Nestled in the corners of Kyrgyzstan, the Western Tian-Shan region emerges as a "hotspot" of global biodiversity significance, earning its place among the world's 200 "key biodiversity areas." This enchanting region is renowned for its treasures, boasting the world's largest natural walnut forests, unique fruit forests, and a rich tapestry of endemic, rare, and endangered plant and animal species. Among its residents, you'll find 54 plant species and 27 fauna species listed in the Red Book, including the elusive snow leopard. In this natural haven, every species, whether large or small, plays a vital role, sustaining life, purifying the air, providing resources, and maintaining a delicate ecological balance, all while mitigating the effects of climate change.

Yet, in recent decades, we have faced a series of challenges in the Western Tian-Shan, driven by both human activities and natural changes. Unregulated livestock grazing, mismanagement of forests and pastures, and violations of resource use regulations have weakened natural forest regeneration, threatening its future. The growing livestock population has led to uncontrolled use of highland pastures, significantly impacting wild ungulates like the argali and ibex, which are vital prey species for the elusive snow leopard.

Efforts are underway to safeguard this natural wealth, including the expansion and enhancement of specially protected natural areas in the republic: state reserves, nature parks, and wildlife sanctuaries. Only in the Western Tian-Shan region, there are four state reserves, 17 nature sanctuaries and three nature parks, including the relatively recently established Kan-Achuu and Alatai State Nature Parks. 

However, as we know, nature doesn't adhere to borders and conserving biodiversity and ensuring sustainable land and forest management require viewing protected areas as vital conservation hubs within a broader, productive landscape.  This approach acknowledges that certain species with extensive habitats are best conserved at the landscape level, with interconnected protected areas acting as core zones.  This integrated approach is particularly crucial for species like the snow leopard, renowned for its vast nomadic range. As an ecosystem indicator species, the snow leopard holds a special position within the global biodiversity and ecological chain. It plays a key role in determining the well-being of individual animal species that constitute its food sources, as well as the overall "health" of entire ecosystems.  Implementing this strategy involves striking a balance between the livelihoods of local populations and advanced international practices in land use planning and natural resource management. It encompasses well-managed core areas, sustainable forest and land use, and careful planning of connecting ecological corridors and buffer zones.

UNDP in Kyrgyzstan has been dedicated to supporting the country in achieving its sustainable development goals, including those related to sustainable management of natural ecosystems and resources, biodiversity conservation, and climate change adaptation. Under the UNDP-GEF Project "Conservation of globally important biodiversity and association land and forest resources of Western Tian-Shan Forest Mountain ecosystems and support to sustainable livelihoods," significant progress has been made. The network of protected areas has been strengthened, increasing the effectiveness of management in both existing and newly established protected areas within the region. The principles of biodiversity conservation have been incorporated into territorial development policies and sectoral management plans. This support has led to emerging opportunities for collaboration between protected areas and local communities, promoting ecotourism, beekeeping, as well as joint patrolling and community volunteer groups to combat poaching.