Ecological Corridor Set to Preserve Rich Biodiversity

Kyrgyzstan announces a new ecological corridor that will help preserve Central Asia’s rich biodiversity.

“The establishment of this corridor marks a major milestone in conservation for Central Asia and can serve as a model for the region. By creating a network of connected landscapes, the Kyrgyz Republic is leading the way in preserving not only iconic species like the snow leopard, but also safeguarding the nature that people’s livelihoods depend on,” says Arnold Kreilhuber, the United Nations Environment Program’s Europe Office Director.

The corridor will span 800,000 hectares and connect existing conservation areas, ultimately creating a protection zone of over 1.2 million hectares in what is being called a landmark move for biodiversity and the largest of its kind in the area. The area is set to be particularly valuable for vulnerable snow leopards, the Asiatic ibex, and the argali sheep. The Kyrgyz Republic officially announced the conservation zone on the International Day for Biological Diversity, further emphasizing its commitment as a regional leader to protect and preserve Planet Earth.