As part of the GEF–UNDP project “Integrated Community-based Management of High Value Mountain Ecosystems in Southern Kyrgyzstan for Multiple Benefits” 🌍, our team held a series of meetings with local communities near the proposed protected areas 🏔 in Batken and Leilek districts of Batken Province.

The main goal of these meetings was to explain the importance of preserving the unique natural environment of the Pamir-Alay region 🌿 and to discuss plans for establishing new protected areas while taking into account the perspectives of local communities 🤝.
Under this initiative, the creation of two sanctuaries is being considered:
• a botanical sanctuary 🌷, aimed at protecting the rare and endemic flower Aygül (Fritillaria eduardii), which is a natural symbol of the region;
• a wildlife sanctuary 🐾, focused on conserving the region’s unique biodiversity, including species such as Severtzov’s argali (Ovis ammon severtzovi), goitered gazelle (Gazella subgutturosa), and desert monitor lizard (Varanus griseus).
Alongside these informational meetings, surveys are being conducted among residents living near the proposed areas 📝 to ensure that the views and interests of local communities are considered in the planning and management of these sanctuaries.