In February 2024, Samarkand, Uzbekistan hosted the crucial VIII Steering Committee Meeting of the Global Snow Leopard and Snow Leopard Ecosystem Program (GSLEP). This two-day event brought together representatives from all 12 snow leopard range countries: Bhutan, China, India, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Mongolia, Nepal, Pakistan, Russia, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan.
The meeting featured country-specific updates on snow leopard conservation efforts.Thematic sessions delved deeper into critical areas including linear infrastructure in snow leopard habitats, ethical conservation practices, resource mobilization and financing, and scientific updates from partner organizations. These sessions fostered knowledge exchange amongst range countries and organizational partners in addition to building stronger collaborations.
After thorough discussions and careful considerations, Environment Ministers from all 12 range countries have endorsed the Samarkand Resolution 2024. This resolution outlines key programmatic priorities for the GSLEP, guiding future conservation efforts for snow leopards and their high-altitude ecosystems.