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ASTANA – The United Nations (UN) acknowledged Kazakhstan’s huge grassland restoration initiative as one of many high 10 World Restoration Flagship applications through the 2022 Montreal Biodiversity Convention (COP 15) on Dec. 13, reported the UN Surroundings Program (UNEP) press service.
Picture credit score: Darya Kuznetsova/UNEP.
The Altyn Dala (golden steppe) Conservation Initiative goals to preserve and restore steppe, semi-desert, and desert ecosystems throughout the historic vary of the Saiga antelope, which was below risk of extinction because of looking and lack of habitat.
The Kazakh authorities allotted an space of 750,000 km2 to create a haven for endangered animals. The initiative helped carry the Saiga inhabitants from simply 50,000 in 2005 to greater than 1.3 million in 2022.
“The return of the Saiga antelope to Central Asia is likely one of the world’s nice conservation success tales and so worthy of being included within the inaugural World Restoration Flagships. It’s a stellar instance of what humanity can do once we act decisively to revive susceptible ecosystems. Our livelihoods, our well being, and, certainly, the destiny of humanity is interlinked with each species, plant, and animal, with whom we share the planet,” stated UNEP Government Director Inger Andersen.
The Saiga antelope. Picture credit score: Ecology Ministry’s press service.
In line with the Kazakh Ministry of Ecology, Geology and Pure Sources, this initiative helped not solely preserve and restore the steppe, but in addition wetlands, that are a significant stopover for some 10 million migratory birds. As a part of the plan, a program for reintroducing kulans to Central Kazakhstan has been initiated. The Altyn Dala reserve has constructed a middle for reintroducing wild ungulates.
“The institution of practically 5 million hectares of protected areas has made main strides in restoring and defending Kazakhstan’s huge steppe ecosystems. These outcomes may solely be achieved via sturdy collaboration. We look ahead to persevering with our long-term partnership with nationwide and worldwide conservation organizations,” stated Vice Minister of Ecology Aliya Shalabekova.
The Altyn Dala initiative was co-founded in 2008 and is coordinated by the Kazakh Ministry of Ecology, the Affiliation for the Conservation of Biodiversity of Kazakhstan, the Fauna & Flora Worldwide, the Frankfurt Zoological Society, and the Royal Society for the Safety of Birds.
The World Restoration Flagship awards are a part of the UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration, which can final till 2030. Led by the UNEP and the UN Meals and Agriculture Group (FAO), its aim is to cease, stop, and reverse ecosystem loss and deterioration on a worldwide scale.
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