Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan Unite to Tackle New Challenges in Saiga Antelope Conservation

A side event titled “Saiga Antelope: New Challenges” has taken place in Samarkand during the 20th Conference of the Parties to the CITES Convention (CoP20), spotlighting regional efforts to protect one of Central Asia’s most vulnerable species.

The event was organized by Uzbekistan’s National Committee for Ecology and Climate Change together with Kazakhstan’s Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources. It brought together government officials, scientists, conservation organizations, and experts dedicated to safeguarding the saiga antelope, a species crucial to the health of the steppe ecosystem, The Caspian Post reports via Uzbek media.

Opening the session, Deputy Chairman Jusipbek Kazbekov and Kazakhstan’s Ecology Minister Yerlan Nyssanbayev emphasized the importance of cross-border cooperation. A video presentation highlighted the saiga’s migration patterns and ongoing conservation programs.

Kazbekov stressed that the saiga - an ancient species pushed to the brink by poaching and illegal trade - requires unified action:

"Uzbekistan is deeply committed to sustainable management of the Ustyurt population. Our ecosystems are interconnected, which means shared responsibility. Today, Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan cooperate closely - from monitoring migration routes to patrolling, research, and anti-poaching efforts."

The program included updates on saiga population recovery in Uzbekistan, population trends in Kazakhstan, insights from conservation organizations, and future management plans. Kazakhtelecom company also presented its work as Kazakhstan’s national marking operator.

The event concluded with an open discussion where participants exchanged experience, identified challenges, and outlined new directions for cooperation. Key priorities included expanding joint research, strengthening monitoring systems, and adopting modern tools to protect and sustainably manage saiga populations across the region.