation and sustainable management of saiga antelope populations — a key species of Central Asia’s steppe ecosystems.

Participants included representatives of the relevant ministries from both countries, scientific institutions, international and national conservation organizations, and experts engaged in the study and protection of the species.

Opening the session, Deputy Chairman of Uzbekistan’s National Committee for Ecology and Climate Change, Jusipbek Kazbekov, and Kazakhstan’s Minister of Ecology and Natural Resources, Erlan Nysanbayev, welcomed participants and highlighted the significance of bilateral cooperation. A video presentation on the saiga and ongoing conservation efforts was also shown.

In his remarks, Kazbekov emphasized the saiga’s status as an ancient and unique species facing extinction due to poaching and illegal trade: "Uzbekistan is deeply committed to the sustainable management of the Ustyurt population. Our ecosystems are interconnected — our steppes and deserts form a single natural landscape, which means shared responsibility. Today, Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan cooperate closely — from monitoring migration routes to patrolling, data exchange, research, and anti-poaching measures. We view this as a strategic partnership based on common interests and shared environmental responsibility."

The program featured thematic presentations on the recovery of saiga populations in Uzbekistan, population dynamics in Kazakhstan, contributions from international and national organizations, plans for further population management, and the activities of Kazakhstan’s national marking operator, Kazakhtelecom JSC.

The event concluded with a discussion in which participants exchanged experiences, examined current challenges, and identified potential directions for future collaboration.

The discussions highlighted the need to expand joint scientific research, enhance monitoring mechanisms, and implement modern approaches to saiga population conservation in the region.