🌏 IX Steering Committee Meeting of the Global Snow Leopard and Ecosystem Protection Program (GSLEP)

📅 The Ilbirs Foundation participated in the IX GSLEP Steering Committee Meeting, which took place on June 5–6, 2025, in Cholpon-Ata, Issyk-Kul Region, Kyrgyz Republic.
🤝 The event brought together government representatives from all 12 snow leopard range countries: Kyrgyzstan, Afghanistan, Bhutan, China, India, Kazakhstan, Mongolia, Pakistan, Russia, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan. The dialogue also included participation from international organizations, research institutions, and environmental foundations.
🎯 Key objectives of the meeting:
– To strengthen international cooperation in the conservation of snow leopards and fragile high-mountain ecosystems;
– To advance the GSLEP strategy “Secure 20 by 2020”, aimed at ensuring the long-term protection of 20 priority snow leopard landscapes;
– To coordinate joint action on climate adaptation, combating wildlife crime, and promoting sustainable ecotourism.
📜 A key outcome of the meeting was the adoption of the Cholpon-Ata Resolution — a significant policy commitment through which participating countries pledged to:
– Increase financial support for climate adaptation and conflict mitigation programs;
– Safeguard the rights and interests of indigenous peoples and local communities;
– Acknowledge their critical leadership in sustainable resource management and snow leopard conservation.