In Kyrgyzstan, a climate-ready corridor gives snow leopards and herders room to roam
Kyrgyzstan has established the Ak Ilbirs ecological corridor to support snow leopards and other wildlife as climate change impacts their habitats. This corridor allows for continued herding and forestry while monitoring compliance with environmental regulations. Local NGOs are also training herders in alternative livelihoods to reduce pressure on pastures.
- ▪The Ak Ilbirs corridor covers approximately 800,000 hectares and connects several protected areas in Kyrgyzstan.
- ▪It is the first ecological corridor in Central Asia designed with future climate conditions in mind.
- ▪The project involves collaboration between local communities, government agencies, and conservation organizations.
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A stretch of high-altitude terrain in central Kyrgyzstan has been officially designated as the Ak Ilbirs ecological corridor, connecting protected areas to give snow leopards and other wildlife room to move as climate change alters their habitat.Unlike typical protected areas, the corridor allows herding, forestry and other land uses to continue under a monitoring system that tracks compliance with grazing rules and other requirements.Designed using climate models projected through 2070, the corridor captures more than 60% of suitable habitat for snow leopards, argali sheep, Asiatic ibex and gray wolves.To ease pressure on pastures, local NGOs are training herders in alternative livelihoods, such as beekeeping and fruit and vegetable cultivation, while volunteer rangers monitor wildlife…
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