Successful completion of project to strengthen protected areas in the Aral Sea Region

During the three-year project period, we implemented a comprehensive package of measures to strengthen the management of protected areas in Ustyurt. Training courses were conducted to teach staff of the Southern Ustyurt National Park and the Saigachy Landscape Reserve in Uzbekistan how to use SMART as a digital tool for patrolling. SMART is now used as standard instrument by the protected areas and thus significantly improves the management of both protected areas.

Furthemore, biodiversity monitoring in both protected areas has been improved by providing trainings on the use of camera traps. During various field trips, camera traps were set up in the border area between Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan. The pictures provided valuable scientific data for the elaboration of recommendations to reduce the impact of the border fence on migratory species such Goitered gazelle (Gazella subgutturosa), Urial (Ovis vignei), and Kulan (Equus hemionus).

Through various exchange formats, we supported the signing of an Ustyurt-Memorandum between Kazakhstan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan. With the adoption of a Roadmap for action to the Ustyurt Memorandum (2025-2030), the Parties committed themselves on comprehensive measures to further protect the wildlife of the Ustyurt Plateau. Our Foundation will accompany the further implementation of the roadmap.

We would like to thank all project partners in the three countries for their great commitment, interest, and engagement. Special thanks go to GIZ for its many years of support.

Information on the project results is available in our project archive.

Photo selection image archive of the project | © C. Welscher / Michael Succow Foundation; GIZ; Southern Ustyurt National Park