Strengthening digital conservation practices in desert protected areas

Background of the project

The Aral Sea region is affected by multiple environmental stresses (e.g., soil salinization, pollution of water bodies with agrochemicals, sand and salt storms) and pressures on resources, including soil and water, continue to increase, putting emphasis on the need for a more efficient use of resources. In light of these challenges, Uzbek authorities decided on the designation of new protected areas in the Aral Sea region, such as the Southern Ustyurt National Park in 2020. The designation of further protected areas is planned in Kazakhstan. As the management of these new protected areas requires specific knowledge and skills, capacity building measures are needed to meet international conservation standards and ensure effective management.

Adjacent to the Aral Sea Plain lies the Ustyurt Plateau – a vast natural area in the border triangle between Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan. It is one of the last places of refuge for various migratory species, including Saiga antelopes (Saiga tatarica), Urial (Ovis vignei), Goitered gazelles (Gazella subgutturosa), Kulan (Equus hemionus) and Persian leopards (Panthera pardus tulliana). However, the wire fences erected by Kazakhstan and Turkmenistan along the border have a significant impact on migration and movements of the mammals. This requires cross-border cooperation to implement measures to reduce the impact of the border fence and increase connectivity between protected areas.

Aim of the project

Before this background, the project aimed to:

• increase knowledge and skills of staff and planners of two protected areas in Uzbekistan (Southern Ustyurt National Park and Saigachy Landscape Reserve), through capacity building measures;
• strengthen transboundary cooperation of Kazakhstan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan to develop and implement measures to reduce the impact of the border fence on transboundary migration and increase connectivity between the protected areas of Ustyurt Plateau.